Declan De Paor

Physics

Old Dominion University

 Declan G. De Paor


Professional Preparation:

1983 - Senior Fulbright Scholar (post-doctoral visiting scientist), SUNY Albany.

1981 - Ph.D., National University of Ireland - Cork: Thesis: Geological Strain Analysis.

1976 - M.Sc., National University of Ireland - Cork: Thesis: Orbicular Granite.

1973 - B.Sc., National University of Ireland - Dublin: Major Geology, Minor Math-Physics.

1951 - Born, Dublin, Ireland


Appointments: 

Present: Professor of Geophysics & Pretlow Planetarium Director, Old Dominion University.

2005-2008: Research Professor, Physics & CEE Depts., Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

1999-2005: Research Professor & Director of Field Studies. Earth Sciences Dept., Boston U.

1996-1998: Associate-Lecturer, Earth & Planetary Sciences Dept., Harvard University.

1995-1996: Adjunct Prof., Geo-computing, Geology & Geophysics Dept., Boston College.

1992-2005: Geological software development & consultancy business.

1983-1992: Asst. & Assoc. Professor, Earth & Planetary Sciences Dept., Johns Hopkins U.

1978-1983: Junior Lecturer, Geology Dept., National University of Ireland - Galway.


Recent publications:

De Paor, D.G., Whitmeyer, S.J., Marks, M., Bailey, J., 2012. Geoscience applications of client / server scripts, fusion tables, and dynamic KML, GSA Special Paper 492, (in press). 


De Paor, D., Hansen, V., Dordevic, M., 2012. Google Venus, GSA Special Paper 492, (in press).


Simpson, C., De Paor, D., Beebe, M., Strand, J., 2012. Transferring maps and data from pre-digital era theses to Google Earth: A case study from the Vredefort Dome, S.A. GSA Special Paper 492, (in press).


De Paor, D.G., Whitmeyer, S.J., 2011. Geological and Geophysical Modeling on Virtual Globes Using KML, COLLADA, and Javascript. Computers & Geosciences, Vol. 37, p. 100-110.


Whitmeyer, S.J., Nicoletti, J., De Paor, D.G., 2010. The Digital Revolution in Geologic Mapping. GSA Today, Vol. 20, p. 4-10. 


Simpson, C., De Paor, D.G., 2010. Restoring Maps and Memoirs to Four-dimensional Space Using Virtual Globe Technology: A Case Study from the Scottish Highlands. Geological Society of London Special Publication, Vol. 335, p. 429–441.


De Paor, D.G., Whitmeyer, S.J., 2009. Innovations and Redundancies in Field Geology Courses–The James Madison University and Boston University Experience. GSA Special Paper 461.


Whitmeyer, S.J., Feely, M., De Paor, D.G., Hennessey, R., Whitmeyer, S., Nicoletti, J., Santangelo, B., Daniels, J., Rivera, M., 2009. Visualization Techniques in Field Geology Education: Modern Pedagogy and Original Research in Western Ireland. GSA Special Paper 461, pp. 105–116.



Innovations in teaching and training and contributions to the science of learning; Developed hundreds of geoscience learning objects, introduced state-of-the-art digital mapping technologies to curricula, developed several new courses, and published patent number 12/657,999.


Development of research tools, computation methodologies, and algorithms for problem-solving; Developed numerous strain and kinematic analysis techniques, notably (with C. Simpson) the Porphyroblast Hyperbolic Distribution Method.


Development of databases to support research and education; Produced CD ROM database of deformation microstructures (with C. Simpson).


Broadening participation of groups underrepresented in STEM; Advised 6 female graduate students, including the first female african american PhD student in the Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences at Johns Hopkins University.


Service to scientific and engineering community outside of individual’s immediate organization: Offered numerous short courses, workshops, community field trips, & planetarium presentations.

Workshop Participant, Website Contributor

Website Content Contributions

Activities (6)

Reasons for the Seasons part of GEODE:GEODE Teaching Resources
Reasons for the seasons (RFTS for short) is an interactive learning resource that leverages the popular Google Earth virtual globe. It is designed to help students and members of the public visualize and understand ...

On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Collection This activity is part of the On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Teaching Activities collection.
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Course (1)

Intro Astronomy – the Solar System part of Integrate:Workshops and Webinars:Teaching the Methods of Geoscience:Course
An introduction to the Solar System with an emphasis on the scientific method of inquiry. I incorporate more Earth Science than normal in an astronomy course.

Essay (1)

Geospatial and geosocial education part of Integrate:Workshops and Webinars:Teaching the Methods of Geoscience:Essays
Geospatial and geosocial education Declan G. De Paor, Department of Physics, Old Dominion University, ddepaor@odu.edu The following were my undergraduate courses at University College Dublin, Ireland: 1969-70, 1st ...

Conference Presentations (2)

Interactive, Web-Based Geoscience Education Resources part of Earth Educators Rendezvous:Previous Rendezvous:Rendezvous 2016:Program:Oral Sessions:Wednesday B
The geosciences are highly visual, and benefit greatly from computer visualizations, but also stress hands-on and tactile student experiences. Digital methodologies are recent additions to a toolkit of skills ...

Technology for Teaching Geoscience Onsite and Online part of Rendezvous 2015:Program:Abstracts
Geoscientists face challenges when it comes to teaching with technology. Although our discipline is highly visual, it is also very physical and tactile. We traditionally map geological contacts on foot, record ...

Other Contributions (2)

Virtual Geological Mapping and Development of Geospatial Analysis Competencies Using Google Earth and Related Digital technologies part of Structural Geology and Tectonics:2014 Structure and Tectonics Forum Abstracts
Declan De Paor, Old Dominion University GEODE Team* Field geology, especially structural and tectonic mapping, has long been a central part of geoscience education. Many programs require a residential field camp ...

Teaching with Geospatial Technology part of Rendezvous 2015:Program:Mini Workshops:Geospatial Technology
At this BYOD (bring your own device) workshop, participants will obtain hand-on experience with innovative hardware and software designed to enhance geoscience education and undergraduate research. Topics will ...