Patrick Kozak is a research scientist and lecturer for the Center for Sustainable Solutions and the Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Health Sciences at the South Dakota School of Mines. He has over 25 years of GIS and remote sensing experience and is applying it to regional climate and environmental issues. His research has included issues related to surface water salinization, land use and land use change, remediation and restoration, energy, natural hazards, climate change, flood plain management, hazard identification, mitigation planning, threat and hazard identification, and assessment with Tribes, tribal colleges, and non-profits across the United States.