I conduct research in wetlands science, ecological biogeochemistry, applied ecology, ecological engineering and environmental science education. I teach several environmental science and civil engineering courses. I’m also active in several professional societies and community activities. Check out my curriculum vitae for more complete information.
Prior
to arriving at The University of Oklahoma, I completed my Ph.D. at
The Ohio State University in 1996.
My dissertation was one of the first completed at The Olentangy River
Wetland Research Park, a unique and comprehensive wetland research and
educational facility. My doctoral research examined the biogeochemical and
ecological development of newly created riparian wetlands, specifically water
quality and soil changes.
Prior to graduate
school, I
worked as a Research Biologist with the Bureau of
Mines, a former agency of the
U.S. Department of the Interior.
As part of a diverse team of scientists and engineers, I studied the use
of constructed wetlands and other passive technologies for the treatment of
polluted coal and metal mine drainage.
I have a B.S. in Environmental Science from
Juniata College,
in Huntingdon, PA. As an
undergraduate, I also spent a summer at the University of Montana Flathead Lake
Biological Station and a semester at the U.S.
Department of Energy's Brookhaven National
Laboratory on Long Island, NY.
I
grew up in Hopewell Township near Aliquippa, PA.
This is my trusted Field Assistant, Billy.
Research Interests
Wetlands Science
Research focuses on ecology and biogeochemistry of natural and constructed
wetlands; analysis of wetland ecosystem structure and function; wetlands in
watershed and riparian corridor management; and wetland water quality.
Ecological Biogeochemistry and Applied Ecology
Research focuses on biogeochemical cycling of natural and anthropogenic
materials in ecosystems; coupled soil or sediment-water exchange processes;
surface water quality; and ecosystem ecology.
Ecological Engineering
Research focuses on design and construction of ecosystems for the mutual benefit
of both humankind and nature, especially passive treatment systems for coal and
metal mine drainage, agricultural pollution, and wastewater; and ecosystem
restoration.
Funded Research
Use of Staged Wetlands for
Mitigation of Acid Mine Drainage,
Oklahoma Conservation Commission and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Coastal Ecology of Croatia,
U.S. Department of State and National Research Council Young Investigator
Program
Enhancement of phosphorus retention in wetlands through the manipulation of substrate iron content, University of Oklahoma Research Council
Microtox Bioassay Analyzer to
examine the chemistry, toxicity and bioavailability of sediments and soils,
University of Oklahoma Research Council
Microtox Bioassay Analyzer,
Azur Environmental, Inc.
Research Experience for
Undergraduates in Environmental Monitoring and Modeling,
National Science Foundation
Ecological Engineering
Applications in Croatia,
U.S. Department of State and National Research Council
Chemicals in the Environment:
Doctoral Fellowships in Environmental Engineering,
U.S. Department of Education Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need
Program
Development and Implementation
of a Volunteer Monitoring Pilot Program for Wetlands,
Oklahoma Water Resources Board and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Functional Assessment of
Wetlands: A Comparative Evaluation of Approaches, Oklahoma
Conservation Commission and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Effectiveness of tire
mattresses used for erosion control and streambank stabilization,
Office of Secretary of Environment and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research
Experiences for Undergraduates in GeoEnvironmental Systems,
National Science Foundation
Beaver
Creek Passive Treatment System Design,
U.S Army Corps of Engineers
Teaching
|
Interdisciplinary
Perspectives on the Environment,
IPE1013 |
|
Introduction
to Environmental Science, ES 1112 |
| Environmental Science Seminar, ES 2111 |
|
Environmental
Science II, ES2323/ES3323 |
|
Biological
Aspects of Environmental Science ES4324 |
|
Environmental
Science Problem Solving Capstone Experience, ES4905 |
|
Ecological
Engineering, ES5010 |
| Ecological Engineering Science, CE5020 |
|
Biological
Aspects of Environmental Science ES5324 |
|
Water
Quality Management, CE5873 |
|
Wetlands
Science and Management, ES5273 |