Christopher Carr

Dr. Christopher Carr is an Adjunct Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Cincinnati. His career spans 30 years in engineering before transitioning to academia, earning a PhD in Geography (2014) from the University of Cincinnati. His research focuses on human-environmental impacts in both ancient and modern contexts. In modern contexts, he studies Recreation Ecology, particularly impacts from camping, hiking, and rock climbing. In ancient studies, he uses spatial analysis and remote sensing (e.g., LiDAR) to examine Maya settlements, agricultural systems, and water management in Central America and the American Southwest.

Education:

• PhD in Geography, University of Cincinnati, 2014
• MA in Geography, University of Cincinnati, 2007
• MEng in Mechanical Engineering, Cornell University, 1975
• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Cornell University, 1974

Research Interests:

• GIS and remote sensing applications in archaeology
• Maya water management systems
• Lidar analysis of ancient landscapes
• Recreation ecology and environmental impact assessment
• Settlement patterns and agricultural potential in pre-Columbian societies

Grants & Awards:

• Appalachian Trail Conservancy Grant (2016-2017): $5,000 for visitor impact studies
• 2006 Robert Bruce McNee Award for Outstanding Graduate Achievement in Geography
• 2011 Best Social/Behavioral Science Poster for cliff vegetation impact research

Advising & Labs:

• Leading the Yaxnohcah Archaeological Project (Mexico)
• Collaborating with UC Tikal Project and Virginia Tech's Recreation Ecology Group
• Developed courses on GPS and field mapping techniques

Key Projects:

• Lidar-based analysis of Maya water storage features at Yaxnohcah
• GIS mapping of Tikal's ancient infrastructure
• Assessment of recreation impacts in national parks (e.g., Shenandoah, Haleakala)