I�m a cultural/historical geographer with a background in computer science and mathematics. In my life as a geographer, these interests intersect in a serious interest in historical GIS. Most of my research in recent years has revolved around the cultural history of Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, from its early use as a site of saltpeter production, through its development as a privately-owned tourism resort, and its eventual conversion into a national park. My most recent article from this project explores African American tourism to Mammoth Cave during the Jim Crow era. Mammoth Cave has a multi-faceted and fascinating human history, as well as being an awesome feature of the physical landscape. A related project, implemented with the assistance of graduate students Matt Brunt and Ann Epperson, is the creation of the Mammoth Cave Historical GIS, dedicated to representing and preserving public memory of the pre-park residents of the Mammoth Cave area.
