Professor Emeritus Department of Biological Sciences - Wright State University
(a) Professional Preparation
University of Cincinnati, Biology, BS, 1965
College of William and Mary, Virginia, Marine Biology, (Microbiology) MA, 1968
College of William and Mary, Virginia, Marine Biology, (Microbiology) PhD, 1975
(b) Appointments
2010 – present Professor Emeritus, Dept. Biological Sciences, Wright State University, Dayton Ohio
2005-2009 Professor, Dept. Biological Sciences, Wright State University, Dayton Ohio
1982-2004 Associate Professor, Dept. Biological Sciences, Wright State University, Dayton Ohio
1975-1982 Assistant Professor, Dept. Biological Sciences, Wright State University, Dayton Ohio
1974- 1975 Visiting Professor, Dept. Biological Sciences, Wright State University, Dayton Ohio
Jim's early research interests brought him to study ecological relationships between microorganisms and ecology in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem (sea water systems) and he published numerous papers in that field. In the late 1980s his emphasis switched to freshwater ecosystems and he has studied those from both the microbiological perspective as well as learning through research how to best restore, repair and utilize wetlands.
Jim's primary public visibility since 1988 has been with the Beaver Creek Wetlands Association where he spent 5 years as president during its beginnings. Jim's knowledge of both the science and art of wetland restoration and management has been instrumental in the growth and success of the BCWA and he has taught classes and workshops throughout Ohio, the USA and internationally as a faculty member at Wright State. He has been the long term technical advisor for the BCWA and has testified in court proceedings in ways that have strengthened the protection of valuable wetlands. As a member of a public advisory group for Ohio EPA he represented science and conservation aspects of wetlands as regulatory guidance was being developed. As a spokesperson for BCWA and for Wright State University Jim states that credibility has been a key aspect of the success of the organization. That is BCWA wants to work with regulators, businesspersons and the public to provide actionable information based on facts and best management practice in a way that brings maximum benefit to all concerned when wetlands are involved.
Jim is retired from WSU, but continues to teach an advanced wetland class and carries out research both here in the Beaver Creek watershed, and in tropical wetlands in Costa Rica. His work in the Beaver Creek Wetlands ranges from investigation of wetland bacterial communities to building boardwalks and to fighting the invasion of alien plants that threaten the unique 2000 acre ecosystem that surrounds Beaver Creek and Little Beaver Creek. To read more about Jim, please visit this recent article: http://webapp2.wright.edu/web1/newsroom/2014/06/19/fen-yen/