Rick Kappel

Rick Kappel is an Environmental Management Lecturer at The Civil Engineer School, Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. His expertise spans hazardous waste management, solid waste management, pollution prevention, and recycling. He previously taught high school science for 15 years, focusing on Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, and contributed to curriculum development at Bowling Green State University (BGSU). Before teaching, he conducted Grey Bat conservation research in Georgia, investigating roosting and foraging behaviors using radio-telemetry.

Education:

• MS in Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University (1998)
• State of Ohio Teaching Certificate (Grades 6-12, Biological/Physical Sciences)
• BS in Environmental Science, Bowling Green State University (1996)

Research Interests: Combines environmental management with conservation biology, emphasizing practical applications in waste management and endangered species preservation. His early work on Grey Bats informs modern wildlife conservation strategies.

Courses Taught:

• WENV 160: Qualified Recycling Program Management
• WENV 222: Hazardous Material Management Process
• WENV 521: Hazardous Waste Management
• WESS 010: Hazardous Waste Accumulation Seminar

Labs/Teams: No specific lab affiliations noted, but actively involved in AFIT’s Environmental Management programs and consulting services.