Herbert, Bruce Professor

My research explores the role of open access and open science practices on the translation of agricultural research into societal impact, the ethical evaluation of academic research, advancing open education, and programs that support the sustainability of rural communities.

Previously, I served as the Director of the Office of Scholarly Communications in the Sterling C. Evans library At Texas A&M University. As Director, I was responsible for strengthening the Library's efforts in scholarly communications and open access through engagement and collaboration with the faculty across campus at Texas A&M University. In addition, we developed library services that support interdisciplinary research teams and enhance research translation and the societal impact of Texas A&M's research.

My earlier scientific research explored questions concerning biogeochemical processes that mediate the interactions between human society and ecosystems, including the fate and bioavailability of contaminants, natural and human perturbations of nutrient and organic carbon, and human impacts on ecosystem functioning.

In addition, I actively pursued research that characterized human understanding of complex earth systems; the professional development of future faculty and teachers; and the design of tertiary educational programs that promote learning for all students, develop synergy between educational and research activities, and address major societal issues. I have served as the Associate Director of Geosciences in the NSF-supported Information Technology in Science (ITS) Center for Learning and Teaching at Texas A&M University, the principal investigator of the NSF Teacher Professional Continuum program entitled Professional Learning Community Model for Alternative Pathways in Teaching Science and Mathematics, PLC-MAP, and co-PI of the NSF-sponsored CIRTL Network - Shaping, Connecting, and Supporting the Future National STEM Faculty.