David Holt

David Holt is an Associate Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Park campus specializing in dendrochronology and geospatial analysis. He teaches 25+ courses spanning physical geography, GIS, cartography, and regional studies across multiple institutions including Miami University and University of Cincinnati.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Environmental Dynamics from University of Arkansas (2002)
• MA from University of Arkansas (1999)
• BS from University of Texas at Tyler (1995)

Dr. Holt's research integrates dendroclimatology (reconstructing 2nd-4th century AD European climate), dendroarchaeology, and GIS applications for cemetery mapping, hurricane recovery, and historical archaeology. His lab utilizes ground penetrating radar and develops spatial databases for transportation and land-use analysis, reflecting interdisciplinary work bridging environmental science and cultural geography.

Recent publications show dual expertise: dendrochronological studies of historical structures (Deason House, Virginia farmsteads) coexist with political geography works on the Islamic State and global handbooks, plus logistics research demonstrating methodological versatility across environmental and social sciences.

He directs the Campus Carbon Calculator initiative for university emissions tracking and advises honors students through thesis-focused courses. His tree-ring laboratory collaborates on flood/fire history projects while professional work includes forensic cemetery surveys and theoretical GIS applications.