Ross Andrew

Biography

My research and teaching around environmental science and ecology are interdisciplinary in nature, with background and experience in multiple specialty areas.  I earned my B.S. in Fisheries Science from Virginia Tech and my Ph.D. in Forest Resource Science from West Virginia University.  I have also worked with the USDA Forest Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, and other agencies as a field technician and biologist to survey forests, rivers, fish, insects, and people over the years.  I completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at West Virginia University primarily focused on human dimensions of natural resources in public lands and waters of the U.S.  I have also worked as a research faculty member at West Virginia University, focusing on surveys of human perceptions of the environment and novel techniques to engage more people with the outdoors.  I have taught courses in Ichthyology, Fisheries and Wildlife Management, Freshwater Ecology, Recreation and Tourism Planning, and others.  At Belmont, I teach in the Environmental Science program across various courses and topics including Introduction to Environmental Science and Methods in Environmental Science.  My research works with students to ask questions about the environment that are driven by both ecosystems and people, including examples below:

• How do people perceive their local and regional environmental quality?
• How do aquatic ecosystems differ across urban and rural gradients?
• What impact(s) do human activities have on fish communities and ecology?
• What ecosystem services do people identify and value?

I’m happy to be a part of the Biology Department at Belmont, where we have great opportunities for student learning and research with many talented faculty and staff.  When I’m not at Belmont or out in the field, I’m likely hanging out with my wife, Caitlin.  We enjoy food, music, sports, and getting outside for a hike or something active whenever we can!