Dr. Albert Rydant

Degrees & Credentials

PhD Department of Geography, University of Victoria; MA Department of Geography, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; BA Worcester State College, Department of Geography

Professional Interests

Current professional work revolves around testing the efficacy of field course learning. Developed a fieldwork practices skill set model that is based on 20 years of joint international field courses with colleagues at two other universities Work now in progress is examines the base of perceived student learning from six international field courses.

Research interests also includes environmental management in general and specifically the management of historical wastes.

Professional Background

Previously served as visiting professor at University of Salzburg, Department of Geography and Geology, Salzburg, Austria; and as an Intelligence Specialist for the United States Navy Reserve.

Awards and Accolades

Faculty Distinction in Research and Scholarship Award, Keene State College Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award, KSC Alumni Association

Key Professional Work

Vice Chair, Global Education Office Advisory Committee; Chair, Department of Geography; Undergraduate Research Scholars Committee - Program for Undergraduate Research Experiences (PURE); Faculty Distinction in Research and Scholarship Committee; Association of American Geographers Annual Meeting Local Arrangements Committee; New Hampshire Department of Education, Curriculum Frameworks Committee, Geography Sub-committee; KSC Facilities Master Plan Committee; New Hampshire Council for the Social Studies Executive Board; KSC Social Science Program Steering Committee; KSC Science Division Facilities Planning Committee; KSC Multi-Cultural Planning Group; Joint River Commission (NH-VT) Local Planning Committee); KSC Alumni Association Distinguished Teacher Award Selection Committee; KSC Latin American Learning Community; KSC International Education Office Board of Consultants; Coordinator, GEOG/SOC/ANTH; NCATE Accreditation Steering Committee (1990-91); NH Geographic Alliance Steering Committee; KSC Honors Council (1989-94); Program Committee, USNH 25th Anniversary Environment Symposium; KSC Master of Arts in Teaching Steering Committee; KSC Archaeology Steering Committee; New England-St. Lawrence Valley Geographical Society, New Hampshire Representative; KSC Regional Studies Steering Committee; KSC Science Division Scholarship Committee KSC Science Division Curriculum Committee; KSC Environmental Studies Steering Committee; Coordinator, Environmental Studies Program, Keene State College; Vice-Chairman, Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Native Canadian Opportunities Committee; Board of Directors and Personnel/Policy Committee, Calgary Native Friendship Society (1984); Athabasca University Academic Council; Faculty Advisor, Geography, Keene State College; President, Publicity Director, and Executive Member of Graduate Students Society, University of Victoria; Co-chairman, Presidential Committee on Graduate Funding, University of Victoria; Committee of the Whole (Geography Departmental Committee), Southern Illinois University; Geography Departmental Committee, Worcester State College. Member of the Association of American Geographers; National Council for Geographic Education; New England-St. Lawrence Valley Geographical Society; Gamma Theta Upsilon (International Geographic Honor Society).

Publications include

Journal of Geography; Studies in New England Geography; Teaching K-8; Changing Horizons in Geography Education; Faces: People, Places and Cultures; Proceedings: New England - St. Lawrence Valley Geographical Society; Environmental Practice; Horizons; Student Atlas of World Geography; Annals of the Association of American Geographers; Aspects of the Environment in Europe; Annals of the Association of American Geographers; The Operational Geographer; Waste Age; Constructive Citizen Participation; Regional Information Systems and the Diffusion of Social Innovations in British Columbia

Personal

Enjoys outdoor activities including skiing, kayaking, and gardening.

“I was talking with a student about the notion that cultural evolution is actually impacting biological revolution and that the pace of such is actually accelerating. He noted that he had never thought this way before and that such a theory was quite invigorating. I hope students will graduate from KSC with a love of learning, cooperation, and daily application of the skills and knowledge obtained here.”