Benjamin F. Timms

Benjamin F. Timms is a Professor of Geography at California Polytechnic State University. His research focuses on sustainable tourism, environmental conservation, and political ecology in Latin America and the Caribbean. He has conducted fieldwork in Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, and St. Lucia, employing geospatial technologies like remote sensing and GIS to analyze human-environment interactions. Dr. Timms emphasizes linking tourism with local agriculture and exploring community-based solutions to socio-ecological challenges.

Educational Background:

• Ph.D. in Geography, Indiana University (2007)
• M.A. in Geography, Indiana University (1999)
• B.A. in Geography, University of New Mexico (1997)

Teaching & Outreach: Teaches courses on human geography, Latin America, development theory, and remote sensing applications. Leads study abroad programs in Peru, Spain, Thailand, and Australia, integrating fieldwork into curriculum. Active in promoting geospatial technology education.

Research Themes: Combines political ecology critique with cultural ecology solutions to address environmental conservation conflicts. Investigates how global policies impact local communities, particularly in protected areas like Celaque National Park. Advocates for slow tourism models to counteract mass tourism's environmental harms.