about me

As a researcher and software programmer, I focus on coupled human-natural systems, complexity science and geographic information systems, using computer simulation to better understand complex systems. With models, we can observe emergent higher-level processes, like a fish-bone deforestation pattern or a power-law distribution of landslides, despite implementing only fundamental behaviours. Visualizations help us communicate complex and “what-if” scenarios to experts and non-experts alike, engaging communication and scientific thought.

Currently, I'm a Research Associate for Environment Canada, Adaptation and Impacts Research Section, based at the University of Waterloo. I use statistical and experimental modelling techniques to predict the impacts of water level regimes on wetland vegetation in the Great Lakes (Lake Erie, in particular). In turn, wetland vegetation models can be used to analyze other implications of lake level change, such as habitat loss and species at risk.

I'm also leading the software development of the Snowtweets project, a novel grassroots application of volunteered geographic information. Over the past winter, using Twitter, we've begun to ask members of the global community to contribute snow measurements wherever they are. Anyone can tweet a quick measurement and their postal/ZIP code, which our system will automatically geocode and store in a database within moments. This project aims to engage and educate citizens in snow science, while developing a long-term record of snow measurements which are time- and location-stamped. We can use these contributions to supplement and ground truth satellite data and otherwise sparse measurements taken at official weather stations.

I've recently developed a interest in photography, so I've posted some of the more interesting shots on this site for at least some spartan decor.