Growing up in rural Northern Ireland, I spent many days in and around the woods and streams of the Sperrins, exploring, fishing, and getting myself lost. Weekends would find me on the sandy beaches or rocky headlands of the north coast, studying dunes and tide pools and wondering at the world beyond our shores. My fascination with the natural world eventually took me travelling throughout Europe, and later, Canada, which is now my home.

Equal parts scientist and artist, I am passionate about that which stirs the mind and the heart and believe that our capacity to do good work springs from our recognition of who we are.

My research in the natural sciences has focused on the ecology and management of aquatic systems, with particular emphasis on understanding impacts to these systems, whether physical (bridge construction in the Scottish Highlands, hedgerow removal on agricultural land), chemical (metal mine and pulp/paper mill effluent effects in Canadian streams, pesticide effects in European coastal waters), or natural (interactions between sawbill duck and otter populations on Atlantic salmon recruitment).

Since 2004, my focus has expanded to include the social dimension, particularly the stewardship of urban and rural watersheds and aquatic habitats. Working in both the formal and informal education environments, my previous projects have included: student-centered design, construction, and maintenance of outdoor classrooms which connect to provincial cross-curricular learning objectives; a learning and skills needs assessment of non-profit organizations in New Brunswick; and the adaptation and redesign of the United Nations University Diploma Program in Integrated Water Resource Management to meet the professional development and training needs of watershed managers in Atlantic Canada.

As an educator, I see my role as guiding students on a shared journey toward new ways of seeing and being in the world. I attempt to unite these various elements in my teaching to form a rich soil in which the seeds of understanding, responsibility, and community may be planted.

I am also a strong advocate of the arts and the recognition and application of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic approaches to learning as supports to successful and engaging pedagogy.
 

Testimonials

David is exceptional is his desire to interact with students in a manner that helps them realize that he genuinely cares about them as individuals as well as about their academic success. A credit to the profession. Dr. Sharon Murray, Professor, Department of Education, St. Thomas University

Besides being very personable and friendly, Dave is enthusiastic, energetic, very knowledgeable, and extremely passionate toward his work. In working with young students and staff, he has a magical way of interacting with them and engages them in meaningful, informative, and memorable activities. An inspiration to the school community with his knowledge of and enthusiasm for nature. Greg Moffitt, Principal, Garden Creek Elementary School

I found David to be an extremely dependable, resourceful and tireless colleague and a valuable source of enrichment opportunities for our students. A truly special individual and an obvious standout among the many teachers I've worked with. Chris Piers, Science teacher, Devon Middle School

Dave has helped the Centre increase its ability to represent complex issues to audiences from farmers to doctoral students. He has worked on a number of projects that have integrated his skills as a scientist, musician, and graphic designer—in each of these contexts, Dave has woven together visual elements with content in such a way as to bring our science into the realm of art. His desire to make a positive contribution to society allows me to leave projects in his capable hands with complete confidence that he will carry out any task with integrity and honesty. Dr. Shawn Dalton, Director, Environment and Sustainable Development Research Centre

Dave is passionate about science and science education. He likes variety. He likes challenges, and he succeeds regardless of the challenges put before him. He is comfortable dealing with professors and Deans in a university setting, but he is just as comfortable making deals at the lumber or garden supply store for his projects. Dave gets things done efficiently, without fuss, and with a quiet diplomacy that few possess. I always enjoy our interactions and I feel like I come away from them having learned something. Dr. Tom Beckley, Professor, Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick

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This course was fantastic! Hana and Dave are so enthusiastic about science and always showed interest in what we were doing.

They are the best profs I'd ever had in university. They really made my Bamfield experience remarkable. I'm glad I had them with me here.

Dave can always make complicated things easy to understand.

Could not ask for better teachers. They are the best.

Comments from Science and the Sea undergraduate students, Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre


Bridgette and Dave were both phenomenal interactive instructors.

It was the most fun I've had learning thus far.

Great experience. Even when weather kept us from going out on our [field] trip we were kept active and involved.

Very informative. Great teachers.

Comments from Marine Field Skills undergraduate students, Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre


Dave did a phenomenal job at teaching. A strength of the course and of Dave is that they are geared to help us succeed.

Excellent lecturer, so friendly and clearly cares very much about his students. He promotes a safe and fun learning environment and is always willing to meet to help on projects and concepts.

Dave was very approachable and his material was clear and well organized. I really enjoyed his style of teaching!

Dave was good at giving a balanced view of contentious issues, and presenting scientific information without bias. Also good at breaking down complicated topics to communicate with non–science students. Taught me about the importance of communication in science which I think a lot of academics really are missing.

A lovely person, cares a lot about the students. Great at giving feedback and answering questions. 10/10 would recommend.

Dave has an obvious skill for presenting and explaining material and is very passionate about the subject matter. Top notch. I'm very happy to have taken his class.

​Dave has the vibe of a gentle giant.

One of the best professors I have ever had.​

Dave is a great teacher. He is passionate about the course material which definitely engages students in participating and paying attention to class. He uses a good mix of theory and experience to present the course material that definitely helps in understanding. I am a not science major, and I found the course very interesting for the topics but most of all the way he teaches.​

Comments from EOS 350 Understanding the Oceans undergraduate students, University of Victoria

Curriculum Vitae

My CV can be downloaded here.

Learning Networks

I am a member of:
Classroom 2.0
Children & Nature Network
Edutopia: Green Schools
Walking the Talk
Mindfulness in Education Network

Contact