I began my career as a terrestrial plant ecologist. By the time I achieved tenure at this institution, my interests had turned to the development and creative application of ecological theory within the context of biological conservation. I facilitate research by graduate students and I prepare synthetic documents. My current graduate advisees work primarily on the general topics of fire ecology and biological invasions, and my efforts at synthesis focus on articulation of the links between (1) environmental protection, social justice, and the human economy and (2) science and its application. I also advise students interested in sustainability.
In addition to my scientific efforts, I am a social critic. In that role, I point out the routine absurdities associated with the culture of make believe known as mainstream America. My efforts at social criticism generate scorn, resentment, and the lowest professorial salary in the College.
To be in opposition is not to be a nihilist. And there is no decent or
charted way of making a living at it. It is something you are, not
something you do. (Christopher Hitchens)