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Exciting News: Our Thailand Reef Conservation Expedition has been invited to present the findings of our work at the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium. Title of our presentation will be An Interdisciplinary Approach to Reef Conservation, the Koh Tao case study. For detailed info on the Expedition, please see below.
My full name is Philipp Abbass Tavakoli. I practiced international business law in Austria before I came to NC State. In addition to a law degree, I have a Ph.D. in Political Science.
I grew up in Germany, Iran, and Austria; my first language is German. I speak English fluently, Spanish, French and Pharsi some. Sometimes one can "hear" my accent even when I'm writing.
My biggest passion is scuba diving. I am a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and a REEF CHECK trainer.
Currently, I am a faculty member in Interdsciplinary Studies, CHASS, at NC State University, teaching Environmental Ethics, Ecorealism, Technology Transfer, and other interdisciplinary seminars. All my courses have a very strong international component. My research interest focuses on the reciprocal relationship between humans and the environment.
For years I have been exploring the remote corners of our planet, jungles, deserts, mountains and oceans. I try to expose my students to these experience as well. I used to take students trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal, to the Pyramids and the deserts of Egypt, the rainforest of Guatemala, to Europe and to socialist Cuba.I am most relaxed when sailing out to the ocean, scuba diving, trekking and meditating in the Himalayas, observing the bright stars in the incredibly clear sky of the desert, or resting near a hidden waterfall in the rainforest. I take time to do all these things every year. Some of these experiences I share with my students, others not.
My favorite places are in Guatemala and Thailand. During the summer, I take students to both places. Please let me know if you are interested in any of these two opportunities:
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I try to introduce my students to the most exciting spots. We are taking a break from the camel ride around the Pyramids in Egypt (I'm the guy sitting on the camel) |
On the left, Pemba and her kids are bidding us farewell
by giving us all Kattars (white good luck shawls). She is my Sherpa
friend and our host in Namche Bazaar,10 miles from Mt.Everest, in
the Himalayas. (I'm kneeling in the front with the two kids in my
arms) |
Here you find the readings for STS 484 Cross-Cultural Technology Transfer
Here you find the readings for HON 361 ECO-REALISM