Office of Sustainability Director
Craig Forster PhD, PGeol
Dr. Craig B. Forster passed away on November 28th, 2008. He was a true champion for sustainability, a great friend, and a wonderful husband.
Craig was the Director for the Office of Sustainability and a Research Associate Professor of Urban Planning. Originally trained as a hydrogeologist, Craig spent almost three decades studying and modeling groundwater flow, petroleum migration/production, carbon dioxide sequestration, solute transport and heat transfer in geologic systems. He worked to bridge gaps between environmental science and public policy in urban ecosystems, water sustainability, and campus sustainability. Craig’s research focused on building system dynamics models to explore interactions among social institutions and the natural environment. Craig facilitated communication within large interdisciplinary research teams that include social scientists, economists, natural scientists, urban planners, health scientists, and engineers. He actively contributed to the community engagement efforts that drew stakeholders and decision-makers into community-based research. These efforts include facilitating University of Utah student service-learning projects within an expanding network of community partners. Craig served on the Utah Solid and Hazardous Waste Control Board and the Kennecott Land Company Sustainable Development Advisory Board. As the ‘resident natural scientist’ of the College of Architecture+Planning, he taught classes with themes in system dynamics, natural science, and urban research.
When he wasn't working, Craig loved to cook delicious meals, play the hammered dulcimer in a Hungarian dance band, and enjoy the outdoors with his beautiful wife, Bonnie Baty. Craig always lit up the room with his smile and his optimistic personality. He will be deeply missed.