Dan joined the faculty at Paul Smith's College (PSC) in 2003 as Executive Director of the Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI). From 1999 to 2003 Dan was a faculty member at North Carolina State University (NCSU), where he served as Co-Director of the Forest Nutrition Cooperative and Assistant Professor in the Department of Forestry. Dan received his Ph.D. in Forest Soils from Virginia Tech and he also holds an A.A.S. in Forest Technology, a B.S. in Resource Management, and an M.S. in Forestry. Through his graduate work and activities at NCSU, Dan developed a range of expertise in natural resources science and management with particular emphasis on forest productivity, soils, and nutrient cycling. While at NCSU, Dan conducted forestry research and outreach activities throughout the southeastern U.S. and in Columbia and Chile. In addition to his administrative duties as Executive Director of AWI, Dan has expanded his interests to include a greater emphasis on research and outreach activities more focused on water resources while at PSC. Under his leadership, the AWI has developed the largest water quality monitoring and aquatic invasive species programs in the Adirondacks. Dan uses data from these programs to support and leverage his research and that of the Institute. Dan also teaches upper level courses in Forest Soils and Laboratory Methods, and mentors students for their undergraduate capstone projects.
Dan grew up in Malone, NY, just 30 miles north of PSC. Being from an avid outdoor family who spent countless days enjoying the woods and waters of the Adirondack Park, he developed a strong connection to the region and its natural resources. Dan lives in the Village of Saranac Lake with his wife Polly and children Nicholas and Sophia, where as a family they are developing the same connections to the Adirondacks than Dan's parents did for him.
Click here to view a brief resume on Dan's education, work experience, and publications.