About Mike

Before entering the web world, Mike (Wazowski!) worked his way into students’ nightmares as a teacher of physics and chemistry. After working more than a decade in the Center for Teaching and Learning at Furman University, his GIS teaching and work led him to focus more on campus collaborations with the local community.

Mike (why am I talking about myself in the third-person?) currently works as the director of the applied research team at Furman’s Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities.

We focus on applied systems research projects aimed at creative solutions to promote healthier and more equitable communities, more sustainable and just economies, and more resilient built and natural systems. We partner with community members and non-profits to better understand and address issues such as affordable housing, residential segregation, transportation, and food insecurity.

Mike specializes in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data visualization. His course in GIS focuses on the interdisciplinary applications of spatial analysis and evaluating visualizations for effectiveness and bias.

Mike has taught the intro to GIS course since 2011. He also teaches a May Experience class about Fly Fishing and River Conservation. Tough assignment; I know. His fascination with Mars also led him to teach a First Year Seminar about Mars called Shoulders of Giants.

Mike graduated from Furman University with a B.S. in Chemistry and later completed his M.A.Ed. in Science Education at Wake Forest University.  He wrapped up a second masters degree in GIS from Penn State University in the Spring of 2012.

He loves hanging out with his wife and two daughters, exercising (while listening to This American Life or RadioLab podcasts), camping, fly fishing (Tenkara-style), and discovering new music. He is a rabid Guided by Voices fan.