Steven Roberts
Profile
Professor Roberts teaches the SCI 210 and GEO 109 labs. He is a graduate of Wright State University and is currently working on a double masters in Geology and Geophysics through Wright State University. Before teaching at UD, he was involved conducting geophysical research for the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), which involved locating and identifying abandoned coalmines in Southeastern Ohio. Because of the surface subsidence, these areas are a threat to Ohio's expressways. Professor Roberts in the Summer of 2002 completed an internship with NASA located at John H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field, Cleveland, Ohio. Through the Scientific Outreach and Application using Remote Sensing (SOARS) program, he helped local geologists interpret satellite imagery, using spectral analysis techniques. This provided British geologists with geologic information for an expedition to the Himalayas, Tibet,where they are searching for ancient meteorite impact craters.
The Faculty Perspective
I feel every student in the SCI210 and GEO 109 labs should complete the labs with a better understanding, not only of how our planet works, but also why it works. Labs are a great place to investigate and apply what is said in lectures and reinforce general scientific knowledge and concepts. I think we, in the science community, should challenge students to form ideas and opinions about what is taught in the labs. There is nothing more satisfying than when a student comes into lab holding a rock they found saying "This didn't look like the other ones, something is different." I tell my students that observation is the first step to understanding.
Degrees
- B.A., Wright State University
Research Interests
- Remote Sensing (above ground)
- Satellite interpretation
- Acid mine drainage
- Geographic information systems
- Seismic exploration