Geo Takach's research focuses on environmental communication. His latest books are Scripting the Environment (Palgrave Macmillan, 2016) and Tar Wars (University of Alberta Press, 2017). His scholarly work also includes 16 articles and book chapters; three short documentary films screened at university gallery exhibitions; public readings of his satirical radio revue (at Congress 2016) and his musical eco-comedy play; and more than 30 refereed conference presentations—many aimed at depolarizing tensions between resource extraction and ecological responsibility and in three cases, dramatized in radio or television scripts.
His current research explores intersections of environmental communication, arts-based research and Indigenist approaches, and raising awareness of (and eyebrows at) how climate change is and can be framed in public discourse. Based in the School of Communication and Culture, he also teaches in the School of Environment and Sustainability. His teaching embraces diverse aspects of communication, from theory and cultural contexts to practical strategies and media production.
Experience
Takach’s extensive work as a professional communicator, writer and documentary filmmaker spans hundreds of publications in speeches, print (books, magazines, newspapers, corporate fare), film (commercial and festival), radio, television and video. He is also a professional speaker. He developed and taught diverse courses in communication (theory, research methods, human communication, screenwriting, speechwriting, speech presentation, public relations, online-community design, organizational communication and strategic framing) at four Albertan universities before following his bliss to Royal Roads.
He has taught and supervised both undergraduate and graduate students. He leads workshops on varied aspects of communication for the public, private and volunteer sectors. His scholarly research has been profiled in local and national media. He chaired the 15th biennial Conference on Communication and the Environment hosted by the International Environmental Communication Association in 2019.
Education
n.d.
PhD in Communication Studies
University of Calgary
n.d.
Master of Arts in Communication and Technology
University of Alberta
n.d.
Bachelor of Laws
University of Alberta
n.d.
Bachelor of Arts
University of Alberta
Awards
2010
Gold medal - International Book Publishers Association
Awarded for his book Will the Real Alberta Please Stand Up? (University of Alberta Press, 2010)
