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Aesthetics matter. 

I studied cultural anthropology in undergrad, geography in grad school, and have dabbled in political ecology, land change science, conservation and ecology amongst other topics. My Master's thesis examined land cover change, livelihoods, and community perception using a case study in East Africa. I use mixed methods including remote sensing & GIS, ecological sampling, repeat photography, ethnography, and key informant interviews.

Place matters. I've now spent a decade developing and administering university study and research abroad programs. I have spent time in the field teaching and digging cars out of the mud, but also have extensive experience navigating the maze of university administration, new program development and risk management. I'm a problem-solver and a fairly laid back fellow who enjoys nothing more than a new challenge.

Still a part of the Penn State Science team, I now reside amongst the pineapple fields of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. My favorite days include mountain roads, hiking, new birds, good food and drink, and lots of time with my wife and daughters.

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Background

M.S. Penn State University 2015
Geography
Thesis: Perceiving Productivity: Land Cover, Livelihood, and Community Landscape Perceptions around Ndarakwai Ranch, Tanzania
B.S. Houghton College 2006
Intercultural Studies

Interests

• rural livelihoods & development
• political ecology, social ecological systems, land change science
• ethnography, repeat photography
  
• remote sensing, mapping, & suitability analysis

Expertise

• experiential education
• international program development
• mixed methods research development
• higher education administration