Richard Kool

Richard Kool is a Professor in the School of Environment and Sustainability at Royal Roads University, where he founded the MA in Environmental Education and Communication program in 2003. A self-described academic generalist, his career spans museum curation, environmental policy coordination, and tertiary education.

Education:

• Doctor of Education (EdD), Brigham Young University (1997)
• Master of Science (Zoology), University of British Columbia (1976)
• Bachelor of Arts (Zoology), University of New Hampshire (n.d.)

His research examines critical intersections of environmental communication, particularly focusing on hope-despair dynamics in ecological crises, religion-environment interfaces with science-resistant communities, and Indigenous-Western knowledge integration. His work employs interdisciplinary approaches bridging museum studies, anthropology, and sustainability education.

Publication trends reveal a consistent focus on transformative pedagogy (2012-2020), cultural inclusivity (2018-2019), and heritage interpretation (2019), with early career work in paleontology and museum studies (1975-1982) demonstrating remarkable disciplinary breadth.

Professional Experience Highlights:

• Environmental Education Coordinator, BC Ministry of Environment
• Park Interpretation Coordinator, BC Parks
• Director of Public Programs, Royal BC Museum
• Biology Lecturer, Douglas College
• Secondary School Science Teacher, Vancouver Island

Recent commentary (2020-2022) addresses climate emergency coherence, Vancouver Island self-reliance, and heritage interpretation frameworks, demonstrating ongoing engagement with pressing socio-ecological issues through academic and public spheres.