James Tait Associate Professor Science Education and Environmental Studies Southern Connecticut State University New Haven, CT 06515 Phone (203) 392-5838; FAX (203) 392-6614 email: taitj1@southernct.edu
DEPARTMENTAL AND UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS: Earth & Environmental Sciences Environmental Studies EDUCATION: Ph.D. 1995. Earth Sciences University of California - Santa Cruz, CA M.S. 1988. Earth Sciences University of California - Santa Cruz, CA B.S. 1986. Earth Sciences University of California - Santa Cruz, CA PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Research Associate: Institute for Marine Sciences, University of California - Santa Cruz,
	RESEARCH INTERESTS: Marine Geology Oceanography Earth & Environmental Sciences Coastal geomorphic processes, Coastal sediment supply systems, Impacts of Engineering structures on beaches, Coastal Erosion and Storm impacts, Coastal landscape evolution
MEMBERSHIPS: American Geophysical Union Geologic Society of America American Shore and Beach Preservation Association Science Advisory Committee, Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center

COLLABORATIONS:

• Chair, General Education Task Force, Southern Connecticut State University, 2005.

  • Chair, Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (UCF), Southern Connecticut State University, 2000 – 2004.

  • Science Advisory Committee (SAC) of the Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center (1997-present)

  The members of this committee plan and direct research at Wheeler Salt Marsh and Milford Spit. This tract of land includes the Hubbel-Smith State Wildlife Reserve, The Charles E. Wheeler State Wildlife Management Area, the Stewart B. McKinney Federal Wildlife Reserve, and the Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center. The SAC is the guiding body of the Milford Point Ecosystem Project (MPEP) and also functions in an advisory capacity to local management and conservation agencies.

  • Convener, Invited Speaker - The First Housatonic River Research Symposium: The State of the Watershed (March, 1999)

  • Programme Referee,1998. Natural Environment Research Council, Science Programmes Directorate, United Kingdom.

  Server as a reviewer for the United Kingdom’s Center for Coastal and Marine Sciences strategic plan with particular attention to Forecasting Coastal Evolution Programme.

  • Conference on Teaching University Level Oceanography, UCONN, Avery Point, May 3, 1997.

  • Conference on the Use of Computer Technology in Science Teaching Labs. Central Connecticut State University, May 9, 1997.

  • Instructor, Science Connections, a program jointly run by the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the Santa Cruz County School District. Science Connections is a federal Eisenhower science education grant to train K-12 teachers in effective strategies for working with under-represented youth in science, 1993-1995.

  • GeoAce Coordinator. Founding instructor for the U.C. Santa Cruz Earth Science Department’s Academic Excellence Program. ACE (Academic Excellence) is a program which places underrepresented minorities in science honors sections and encourages students to consider science careers. Designed most of the curriculum. Program is currently funded by a grant from the ARCO Foundation. Contributed a major portion of the text for this year’s grant application. Fall 1994.

  • Co-instructor for Earth Sciences 196, Teaching Earth Sciences, an upper division seminar and practicum for undergraduates. Course was divided between a seminar focusing teaching concepts and techniques and assisting TA’s in lower division earth science classes.

  • Earth Sciences Teaching Assistant Training Program. Responsible for teaching new T. A.’s how to be effective teachers. Topics included preparation, lecture techniques, classroom dynamics, resources, dealing with diversity, and a practicum. Organized the curriculum and taught this quarter-long workshop in 1991, 1992, and 1993.