In Memory of Justin Donhauser

Justin Donhauser (1981-2023)

Justin Donhauser, Assistant Teaching Professor at Bowling Green State University, passed away on October 12 at his home in Bowling Green, Ohio after a long battle with cancer. He was 42. Professor Donhauser was a member of the philosophy department at BGSU for six years, during which time he served as a model philosopher, colleague, teacher, mentor, and friend. 

Raised in Remsen, New York, Professor Donhauser studied philosophy as an undergraduate at SUNY Buffalo State. He received an MA and then his PhD in philosophy from the University at Buffalo in 2015 with a dissertation titled, “A Philosophy of Theoretical Ecology for Environmental Policy.” He was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Western University's Rotman Institute of Philosophy in London, Ontario before he came to BGSU, where he served as the Director of Undergraduate Studies, the Director of the Institute for Ethics and Public Affairs, and the Director of Graduate Teaching.

Professor Donhauser specialized in the philosophy of science and technology but had far-ranging research interests and published over 30 papers on topics as diverse as climate science, robot ethics, logical implication, scientific realism, the value of endangered species, artificial intelligence, personal identity, and theoretical ecology. A devoted teacher and advisor, Professor Donhauser generously enriched the lives of his students, his colleagues, his friends, and his community. 

He leaves behind a loving wife, Beth Sweet-Donhauser, and two daughters.