James McDermott

J. R. McDermott is a native son of North Dakota born in Bismarck during the great baby boom. He attended North Dakota State University on a chemistry scholarship and was recruited by Ford Motor Research as a Manufacturing R&D Engineer in support of zero pollution paint technology. Following the oil embargo of 1975 he returned to Minnesota State University for a secondary teaching certification in chemistry. Following five years of secondary science instruction he completed an M.S. at the University of Texas while working as a polymer chemist for Petrolite Specialty Polymers Group. As a Process Engineer in Aerospace he conducted Virtual Reality learning research at Texas A&M. His research culminated with a Doctorate in Technology. Currently he pursues an avid interest in e-learning as Director of Design for the FRG Institute. Here he focuses on the perfection of the e-learning interface using leading edge Virtual World simulation systems and tools. His active focus on preserving the biosphere prompts a deep interest in environmental science and engineering.