John Ritter stands as a distinguished Professor of Geology and the Program Director of Environmental Science at Wittenberg University. Located within the BDK Science Center 119, he dedicates his expertise to the fields of geomorphology and environmental geology, while also guiding students in environmental science. You can reach him at (937) 327-7332 or via email at [email protected].
Professor Ritter’s teaching portfolio encompasses a range of crucial subjects, including environmental science, environmental geology, geomorphology, hydrology, and geographic information systems. His professional endeavors are deeply rooted in enhancing ecosystem services within public green and blue spaces. Currently, his impactful work involves collaborations with the National Trails Parks and Recreation District and the Springfield Conservancy District. These partnerships are focused on implementing sustainable solutions to reduce streambank erosion along Buck Creek. Furthermore, he is instrumental in re-establishing the vital hydrologic connection between the Mad River and its historical floodplain. This initiative aims to significantly boost local floodwater storage and improve nutrient and sediment retention, contributing to a healthier ecosystem.
Beyond local projects, John Ritter’s passion extends to the western U.S., where he has returned to mapping alluvial fans. Leveraging cutting-edge techniques like photogrammetry and high-resolution imagery derived from unmanned aerial systems, he is pushing the boundaries of geological mapping.
A strong believer in the power of community involvement in education, Professor Ritter actively integrates community-based problems into his courses. He champions the idea that students can be meaningful contributors to real-world solutions through their academic work, regardless of the scale of the challenge. His commitment to service extends beyond the university as an elected member of the Board of Supervisors for the Clark Soil and Water Conservation District and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Springfield Conservancy District.
Professor Ritter’s academic foundation is robust, holding a Ph.D. in Geosciences from Pennsylvania State University (1990), an M.S. in Geology from the University of New Mexico (1987), and a B.S. in Geosciences with Honors from Pennsylvania State University (1983).
His dedication to education and community service has been recognized through numerous accolades, including the 1995 ODK Excellence in Teaching Award, the prestigious 2005 Fulbright Scholar to the University of West Indies, the 2013 CASE Ohio Professor of the Year, the 2016 Excellence in Community Service Award, and the 2016 Alumni Association Award for Distinguished Teaching.
Professor John Ritter is an active member of prominent professional organizations such as the American Geophysical Union (since 1990), the American Quaternary Association (since 1989), and the Geological Society of America (since 1982). He has also contributed to the Geological Society of America Bulletin as an Associate Editor and served on the Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Panel.
His recent publications and professional presentations highlight his ongoing contributions to the field. These include works such as “Assessing stream restoration potential of recreational enhancements on an urban stream, Springfield, Ohio” (2013), “Using Ecosystem Services to Engage Students in Public Dialogue about Water Resources” (2019), and “Revisiting Multiparameter Relative-Age Methods For Mapping Late Quaternary Fan Deposits Of The Soda Mountains, Mojave Desert, California, With Structure-From-Motion Photogrammetry” (2021). These publications and presentations exemplify John Ritter’s commitment to advancing geological knowledge and applying it for the betterment of both the environment and community.
