 "Photo: Carrie Geyer")
Living on such a complex planet gives people more than enough questions that need to be answered.
These are the concerns that drove Paul Robbins, associate professor in geography, to become one of the most sought-after instructors at OSU. Robbins has always wanted to be a geographer, it just took some exploring and active research for him to realize it.
"Geographers tend to have in common a real interest in the landscape around them," he said. "There's also a natural curiosity about explaining why things look the way they do."
For some people, recognizing this eagerness to learn is easy, but others may need to be pushed in the right direction. Robbins, who grew up in Denver and later attended the University of Wisconsin, flirted with another field before making his final career choice.
"I was an archeologist and I went to India on a research project," he said. "Meanwhile all around you (in India) was landscape: changing economic conditions, changing agrarian conditions, forests being cut down and planted. I realized I wanted to work in India, I just didn't want to be an archeologist. And what I didn't know is what I was describing, is called geography."
Even though this experience led him to pursue a career in geography, it was his work in graduate school that led to his decision to teach. Robbins said his curiosity is universal, so it was natural to want to help others answer their questions.
"I wanted to teach at a big state institution because I like students from a range of backgrounds, coming from different kinds of neighborhoods," he said.
He's been teaching for 10 years at various colleges, including the University of Iowa, Eastern Connecticut State University and Anna Maria College in Paxton, Mass.
He has been at OSU for about six years, and his impact has been felt by almost any student who has taken his courses. If geography doesn't capture a student's interest, Robbins' in-your-face style of teaching surely will.
"He's very energetic and I think that's one of the things that makes him so interesting to listen to in class," said Kristina Monroe, a graduate student in geography. "He's very interactive with the students," Monroe said.
This energy not only affects students, but also his fellow teachers.
"Paul can get really passionate about his teaching, so being his TA in the fall kept me pretty active," said Jason Davis, a graduate student and former teaching assistant to Robbins in Geography 200.
Students also have benefited from his abilities as an academic adviser.
"He has been very helpful to all graduate students for their professional development," Davis said.
This type of guidance is very helpful, especially at the graduate level, where students are taking proper steps to get their careers started.
"When I need a letter of recommendation, or something like that, he always gets it done quickly," said Trevor Birkenholtz, a graduate student in geography.
"He's provided just the right amount of direction to let me find my own way at my own speed," said Phil Hisnay, a graduate student who received master's and doctorate advising from Robbins.
Robbins loves to help others learn, so it's only natural he would find additional ways outside of teaching to convey his messages. He's working on his own textbook, "Political Ecology," which he describes as a summary of work from various scholars who haven't "been under one roof."
He said the main objective of the book was to relate the material to all types of people, regardless of their discipline or level of education.
When Robbins isn't influencing his students to question their surroundings, he can be found conducting research projects that explore the relationships between humans, animals and their environments.
Robbins is actively involved in the Montana area around Yellowstone National Park. Along with his colleagues, he's studying a migratory elk herd to find out how they are affected by preying wolves and area ranchers.
Robbins also has begun working on an interdisciplinary research project titled, "The Urban Landscape Ecology Program."
"We've been doing research to develop alternative and sustainable ways of establishing, designing and managing urban landscapes," said Parwinder Grewal, professor in entomology at the OSU Wooster campus. He said the study examines the threatening use of chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers in urban landscapes, as well as governmental and EPA regulations on their use.
"Paul is very enthusiastic about this research and he's a wonderful colleague to work with," Grewal said. "He's highly accomplished. I particularly enjoy working with him because he's top-notch. When we tried to develop this program, he was my first contact."
Paul Robbins continues to influence his students.
"My favorite part about teaching is the moment the light bulb goes on," Robbins said. "When that light bulb goes on, there's been a connection. You've said something that resonated with that other person and they've responded to you. I go home walking on air when people have not only gotten it, but express it back to me in a way that makes sense. I really love that."
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