Ryan Hottle is thrilled to help shape the future of the Kenyon Farm and the larger Kenyon and Knox county communities. In addition to farming, he has been an international consultant on projects that connect climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable development, poverty alleviation and food security in places such as India, Bangladesh, Guatemala, Haiti, Malawi, Uganda and Senegal.
Ryan's primary research focus is on carbon dynamics, greenhouse gas emission from agriculture and food systems and soil quality. His research employs a number of analytical tools including participatory research, biophysical modeling, cost benefit analysis, value chain analysis, lifecycle analysis, resilience mapping and atmospheric modeling. He received a Permaculture Certificate from Bill Mollison in 2010.
Ryan received degrees from Naropa University in interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in environmental science and peace studies (B.A.), Columbia University in climate and society (M…
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Ryan Hottle is thrilled to help shape the future of the Kenyon Farm and the larger Kenyon and Knox county communities. In addition to farming, he has been an international consultant on projects that connect climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable development, poverty alleviation and food security in places such as India, Bangladesh, Guatemala, Haiti, Malawi, Uganda and Senegal.
Ryan's primary research focus is on carbon dynamics, greenhouse gas emission from agriculture and food systems and soil quality. His research employs a number of analytical tools including participatory research, biophysical modeling, cost benefit analysis, value chain analysis, lifecycle analysis, resilience mapping and atmospheric modeling. He received a Permaculture Certificate from Bill Mollison in 2010.
Ryan received degrees from Naropa University in interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in environmental science and peace studies (B.A.), Columbia University in climate and society (M.A.) and Ohio State University in environmental science.
Education
2012 — Doctor of Philosophy from Ohio State University
2009 — Master of Arts from Columbia University
2006 — Bachelor of Arts from Naropa University
Courses Recently Taught
ENVS 104
Solar Power Systems: Science, Policy and Practicum
ENVS 104
Photovoltaic power generation is proving to be a viable renewable alternative to fossil fuels, and Kenyon College is embarking on a multi-year plan to install PV systems on several buildings across campus. This course is uniquely situated to take advantage of this endeavor. We will discuss the role energy serves in society and examine the basic physics of energy in general before discussing and comparing traditional fossil fuels versus alternatives. Focusing our attention on PV electrical energy, a series of hands-on lab exercises will explore the science of electricity, PV power generation and linking such systems to the grid. Determining potential locations for installing Kenyon's growing network of solar power systems will be addressed via a combination of spatial analysis exercises and on-site visits to past and future installation sites. Additional field trips to local residential and commercial agricultural PV systems and conversations with their owners will augment these efforts. Through conversations with leaders of Kenyon's campus efforts and online virtual meetings with leaders in the industry at the state, regional and national levels, we will learn the ins and outs of designing, planning, installing and financing PV systems from the perspectives of buyers, sellers and investors. During semesters when an installation is in process, we will be directly involved in site evaluations and will closely follow along with the design and construction of the system. During these times, students will help plan and will host a public flip-the-switch event at system sites when these new systems are commissioned and are officially energized and connected to the grid. This counts toward the additional skills major requirement. No prerequisite. Offered every year.
ENVS 240
Permaculture and Homestead Winter Farming
ENVS 240
This course intends to explore the principles of permaculture that link ecology, sustainability and community to farming. It is an holistic alternative to the destructive patterns and chemical abuse of agriculture. Our world is facing a long future of food insecurity as human population rises rapidly and land is turned over to housing and infrastructure. We need to bring ourselves back into balance with nature. In this course students will learn to apply some of the principles of permaculture to extending a developing academic-year winter-harvest plan on the homestead Kenyon Farm and to year round prospects. Students enrolling in this spring course will be asked to assist with planting in the late fall with harvesting occurring in winter months of the spring semester when the course is in session. The course is interdisciplinary, linking biology, sociology and sustainable farming strategies. This course cannot count as biology credit as less than half the course is directed to biology. Prerequisite: ENVS 112 or BIOL115 or permission of the instructor.