Jim Brey is the Director of the Education Program at the American Meteorological Society and Emeritus Professor of Geography and Geology at the University of Wisconsin Fox Valley. At U.W. he taught a wide variety of Earth science and geography courses including Art and Earth Science in Italy, an interdisciplinary study abroad course, and Learning and Speaking about the Environment; an Interdisciplinary Learning Community. He contributed to the development of AMS Weather Studies, Ocean Studies, Climate Studies, and the AMS Water in the Earth System courses. He participated in the NSF ORION conferences focusing on ocean education issues and served on the International Ocean Observing System Key Messages and Themes Committee. He was a participant on expeditions and workshops on the scientific drillship JOIDES Resolution in the Pacific and Caribbean. He collaborated with Judith Waller on two Art and Science educational projects and traveling exhibits entitled ‘Layers: Places in Peril’ and ‘small problems, BIG TROUBLE’, both evocative new approaches to educate the public about the impacts of natural hazards and human caused degradation of the built and natural environments. A broad field Earth system scientist and geographer, Brey is considered an expert in climate science, hazards, the intersections of art and science, progressive educational delivery methods and the latest in pedagogical and technical innovation. He also is committed to further development of programs that will enhance Earth and environmental science awareness and literacy. He has published and presented on new education and training approaches, work force development in Earth science fields, Earth and environmental hazards and the use of Geographical Information Systems in hazard mitigation, telecommunications and agriculture. He is the recipient of numerous education awards and honors including the Carnegie CASE Wisconsin Professor of the Year Award, the National Council for Geographic Education’s Distinguished Teaching Award, the Rotary Club Cutting Edge Award and the U.W. Fox Valley Professor of the Year Award. Brey obtained his Associate of Arts degree from the UW Colleges Sheboygan Campus and his Bachelors, Masters and Ph.D. degrees in geography from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
