William A. Porter
PhD, University of Maryland College Park, 1986
Urban geography, social geography
Research Interests:
Dr. Porter is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Geology, Environment, and Marine Sciences at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) in North Carolina, where he taught for over 30 years. His research focused on the study of environmental problems in urban and rural areas, such as acid rain and nuclear waste disposal, as well as the forces that shape the environment such as soil, air, and water. During his tenure at ECSU, Professor Porter helped develop a Minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing. He was part of a joint research project with the U.S. Geological Survey and The North Carolina Geological Survey to study heavy mineral deposits in the Cretaceous sediments of North Carolina. He is an active member of his faith community and has taught Sunday school for more than 40 years. Dr. Porter is the author of many peer-reviewed journal articles and several inspirational books both fiction and non-fiction.