Kevin Butler

Instructional Professional Staff : Manager, Geographic Information Sciences Research

EDUCATION

Kent State University, Kent, Ohio

Ph.D. in Geography August, 2008

Dissertation: “A Means and Covariance Structural Analysis of a Conceptual
Neighborhood Model”

Brief Description: Geographers and other social scientists often use urban neighborhoods as areal units of analysis. However, there is little consensus on what actually constitutes an urban neighborhood. This dissertation tested a new complex conceptualization of neighborhood using a covariance structural analysis framework.

Defense Date: May 17, 2008

The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio

M.S. in Geography 2001

Coursework emphasis in Geographic Information Systems

The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio

B.S. Computer Science 1990

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Thematic focus on the representation of spatio-temporal data in relational databases

Methodological focus on the application of local indicators of spatial autocorrelation to urban issues

Geographic focus on Puerto Rico and Akron, Ohio

PUBLICATIONS

· Butler, Kevin A. (with Robert B. Kent). "The Americas." International Encyclopedia of Human Geography, Ed. Rob Kitchin, Nigel Thrift, Elsevier, 2008.

· Butler, Kevin A. (with Robert B. Kent). Akron – The Rubber City Grows Up, Ohio Geography, Ed. Art Keifer, Kent State University Press, 2007.

· Butler, Kevin A. (with R.Konet and E. Wheland). Perceived Inhibitors to Mathematics Success, Journal of Developmental Education, 26:3 2003

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Department of Geography and Planning
The University of Akron

Instructional Professional Staff 2005 – present

Developed and taught the following new courses:

· GIS DATABASE DESIGN. Introduction to theory and concepts of geographic data modeling, geodatabase design, and topology. Emphasis on current practices and methodologies in geography and planning.

· GIS PROGRAMMING AND CUSTOMIZATION. Introduction to the use of scripting languages for customizing the interface and extending the functionality of desktop GIS software.

Taught and made significant modifications to the content and structure of the following courses:

· SPATIAL ANALYSIS. Analysis of mapped statistical surfaces. Principles for use of maps as models for statistical evidence, prediction, hypothesis testing.

· GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS (GPS). Fundamentals of Global Positioning System (GPS), with emphasis on geographic and planning activities. Includes hands-on exercises.

· APPLICATIONS IN CARTOGRAPHY AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS. Application of analytic and presentation techniques from cartography and geographic information systems to practical problems in geography and planning.

· GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS. Introduction to the principles and concepts underlying geographic information systems (GIS) and their application in professional practice and academic research.

Computer Information Systems Division 1997 - 2001
The University of Akron, Summit College

Lecturer

Developed and taught the following courses:

· Basic Programming for Business

· Software Fundamentals

· Job Control Language (JCL)

· Client Server Programming

· Systems Analysis and Design

· Database Concepts

· Microcomputer Applications Support

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

· (2006) - Butler, Kevin A. Geodatabase Representations of Topology. Presented at the 2006 Annual Meeting of the Association of American Geographers, Chicago, Illinois.

· (2005) - Butler, Kevin A., Representing Spatio-Temporal Topology in a Geodatabase. Presented at the 2005 Annual Meeting of the East Lakes Division of the American Association of Geographers, Bowling Green, Ohio.

· (2005) - Butler, Kevin A. (with J. Diaz), Housing Value Change: Minority Groups in the Cleveland Metropolitan Statistical Area, 1970 – 2000. Presented at 2005 Applied Geography Conference, Washington D.C.

FUNDED RESEARCH AND SERVICE ACTIVITIES

· 2008: “Land Use Analysis for Geauga County, Ohio.” Geauga County Planning Commission. $3,075

· 2007: “Land Use Analysis for Geauga County, Ohio.” Geauga County Planning Commission. $2,750

· 2004-2005: “Feasibility Study for Forecasting Land Use Change and Its Impact on Water Needs in the American West” : NASA/OhioView grant (with R. Klosterman and L. Siebert, The University of Akron) $34,920

· 2005: Assisted Lorain Community College, Lorain, Ohio with the development of curriculum for an undergraduate certificate in Geographical Information Systems.

· 2005: Coordinated internal funding requests for computer equipment to support GIS instruction. Ohio Board of Regents House Bill 16 (2005-2006). Final Award Amount: $51,000.

· 2005: Coordinated internal funding requests for instructional equipment from the Stoller Foundation (2005-2006). Final Award Amount: $9,750.

CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION

· Selected to participated in a hands-on workshop exploring “Geographically Weighted Regression” sponsored by the Center for Spatially Integrated Social Science. University of California, Santa Barbara. July 26-30, 2004. Twenty applicants were selected nationally based on submission of a research proposal.

· Participated in the ESRI International User Conference (2003-2007).

RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE

Manager, Geographic Information Sciences Research 2005-present

Department of Geography & Planning, The University of Akron

· Coordinate and support geographic information sciences research activities within the Department of Geography & Planning.

· Coordinate the purchase, installation, licensing and distribution of GIS and spatial analysis software and hardware.

· Assist faculty and graduate students with data acquisition, spatial analysis and interpretation.

Senior Applications Systems Analyst 1984- 2004

Information Technology Services, The University of Akron

· Directed the design, programming and implementation of computer applications for instructional support.

· Reviewed and evaluated work of the Programming Team. Provided estimates for personnel requirements and produced cost and time estimates for programming projects.

· Installed, configured and maintained local area networks.

· Installed, configured and tuned MS SQL Server Version 6.5

· Developed .NET based web applications for electronic grades access.

AREAS VISITED

Aruba, Barbados, Canada, Dominica, France, Germany, Haiti, Puerto Rico