Dr. James Hayes-Bohanan

"I became a geographer after learning about the clearing of tropical rain forests in the Brazilian Amazon, leading eventually to dissertation research in the western state of Rondônia. My preparation to do that work has led me to a broader career in environmental geography and Latin American studies. Along the way I have researched soil erosion in Ohio, volunteered for several environmental organizations, and worked as a consultant on environmental compliance throughout the United States. Soon after arriving at Bridgewater State University in 1997, my interests in the environment and Latin America led me to develop several courses about the geography of coffee -- courses that take place on campus, in local coffee-related businesses, and in the countries that produce coffee."