Ross started as a Teaching Faculty at OIT in Fall 2021 and has taught biology, soils, and chemistry classes. He has his PhD from University of Illinois in plant, soil, and meteorological science. His research interests include soil, water, and ecosystem health and providing resources to landowners to increase ecological and resource management. He is currently working with Sustainable Northwest, the USDA, and Klamath Soil and Water Conservation Services on several projects around the basin. He is also working with OIT students to gain internship experience within the local agencies working on projects in the Klamath Basin.
Ross grew up in Idaho, served in the Marine Corps, and did several years in international development work in Mexico, Taiwan, Philippines, and Thailand. He also is part of the Civil Air Patrol and working toward getting his pilot’s license. Ross enjoys hiking, Nordic skiing, mountain biking, gardening, and traveling to national parks with his kids. He reads nonfiction history and science books and science fiction, but gets less reading done than he wants to.