Dan Riskin is a Canadian evolutionary biologist and TV science journalist. He was born on January 1, 1975 (51 years old ), in Edmonton, Alberta.
He is known for explaining science in plain language for a broad audience.
In recent years, he has worked as CTV News’ Science and Technology Specialist, where he reports on topics like space, medicine, and new research.
Riskin is also widely known as a former co-host of Discovery Canada’s Daily Planet.
Quick Facts of Dan Riskin
| Full Name | Daniel K. Riskin |
| Profession | Evolutionary biologist, science journalist, TV host, and producer |
| Age | 51 years old |
| Date of Birth | January 1, 1975 |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Capricorn |
| Birthplace | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Current Address | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Gender | Male |
Dan Riskin Early Life and Education
Dan Riskin was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Education
Dan Riskin studied zoology and biology in Canada and the United States.
He earned:
- BSc in Zoology from the University of Alberta
- MSc in Biology from York University
- PhD in Zoology from Cornell University
His Cornell PhD dissertation (2006) is titled “Biomechanics of Terrestrial Locomotion in Bats.”
He also completed post-doctoral studies at Boston University and Brown University.
| Alma Mater | University of Alberta; York University; Cornell University |
| Highest Qualification | PhD in Zoology |
Dan Riskin Personal Life
Dan Riskin is married to Shelby Riskin. Shelby is also a scientist, and she has a background in bioscience and biology.
The couple has three children, but their names and date of birth are yet to be updated.
Family
Details about Dan’s parents and siblings are yet to be updated.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Shelby Riskin |
| Children | Yet to be updated |
| Parents | Yet to be updated |
| Siblings | Yet to be updated |
Dan Riskin Career
Dan Riskin has built a career in both science and broadcast media.
At CTV News, Dan Riskin works as the network’s Science and Technology Specialist. In this role, he explains science and tech stories for a general audience, often linking new research to daily life.
He also appears in regular radio segments. For example, he joins Vassy Kapelos for the weekly segment “Talk Science to Me” on her show feed.
On CTV’s side, his byline is used for science and tech explainers and roundups, including “top science stories of the week” style articles.
Television shows and on-air work
Along with Ziya Tong, Dan Riskin co-hosted Daily Planet on Discovery Channel Canada. He was part of the show from 2011 to 2018, with Riskin and Tong serving as the main hosts from June 2012 until the series ended in 2018.
Daily Planet also had other well-known hosts and fill-ins across different years, including Jay Ingram, Judy Haladay, Gill Deacon, Natasha Stillwell, Kim Jagtiani, and Ivan Semeniuk (fill-in host).
Riskin has also hosted other science TV content, including Animal Planet’s Monsters Inside Me, and he has been credited with hosting Human Nature (Discovery Science).
Dan Riskin Awards and Achievements
Dan Riskin has received awards for science communication and TV work.
- Public Education Award (2020) from the Canadian Society of Zoologists.
- Canadian Screen Award (2017) from the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television for Best News/Info Series (Daily Planet).
- Platinum Winner (2019) at the WorldFest Houston International Film Festival for Best Nature/Wildlife Program for Mother Nature is Trying to Kill You.
- Winner (2018) at the WorldFest Houston International Film Festival for Talent/Host On-Screen for Saturn: Inside the Rings.
- Distinguished Alumni Award (2015) from the University of Alberta.
- Science Promotion Award (2014) from the Canadian Council for University Biology Chairs.
- Service Award (2008) from the North American Society for Bat Research.
Dan Riskin Net Worth
The estimated net worth and annual salary are yet to be updated.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | Yet to be updated |
| Salary (Approx.) | Yet to be updated |
Dan Riskin Height, Weight & Physical Stats
Below are the physical stats of journalist Dan Riskin:
| Height | In centimetres: Yet to be updated In meters: Yet to be updated In feet & inches: Yet to be updated |
| Weight | In kg: Yet to be updated In lbs: Yet to be updated |
| Body Measurements | Yet to be updated |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
Interesting Facts About Dan Riskin
- Dan Riskin runs a free weekly science newsletter called The Bat Signal, sent every Tuesday.
- It is known he makes 15 to 20 on-air appearances per week across CTV and the Bell Media Radio Network.
- A key part of his academic work focused on bats. His PhD dissertation is about the biomechanics of terrestrial movement in bats.
- He wrote the best-selling book Mother Nature Is Trying to Kill You.
Dan Riskin Instagram, X, LinkedIn
 @danriskin | |
| X |  @riskindan |
 @riskindan | |
| Own site |  @noctilio.com |
More News Anchor From CTV News
FAQs
Who is Dan Riskin?
Dan Riskin is a Canadian evolutionary biologist and science journalist. He is also a TV host and producer.
How old is Dan Riskin?
Dan Riskin is 51 years old (born January 1, 1975) in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Who is Dan Riskin’s wife?
Dan Riskin is married to Shelby Riskin, who is also a scientist, and she has a background in bioscience and biology.
What is Dan Riskin’s education?
Dan Riskin earned a BSc in zoology (University of Alberta), an MSc in biology (York University), and a PhD in zoology (Cornell University).
What is Dan Riskin’s job at CTV News?
Dan Riskin is CTV News’ Science and Technology Specialist.
What TV shows has Dan Riskin hosted?
Dan Riskin is known for hosting Daily Planet and for hosting Monsters Inside Me.
