Philosophy Professor Otto s approach to teaching is to motivate students through their own self-interest. Within a basic course structure students are commonly asked to guide the detailed implementation of advanced courses so that topics that are of primary importance to the students receive high priority. Using a combination of lecture and discussion students are encouraged to innovatively think their way through problems rather rely on memorized solutions and approaches.
Emphasis is placed on methodologies actually used by industry.
Professor Otto heads the Institute for Global Resources Policy and Management at the Colorado School of Mines. He works to identify the leading natural resource policy issues of the day, formulates research projects, then seeks funding to implement these projects. Research is often undertaken with the support of a partnership of multilateral agencies and the private sector. Students are welcome to participate in these projects.