Tim Keane

Tim Keane
2005 Wayne Hunt McElwee Teaching Award

Dr. Timothy Keane is a dedicated teacher that infuses his enthusiasm for the material he is teaching throughout his courses. His personal commitment to sharing his vast knowledge of natural systems and ecology inspires students at all levels. It is clear that Dr. Keane has devoted inordinate thought and effort to understanding the material he teaches. He also embraces the environmental ethic that he espouses in class in the way he lives his life.

Dr. Keane has single-handedly brought an exciting new field of study into the curriculum of the landscape architecture department – fluvial (stream) systems and restoration. He uses practical, hands-on field exercises to augment his lectures. The students gain a deeper understanding of the concepts within the courses by experiencing the issues covered in class first-hand.

He freely gives his time to help students with issues either directly linked to courses, as well as supporting student-led activities such as the design conference held during the fall semesters in 2003 and 2004. During spring 2004 Dr. Keane led a student-staffed stream restoration project in Manhattan. He also participates in numerous conferences and workshops to both promote the ideals of ecological design and to augment his knowledge as well. His work also spans numerous disciplines; he regularly collaborates with engineers, biologists and hydrologists in the academic, professional, and governmental worlds.

He also inspires the kind of trust from students that makes them feel comfortable in seeking advice.