In collaboration with faculty colleagues and students, McGraw is developing new methods in high-spatial resolution remote sensing of forests that will allow researchers to study millions of acres of trees using computer analyses. McGraw was named an Aldo Leopold Fellow this year. Sponsored by the Ecological Society of America and funded by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the Aldo Leopold Leadership Program instructs scientists in effective interaction with the mass media, public policy makers, and general public. A professor of geography and chair of the Department of Geology and Geography, Trevor M. Harris excels in geographical research, teaching, and his public service. GIS is a very powerful system whose growth and importance is increasing in the United States.
Numerous decisions involve a geographical location.
They are decisions about places, and it is the place context that is crucial because all places have different characteristics. Some of the application areas where Harris has used GIS is in the optimal siting of high power transmission lines while minimizing environmental impact. He has also used GIS in research into watershed management and theoretical ecology, soil erosion, and archeological and historical studies. Joseph R. Scotti, associate professor of psychology, was named the Eberly Family Professor for Outstanding Public Service because of his accomplishments in service to the state of West Virginia. Scotti has also been involved in working with individuals who have developmental disabilities, particularly children exhibiting serious disruptive and health or life-threatening behavior problems.