Christopher Cogan
Adjunct Professor, Department of Geography
Memorial University of Newfoundland
St. John's, NL, Canada
A1B 3X9
Office: SN 2002
ccogan@mun.ca
Research and Teaching Experience:
My research areas include terrestrial and marine ecology and geography combined with a focus on spatial elements of biodiversity and ecosystem-based management. These studies span the physical and social spectrum of Geography, supported by Geographic Information Science, including Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing technologies.
Most recently, I am a key member of an international research team developing new paradigms to improve teaching and learning at the university level, with particular emphasis on STEM disciplines and social science literacy. Where possible, I integrate these advances into the courses I teach at MUN. Our approach includes a strong emphasis on self-assessment skills, with metacognitive advancements and quantitative evaluation of majority privilege compared with groups that differ in gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. This work is grounded with data assessing the science literacy of over 30,000 students and “paired measures” data from over 9,000 students with peer-reviewed validated instruments. Our last three research papers have now (2022) surpassed 10,000 downloads in 109 countries.
My university teaching portfolio includes: Introductory and advanced GIS, Environmental Studies and Resource Management, Land Use Planning, Physical Geography, Field Methods, and Environmental Biology.
Education
M.A. Geography, 1993. University of California, Santa Barbara, CA.
Emphasis in biogeography, biodiversity analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, digital image processing, and computer software design.
Ph.D. Environmental Studies, 2001. University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
Biological studies of ecosystems and urbanization using computer modeling and simulation. Emphasis on biodiversity with Information Technology (IT) applications of digital imagery and geographic information systems (GIS).
Selected Publications:
Wirth, Karl, Ed Nuhfer, Christopher Cogan, and McKensie Kay Phillips. 2022. Knowledge Surveys Part 1 — Benefits of Knowledge Surveys to Student Learning and Development. Improve with Metacognition, 23 September 2022. https://www.improvewithmetacognition.com/knowledge-surveys-part-1/
Nuhfer, Ed, Karl Wirth, Christopher Cogan, McKensie Kay Phillips, and Matthew Rowe. 2022. Knowledge Surveys Part 2 — Twenty Years of Learning Guiding More Creative Uses Improve with Metacognition, 28 September 2022. https://www.improvewithmetacognition.com/knowledge-surveys-part-2/
Watson, Rachel M., Edward B. Nuhfer, Kali Nicholas Moon, Steven Fleisher, Paul Walter, Karl Wirth, Christopher B. Cogan, Ami Wangeline and Eric Gaze. 2019. Paired Measures of Competence and Confidence Illuminate Impacts of Privilege on College Students. Numeracy, Theme Collection: Social Justice 12(2) 2. https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/numeracy/vol12/iss2/art2/
Nuhfer, E., Christopher B. Cogan, Stephen C. Fleisher, and Rachel M. Watson. 2019. Knowledge Surveys Two Decades Later: Returning to Our Roots – Educating in Fractal Patterns LV. National Teaching and Learning Forum. 29(1), 10-12. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nuhfer, Edward B., Steven Fleisher, Christopher Cogan, Karl Wirth, and Eric Gaze. 2017. How Random Noise and a Graphical Convention Subverted Behavioral Scientists' Explanations of Self-Assessment Data: Numeracy Underlies Better Alternatives. Numeracy: Vol. 10 : Iss. 1, Article 4. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5038/1936-4660.10.1
Nuhfer, Edward B., Christopher B. Cogan, Carl Kloock, Gregory G. Wood, Anya Goodman, Natalie Zayas Delgado, and Christopher W. Wheeler. 2016. Using a Concept Inventory to Assess the Reasoning Component of Citizen-Level Science Literacy: Results from a 17,000-Student Study. Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education, 17(1) 143-155. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/jmbe.v17i1.1036
Nuhfer, Edward B., Christopher B. Cogan, Steven Fleisher, Eric Gaze, and Karl Wirth. 2016. Random Number Simulations Reveal How Random Noise Affects the Measurements and Graphical Portrayals of Self-Assessed Competency. Numeracy, 9(1) 4. http://dx.doi.org/10.5038/1936-4660.9.1.4
Cogan, Christopher B., Jesse D’Elia, Ken Convery, Joseph Brandt, and Tom Bulgerin. 2012. Analysis of California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) Activity Using GPS Satellite Telemetry Data. Open Ornithology Journal 5:82-93. The majority of the writing, the main geospatial concepts, GIS data analysis, condor biology, and C++ pseudocode programming elements of this paper were my own. https://benthamopen.com/contents/pdf/TOOENIJ/TOOENIJ-5-82.pdf
Cogan, Christopher B. 2011. New CSU Coastal Geospatial Research, Education, and Technology Network (GREAT). CSU Geospatial Review: Geographic Information Science (GIS) in the California State University System. 9:2011. 1 May 2011. http://csugis.sfsu.edu/sites/default/files/Geospatial_Review_2011.pdf
Cogan, Christopher B., Brian J. Todd, Peter Lawton, and Thomas T. Noji. 2009. The Role of Marine Habitat Mapping in Ecosystem-Based Management. International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Journal of Marine Science, 66(9) 2033-2042. Oxford University Press. The majority of the writing, the main geospatial concepts, and biodiversity elements of this paper were my own. https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsp214
Cogan, Christopher B. 2008. Arctic Coastal Biodiversity (ACBio). In: V. Rachold and C. Palsson (eds.) International Arctic Science Committee Bulletin. Stockholm, Sweden. ISBN 978-91-977328-0-2. The majority of the writing and the main biodiversity concepts of this paper were my own.
Cogan, Christopher B., and Thomas T. Noji. 2007. Marine Classification, Mapping, and Biodiversity Analysis. In: Brian J. Todd and H. Gary Greene, eds., Mapping the seafloor for habitat characterization, SP 47, pp. 129-140. Geological Association of Canada, St. John's, NL, Canada. The majority of the writing and the main biodiversity concepts of this paper were my own. https://gac.ca/product/mapping-the-seafloor-for-habitat-characterization/
Cogan, Christopher B., and Volker Rachold 2007. Science Plan on Arctic Coastal Processes, In: S. Bowden, R. Corell, S. Hassol, and C. Symon eds., Second International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP II) Arctic Research: A Global Responsibility. Copenhagen, Denmark. McCallum Printing Group. The majority of the writing and the main biodiversity concepts of this paper were my own. Author Rachold provided additional text and creative insights to keep the manuscript in sync with the larger volume.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2002. Biodiversity predictions: Integrating urban growth models with land cover data and species habitat information. In: Gap Analysis Bulletin (10:33-36) Moscow ID, USA.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2002. Biodiversity conflict analysis at multiple spatial scales. Book Chapter In: Scott et al eds., Predicting Species Occurrences: Issues of Accuracy and Scale. Island Press, USA.
Halbert, Susan E., Michael D. Jennings, Christopher B. Cogan, Sharron S. Quisenberry, and James B. Johnson. 1995. Potential use of suction trap collections of aphids as indicators of plant biodiversity. In: Insects in a Changing Environment, N. Stark and R. Harrington, eds., Academic Press, London. 535 pp.
Machlis, Gary E., J. Michael Scott, Deborah J. Forester, and Christopher B. Cogan. 1994. The application of Gap Analysis to decision making in the U.S. National Wildlife Refuge System. Trans. 59th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference. pp. 566-574.
Stoms, David M., Frank W. Davis, Christopher B. Cogan, Marco O. Painho, Brean W. Duncan, Joseph Scepan, and J. Michael Scott, 1993. "Geographic analysis of California Condor sighting data", Conservation Biology 7:148-159.
Stoms, David M., Frank W. Davis, and Christopher B. Cogan, 1992. "Sensitivity of wildlife habitat models to uncertainties in GIS data", Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing 58: 843-850.
Selected Presentations:
Nuhfer, Edward, Steven Fleisher, Karl Wirth, Rachel Watson, Christopher B. Cogan, and Lauren Scharff. 2021. Paired Cognitive and Affective Self-Assessment Measures Seem to Render Solely Cognitive Assessment Instruments Archaic. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs (peer-reviewed), v. 53, no. 6. https://doi.org/10.1130/abs/2021AM-370303.
Fleisher, Steven, Edward Nuhfer, Karl Wirth, Rachel Watson, Christopher Cogan, and Lauren Scharff. 2021. The Value of Paired Cognitive and Affective Self-assessment Measures as Assessments of Students’ Intellectual Development: A Perspective from Psychology. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs (peer-reviewed), v. 53, no. 6. https://doi.org/10.1130/abs/2021AM-370632.
Nuhfer, Edward B., Patrick McKnight, Simone McKnight, Karl Wirth, Christopher B. Cogan, Steven C. Fleisher, Cinzia Cervato, Matt Rowe, Rachel M. Watson, Kali N. Moon, Lauren Scharff, Paul Walter, and Eric Gaze. 2021. The Numeracy of Self-Assessment: Learned Consequences and Rich Opportunities. National Numeracy Network. Video Publication. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRuGd9I-Hzw
Cogan, Christopher B. 2021. A geospatial approach to support decision making and policy on physical distance measures with COVID-19: Development and Implementation of a Density Calculator at Memorial University. Presented as a three-part Memorial University panel discussion with Steve Greene and Greg McDougall on Pandemic Technology Enabling Business Transformation. Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO) 2021 Annual Conference, 16 June 2021.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2021. Interactive Knowledge Surveys. Presented as a part of a panel discussion on “The Numeracy of Self-assessment: Learned Consequences and Rich Opportunities”. National Numeracy Network 28 Feb 2021. http://www.nnn-us.org/resources/Documents/Meetings/2020/2020-21-NNN%20Meeting-Abstracts.pdf
Cogan, Christopher B. 2018. Transforming seven years of spatial data into information for endangered species research and management. Seminar presented to the Memorial University of Newfoundland Department of Geography, Blue Box Seminar Series. 16 November 2018, St. John’s, NL, Canada.
Nuhfer, Edward, Christopher B. Cogan, and Dawn J. Wright, 2018. Unpacking the “S” and “T” of STEM: Overlooked Conceptual Differences are Important. Talk presented to the 99th Annual Meeting of the Pacific Division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). 14 June 2018. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, USA.
Nuhfer, Edward, Steven Fleisher, and Christopher B. Cogan, 2018. “Students Can’t Self-Assess: How a Flawed Model Entered the Physical and Life Sciences Education Literature”. Talk presented to the 99th Annual Meeting of the Pacific Division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). 14 June 2018. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, USA.
Cogan, Christopher B. and Steve Kennedy 2017. Emergency Services Mapping: Advancing Technologies and Protocols. Invited talk to the GIS Day Annual Conference for Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Ventura College, Ventura, CA. 17 November 2017.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2017. Participating in Paradigm Shifts for Digital Scientific Data. Invited talk presented to the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Warnemünde, Germany 12 July 2017.
Wright, Rebekah, and Christopher B. Cogan 2014. Mapping Marine Debris with GIS. Presentation to the Sage Student Research Conference, California State University Channel Islands, 10 May 2014.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2013. GIS Applications for Wilderness Search and Rescue. Invited talk to the GIS Day Annual Conference for Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Ventura College, Ventura, CA. Nov 18, 2013.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2013. Course Alignment Using Knowledge Surveys: What Should Students be Learning in University GIS Classes? Presentation and Panel Moderator, Third Annual LA Geospatial Summit. Japanese-American National Museum, 8 February 2013.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2012. Knowledge Surveys for Teaching and Learning GIS. Invited talk presented to the Second Annual Los Angeles Geospatial Summit. Japanese-American National Museum, 30 April 2012.
Cogan, Christopher B., Nuhfer, Edward B., and Carl Kloock. Development of a Concept Inventory for Science Literacy. Talk presented to the Geological Society of America, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 12 October 2011. Abstract and power-point files are available on the GSA web page: http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2011AM/finalprogram/abstract_197790.htm
Nuhfer, Edward B., Cogan, Christopher B., and Carl Kloock. First Results from the Science Literacy Concept Inventory: The Reasoning We Don’t Produce Through Gen-ed. Talk presented to the Geological Society of America, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 12 October 2011. Abstract and power-point files are available on the GSA web page: https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2011AM/finalprogram/abstract_197501.htm
Nuhfer, Edward B., Carl Kloock, Christopher B. Cogan, and Gregory Wood. 2011. Initial Results from Piloting a Science Literacy Concept Inventory. Talk presented to the 92nd Annual Meeting of the Pacific Division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). 13 June 2011. University of San Diego, San Diego, CA.
Cogan, Christopher B. and Corey Garza 2011. Geospatial Research, Education and Technology: Geospatial Workshop Summary. Talk presented to the CSU Council on Ocean Affairs, Science and Technology (COAST) Executive Committee and campus representatives. 28 April 2011. Chancellor’s Office, Glenn S. Dumke Auditorium, Long Beach, CA.
Cogan, Christopher B. and Corey Garza. 2011. Introduction to the COAST Geospatial Research, Education, and Technology Network. Talk presented to the CSU Council on Ocean Affairs, Science and Technology (COAST) Executive Committee and campus representatives. 28 April 2011. Chancellor’s Office, Glenn S. Dumke Auditorium, Long Beach, CA.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2010. Biodiversity as a Template for Research Priorities. Paper delivered at Workshop on California Biodiversity Hotspots and the Engagement of Urban Youth with Science. Oakland Museum of California, Oakland, CA, Oct 21, 2010.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2010. Coastal Marine Habitats: Mapping, Biodiversity Analysis, and Models to Support Ecosystem-Based Management. Poster delivered at Annual Celebration of Excellence (ACE) for the STEM Initiative at CI. Broome Library, CSU Channel Islands. May 2010.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2010. The Benefits of National Forest and Wilderness Lands for Local Communities. Paper delivered at Los Padres Forest Watch Annual Ojai Wild Event. Thatcher School, Ojai, CA, Mar 27, 2010.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2010. The California Condor - Local Opportunities for Student Learning. Presented to CSU Channel Islands. Broome Library. Mar 11, 2010.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2009. Perspectives on Sustainability. Presented to CSU Channel Islands Business & Technology Partnership 7th Annual Holiday Mixer. Aliso Hall, CI, Camarillo, CA. Dec 3, 2009.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2009. Public and Stakeholder Engagement with Biodiversity Theory for Management. Invited talk for a workshop on California biodiversity hotspots and the engagement of urban youth with science. Oakland Museum of California, Oakland, CA. 6 November 2009.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2009. Coastal Ecosystem Priorities: Realigning GIS and Biodiversity Theory for Management. Invited colloquium presentation, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). MBARI Pacific Forum, Moss Landing, CA. 28 October 2009.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2008. Marine GIS for Ecosystem-based Management. Invited presentation to the GIS Day Annual Conference for Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Ventura College, Ventura, CA. Nov 21, 2008.
Cogan, Christopher B., Brian J. Todd, Peter Lawton, and Thomas T. Noji. 2008. The Role of Marine Habitat Mapping in Ecosystem-Based Management. Paper presentation to: International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Annual Science Conference 2008, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. 22 September 2008.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2008. Biodiversity and Spatial Analysis: Key topics for environmental research and management. Invited talk, Oakland Museum of California. 29 May 2008.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2007. Environmental science challenges and the expanding need for geographic information systems (GIS). Invited presentation, GIS Day Annual Conference for Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Ventura College, Ventura, CA. Nov 16, 2007.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2006. Challenges for interdisciplinary coastal research in the Arctic. Invited presentation to the Second International Conference on Arctic Research Planning, 19 November 2006. Potsdam, Germany.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2006. Arctic Coastal Biodiversity: A Multi-Scale Challenge at the Terrestrial Marine Interface. Invited talk, 36th Annual Conference, Ecological Society of Germany, Austria and Switzerland (Gesellschaft für Ökologie, GfÖ), 12 September 2006, Bremen, Germany.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2006. Arctic Coastal Biodiversity. Invited presentation to Arctic Council working group on Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF). CAFF XI Biennial Meeting, Ylläs, Finland. 7 June 2006.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2006. Looking North: Increasing International Focus on Arctic Coastal Habitats, Biodiversity, and Ecosystems. Presentation to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), Working Group on Marine Habitat Mapping, April 2006, Galway, Ireland.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2006. Arctic Coastal Biodiversity Analysis: Theory and Practice. Invited presentation to the Council of the International Arctic Science Committee, Arctic Science Summit Week, 23 March 2006. Potsdam, Germany.
Bartsch, Inka, Christopher B. Cogan, Sabine Thiemann, and Benjamin Hennig. 2005. Mapping of small-scale intertidal macrophyte communities at the island of Helgoland (North Sea) using hyperspectral remote sensing images (ROSIS data), Porto, Portugal.
Cogan, Christopher B., Manfred Reinke, Enrique Isla, Dieter Gerdes, and Ulrich V. Bathmann. 2004. Biodiversity studies in Antarctic shelf environments: Opportunities and challenges for geographic information systems. Talk presented at the SCAR Open Science Conference, July 2004, Bremen, Germany.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2004. Science Planning for Arctic Coastal Biodiversity Research. Presentation to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), Working Group on Marine Habitat Mapping, March 2004, Brest, France.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2003. Quantitative Biodiversity Analysis: A Critical Step for Coastal Planning. Presentation to the International Arctic Science Committee Arctic Coastal Dynamics meeting, 11 November 2003, St. Petersburg, Russia.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2003. Concepts in marine geographical ecology: Marine classification and mapping for biodiversity analysis. Talk presented at the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, 5 February 2003. Bremerhaven, Germany.
Cogan, Christopher B., Thomas Noji, and Nancy Wright. 2002. Grasping the Thorny Issues of
Marine Habitat Classification for Marine Habitat Mapping. Talk presented to the GeoHab steering committee meeting, May 2002. Moss Landing, California USA.
Cogan, Christopher B. 2001. Marine Metadata. Talk presented at the Wadden Sea Research Station, 22 March 2001. List, Germany.
Cogan, Christopher B. 1999. Biodiversity conflict analysis at multiple spatial scales. Talk presented at the Symposium on Predicting Species Occurrences – Issues of Accuracy and Scale. 1 October 1999. Snowbird, Utah, USA.
Posters Presented (representative selection)
Nuhfer, Edward, Steven Fleisher, Rachel Watson, Kali N. Moon, Karl Wirth, Christopher B. Cogan, Paul Walter, Ami Wangeline, Eric Gaze, and Rick Zechman 2019. The Value of Paired Confidence-Competence Measures in Assessment of College Student Success in Majority and Marginalized Minority Groups. Poster presentation at the American Association of Behavioral and Social Sciences (AABSS), 25-26 February 2019, Las Vegas, CA. https://www.aabss.net/about-aabss
Fleisher, Steven, Edward Nuhfer, Christopher B. Cogan, and Karl Wirth 2015. Results of Assessing Self-assessments of Competency and Actual Proficiency with Instruments of Known Reliability. Poster presentation at the American Association of Behavioral and Social Sciences (AABSS), 10 February 2015, Las Vegas, CA. https://www.aabss.net/about-aabss
Cogan, Christopher B. 2013. Analysis of California Condor Activity Patterns: New Applications of Geographic Information Systems to Endangered Species Biology. Poster presentation at the Center for Spatial Studies, Spatial@UCSB 2013 Forum. 6 June 2013. Corwin Pavilion, UCSB, Santa Barbara, CA.