On this page, you will find links to some of my science videos. I’ve created and published several peer-reviewed videos through the science agency, the U.S. Geological Survey. These videos mainly focused on my research and were designed for a broad audience. In a few cases, I spotlighted the work of colleagues. In general, I tried to show how scientific research contributes to better conservation and management of our natural resources and how such information relates to the interests of the general public.  Also included on this page are videos showing other types of activities that scientists and students are involved in (for example, mentoring and conference attendance).

My other objective in making these videos was to show what it’s like to do scientific research and what real scientists look and sound like. I feel strongly that the average scientist needs to become more visible and familiar to the public. The average person is acquainted with doctors, lawyers, police officers, and other professionals, but most people have never met a scientist. Science videos are a great way to promote the value of scientific research while at the same time familiarize the public with the people behind the science.

Out of necessity, I did all of the story development, camerawork, narration, and editing and many of the animations for these videos. It was (and still is) a learning process. After an initial reluctance to spend time acquiring these skills, I found that I quickly and easily learned the techniques, which did not require expensive equipment/software or specialized training. What surprised me most, however, was how the process of making a short video about a topic forced me to reexamine what I knew about it (or thought I knew). New insights often occurred to me, for example, during interviews, researching background information, or putting the story together. Most of all, it was fun, and I rediscovered the passion for science and discovery that had become buried during years of competing for funds, for space in journals, and for recognition of technical accomplishments.

Note that all of these videos are free for anyone to use; all you have to do is grab the embed code (click on “share”, then “embed”, and copy the code) and insert the video into your website. All of the USGS videos went through an extensive peer and administrative review before they were approved for public release.

For best viewing, select the HD version and full-screen options (see menu bar at bottom of player window).

Sea-Level Rise, Subsidence, and Wetland Loss:

Chasing the Mud: The 2011 Mississippi River Flood:

The Floating Marshes of Louisiana: A Unique Environment:

What Lies Beneath: Using Mangrove Peat to Study Ancient Environments and Sea-Level Rise:

Brown Marsh Apocalypse:

Nutrient Impacts on Wetlands: Field Studies in New Zealand

Coastal Louisiana: Impacts of Hurricanes on Salt Marsh and Mangrove Wetlands:

Potential Effects of Elevated CO2 and Climate Change on Coastal Wetlands:

Effects of Sea-Level Rise on Coastal Wetlands in the Mississippi River Delta:

Oil Impacts on Coastal Wetlands in the Mississippi River Delta:

The Camargue Wetlands (France):

Coeur de Voh Mangroves (created with iPhone):

How to Collect a Mangrove Peat Core:

What’s Behind the Dunes at Kauri Mountain Beach?:

SWS Mentoring Program: