John has over 35 years of professional experience in both private practice and academia. Because of his Ojibwe heritage, John has always had a significant interest in both Native American Cultures and environmental science. This has led him to conduct landscape-based research on ancient Native American sites and work with tribal and other communities in pursuing teaching and design opportunities that focus on cultural interpretation, environmental education, ecological restoration, and reclamation.

His latest research, undertaken with co-principal investigator, Christine Carlson, Senior Research Fellow, focuses on the Laurentian Vision Partnership, a long-term project on the Mesabi Iron Range that promotes sustainable mining and the reshaping of mining sites into productive future landscapes.