Roy Ryder

Dr. Roy Ryder is a Professor of Geography in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of South Alabama. He holds a B.Sc. (Honors) and M.Sc. from the University of Glasgow, a Diploma in Photogrammetry from the same institution, and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida. His career includes teaching at the University of Costa Rica and directing graduate programs at the Panamerican Center for Geographical Studies in Quito, Ecuador, sponsored by the Organization of American States. His research spans prehistoric agriculture in the Ecuadorean Andes, land evaluation in the Dominican Republic, waterfront management in Florida Keys, and urban land use change in Quito and Mobile.

Education:

• B.Sc. (Honors), University of Glasgow, Scotland
• M.Sc., University of Glasgow, Scotland
• Diploma in Photogrammetry, University of Glasgow
• Ph.D., University of Florida

Research Interests:

• Prehistoric indigenous agriculture in the Andes
• Land evaluation and farming technology in the Dominican Republic
• Waterfront pollution management in Florida
• Socio-economic dynamics of Amazon boom towns
• Urban development patterns in Quito and Mobile
• Glacial landforms in Scotland and Iceland

Teaching and Awards: Dr. Ryder emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory exercises in GIS, remote sensing, and statistical analysis. He received the 2005 Excellence in Teaching Award from the College of Arts and Sciences. Courses taught include GEO 102 (Landscape Processes), GEO 315 (Latin America), and advanced geospatial techniques courses.

Labs/Teams: Directed the Panamerican Center for Geographical Studies, collaborating with institutions across the Americas. Active in Florida Sea Grant projects addressing coastal environmental challenges.