Rate My Professor John Bolte

John Bolte serves as Professor in the Department of Biological and Ecological Engineering at Oregon State University, part of the College of Agricultural Sciences. He held the position of Department Head from July 2002 to 2022 and has been affiliated with OSU since 1987, starting as a Post-Doctoral Systems Research Scientist in the Crop and Soil Science Department. Prior roles include Assistant Professor in Bioresource Engineering and Crop & Soil Science Departments from July 1989 to June 1994, and Associate Professor in Bioresource Engineering since July 1994. Earlier, he was Research Associate at Auburn University Agricultural Engineering Department from 1983 to 1987. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering from Auburn University in 1987, an M.S. in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Florida in 1983, and a B.S. in Plant Science from the University of Florida in 1977.

Bolte's research focuses on mathematical modeling and simulation of coupled human-natural systems, applying scenario-based analysis to agricultural systems, water supply and usage, community wildfire planning, climate adaptation strategies, coastal processes, and community resilience via influence network analysis. He leads the development of the Envision software platform for integrated environmental modeling, supporting projects such as Oregon Coastal Futures, Willamette Water 2100, and Forests, People, Fire. Notable publications include "Exploring the impacts of climate and policy changes on coastal community resilience: Simulating alternative future scenarios" (2018, Environmental Modelling and Software), "Adaptation in fire-prone landscapes: interactions of policies, management, wildfire, and social networks in Oregon, USA" (2018, Ecology and Society), "Using an agent-based model to examine forest management outcomes in a fire-prone landscape in Oregon, USA" (2017, Ecology and Society), "Modeling biocomplexity – actors, landscapes and alternative futures" (2007, Environmental Modelling and Software), and "Applications of geographical information systems (GIS) for spatial decision support in aquaculture" (2000, Aquacultural Engineering). Bolte has served on the Faculty Senate, College of Engineering Leadership Team, Research Council, and as Chair of the Benton County Planning Commission from 1998 to 2004. He contributed as Interim Director of the Institute for Water and Watersheds and worked extensively with watershed councils. He teaches courses such as BEE 320 Systems Analysis & Modeling and has delivered public lectures, including at Science Pub.