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David A. Bella

Professor Emeritus
Water Resources Engineering
Mailing Address:
School of Civil and Construction Engineering
Oregon State University
220 Owen Hall
Corvallis, OR 97331-3212
 
Contact Info:
Phone: 541-737-3500
FAX: 541-737-3052
Office: 210 Strand Agricultural Hall
Email: bella@proaxis.com
 
Education:
Ph.D. Civil Engineering New York University, 1967
M.S. Civil Engineering New York University, 1964
B.S. Civil Engineering Virginia Military Institute, 1961
 
Interests and Research:
Dr. Bella's research interests have been directed toward environmental and technological impact assessments. Over thirty years, research and consulting have involved him in a wide range of assessment controversies, including cumulative environmental impacts, global climate change, nuclear waste disposal, space-based weaponry, and disposal of chemical munitions. This broad range of experience led him to examine complex human systems which, he claims, we too often misperceive. Drawing upon historical examples ranging from nineteenth century slavery in America to the Chernobyl explosion in the former Soviet Union, Dr. Bella has developed approaches that describe how people can become caught up in vast behavior systems that become self-sustaining, often with catastrophic consequences. He applies these methods to current problems, including environmental impact assessments.
 
Teaching:
Dr. Bella's teaching interests span a wide range. He teaches environmental engineering fundamentals at the undergraduate level and basic mathematical modeling at the graduate level. He also teaches interdisciplinary courses on the nature of complex systems, particularly human systems. Theses latter courses involve students in creative inquiries that challenge traditional analytical approaches.
 
Vita:bella.pdf[pdficon graphic]