My research interests are in the field of spatial data analysis and geomatics with diverse application areas that span physical and human geography disciplines. I teach undergraduate and graduate courses on the theory and application of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) technologies. Current research projects include exploring threshold concepts and teaching in the GISciences, crime mapping in Toronto and the Kitchener-Waterloo region, and remote sensing for examining biogeophysical patterns, such as how land cover and ecosystem properties are affected by surface climate and weather systems.
Previous projects have included studying nitrogen uptake in montane forests of the Andes (Peru) and a NASA-funded project exploring the application of GIS and data mining techniques for understanding high dimensional remotely sensed images and climate data. My PhD research at the University of Cambridge (UK) focused on developing similar spatial data analysis methodologies from a medical geography perspective, exploring the links between public health and crime, a project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Currently, I hold the position of Chair of the Space Applications Department in the Space Studies Program (SSP) at the International Space University (ISU). I have a keen interest in continuing research in the related areas of conservation science and environmental health, while focusing on the application of statistical tools and geographic information technologies.
