Meet our Advisors: William Selby
William Selby accrued valuable experiences in private industry before beginning his teaching career in 1981. He taught geography and science for different grade levels and age groups, before taking his full-time position at Santa Monica College in 1985. In addition to teaching a wide range of earth science courses at SMC and serving in several leadership roles, Professor Selby has organized and led many field trips throughout the state and beyond with his colleagues and students. He helped establish SMC’s Center for Environmental and Urban Studies, hosted their lectures series, and served as an advisor to the City. His work with SMC’s Global Citizenship initiatives includes the production of field guide booklets, films, and teaching geography, and science courses for the Study Abroad Program. He has been one of the most requested speakers for SMC’s Speakers Bureau for community groups, and has presented papers each year for professional organizations; such as the AAG, APCG, and CGS. He is a decades-long member of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA).
His diverse research interests and professional and personal activities reflect Professor Selby’s devotion to earth science, geography, atmospheric science, and environmental studies. His book, Rediscovering the Golden State: California Geography, combines his academic expertise and practical experiences within California’s myriad landscapes to present an invaluable guide to developments and issues that are changing California in the twenty-first century.
Selby was featured as science consultant in the 2020 documentary, Dry Times, a story about the impacts of California’s prolonged drought. He carries decades of personal and professional weather observations and climate research experiences from numerous sources (including the National Weather Service) into his latest California Weather and Climate Guide project, anchored by a major publication scheduled to appear next year.