A conversation with Dr. Richard
What brought you to Mesa State?
I was looking for quality of life, not only in a community
but in a college. Mesa State is really teaching oriented.
The combination of the geology and environmental science
programs was also attractive. Now that I'm here, I enjoy
it even more. Everyone is so friendly.
What's your personal philosophy on educating students?
I try to present science in an understandable way. You can
learn about science in a classroom, but you have to know
about the real world applications to make it meaningful.
I try to show students that they are a part of the environment...
they are part of its problems and its solutions.
What part of geology are you most interested in?
The technical name for the field is environmental river
hydraulics. It is the study of how people interact with
rivers. It is very important in this region as groups examine
the usage and distribution of water from area rivers.
Did you always know that you wanted to be a college
professor?
Growing up I was interested in all kinds of -ology.... meteorology,
biology, geology. Everybody tried to talk me out of geology.
It was the early 1980s and all the oil and gas companies
were laying off geologists left and right.
What do you do with your weekends?
I spend time outside. I go back country telemark skiing,
hiking, camping, kayaking. I love the outdoor opportunities
in this area.
