简介

Through my teaching and research I seek to uncover the threads that knit present-day environmental problems to past decisions, practices, and processes. One can argue that if we are to make wise decisions with regard to the environmental problems we face today, we must understand the complex web of human and physical processes that, over time, have contributed to their existence. I am particularly interested in urban sustainability; management of public lands, especially state forests and urban green spaces; environmental justice; and the evolution of mining landscapes. Although much of my early work focused on the social and environmental impacts of coal mining in Appalachia, my most recent efforts build on my association with the Long-Term Ecological Research - Baltimore Ecosystem Study (LTER-BES). More specifically, my colleagues and I have been using an environmental justice frame to study the distribution of urban parks and street trees across the urban landscape. As a follow-up to this research, I will travel to archives in Baltimore, Phoenix, and Portland during spring 2014 to collect data on early urban zoning initiatives. Finally, I should mention my involvement with Education Abroad. Every summer I take 12-15 Ohio University students on a sustainability-themed education abroad trip to Edinburgh, Scotland. Over the course of five weeks, we explore this fascinating city and country through coursework (GEOG 4560-5560 – City and Environment and HIST 4903-6903 – Edinburgh Since 1750) and numerous field trips.