About Ken Norris' Legacy

Ken Norris showing a lizard to his students on NHFQ

Ken Norris PortraitUCSC’s strong tradition of natural history education and research is due in no small part to Professor Kenneth S. Norris (1924-1998).  Through his ground-breaking research, inspired teaching and mentorship, and charismatic leadership, Norris left a huge legacy that continues to benefit thousands of students and researchers worldwide. The Kenneth S. Norris Center for Natural History will continue to support many of Professor's Norris' endeavors as well as take his vision for natural history education and research to a broader community and state-wide level.

Browse our website to learn more about Ken, or read a biography about him by UCSC undergraduate Christopher Santomero in 2015.

Throughout his career, he wrote many books exploring his research and path towards discovery:

  • The Porpoise Watcher (1974)
  • Dolphin Days: The Life and Times of the Spinner Dolphin (1991)
  • The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin (1994)
  • Mountain Time (2010)

See Also