Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a Canadian/Canuck?

Yes, but not one of the more famous ones. I invite you to learn more about my country.

Are you taking new graduate students?

Yes, I am always interested in potential new graduate students, both Master's and Ph.D. I work mostly with students in our Environmental Studies Graduate Program (Master's students), and in our Graduate Program in Environmental Science Environmental Communication and Participatory Processes area (Master's and Ph.D.).

I am most interested in students wishing to study aspects of the media and/or language and discourse, and how they relate to environmental affairs, as well as students interested in communication around global warming. I am also interested in students who want to explore questions of how we see and value nature, how we define environmental problems and environmental thought generally.

Potential graduate applicants should understand that I am NOT able to provide feedback on your application essays, nor can I provide you a reference if applying to our graduate program--GPES or ES--since I'll be evaluating your application. However, I am happy to discuss other specific questions you might have. Bear in mind that it is quite important that you have some specific idea about what you want to focus on for your graduate studies. If you think I would be a good fit for your interests, then please list me as your preferred major professor on your application (you don't need to ask my permission).

Also, please note that all application materials need to be submitted through the proper channels for graduate applications. Do not send materials directly to me.

What kinds of careers have your graduate students pursued after completing their degrees?

Students I have worked with have gone on to do PhD's, to work in media, to teach, to work in advocacy, to work for foundations, and to work in government, among other things. It really depends on the individual's interests as to what they pursue post-graduation.

Can you provide a reference for me?

Why don't you offer EST 696 Climate Change: Science, Perception & Policy every year?

I teach that course with my colleagues at Syracuse University when breathing space permits. I do it on overload, meaning that it's an extra on top of my requried teaching load. I have too many other courses that have to be taught.

What software do you use to maintain your web sites?

I work on a Macintosh computer. The main software tools are:

• BBEdit, a powerful text and web page editor, just the thing for hand-crafted web sites
• DevonAgent, an awesome Internet search agent and research tool
• DevonThink Pro Office, a fantastic -- and smart -- document management database
• Filemaker Pro, a flexible and very functional database program
• GraphicConverter, a handy image editor and converter
• OmniWeb, my primary web browser, a joy to use
• iCab, the Internet taxi, another excellent alternative web browser

"When people know nothing about quantum mechanics or medieval literature, they are generally aware of their ignorance, readily admit it, and understand that the remedy for their ignorance is serious and systematic study. When, however, the subject is how societies operate, or why people behave the way they do, the situation is different. Confusing their folk beliefs with knowledge, people typically don't realize their ignorance."
- Judith Shapiro

"Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge."
- Charles Darwin