Journalist with more than 20 year's experience documenting images of people and places in more than 100 countries
Published by National Geographic: May 2012; Feb. 2013; Aug. 2014; Aug. 2015; May 2017
Freelance Photographer for the NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA, MLS, NASCAR & NCAA sporting events.
Emmy Award for Broadcast Journalism: 2007
Best Photographers of the Year: Best of 2014, Best of 2015 - Pixoto; 2016 - Thumbtack
Published by National Geographic: May 2012; Feb. 2013; Aug. 2014; Aug. 2015; May 2017
Freelance Photographer for the NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA, MLS, NASCAR & NCAA sporting events.
Emmy Award for Broadcast Journalism: 2007
Best Photographers of the Year: Best of 2014, Best of 2015 - Pixoto; 2016 - Thumbtack
Adjunct Professor of Digital Photography and Geography
FAS 226: Digital Photography
Photography as a visual medium is integral to the study of contemporary communication. This course introduces students to the history and practice of producing photographic images. The content of the course is a combination of lecture and the hands-on practice of both the analog and digital methods of photographic image-making. The traditional darkroom is dispensed with, giving over to the computer the role of darkroom, with the student using Adobe Photoshop and other image editors to process traditional film and digital image captures. The student is taught to use both film and non-film digital cameras to capture, process and print a portfolio of several original photographic images. Students have the opportunity to output photo prints on state-of-the-art digital printers and plotters ranging from small to large scale on a variety of art papers. Lectures on pictorial composition, subject matter choice, and methods of presentation display will accompany hands-on technical exercises.
GEO 200: World Geography
This course examines the implications of global location and topography for the people of planet Earth. Students will explore how geography shapes the dynamics of human societies, with an emphasis on the geo-environmental, geopolitical, and geo-social phenomena that help to define the modern world.
G328/EVR3410: Human Uses of the Environment
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the integrated relationship between human life and the surrounding environment, beginning with a study of the fundamental concepts and principles of ecology. Topics that are interwoven throughout the course include principles of ecology as seen in the structure and function of the ecosystem; pollution of air, soil, and water resources; population explosion and the relationship of people, disease, and food production; and environmental controls necessary for survival.
G346 / GEO3204: Physical Geography
This course presents a study of the development and distribution of landforms, climates, minerals, soils and water resources. Interrelationships between the physical environment and regional patterns formed by these elements are analyzed against human’s utilization of them.
G146/GEO1010: Human Geography
This course will introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students will employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences.
GEOG 101: World Geography
This course provides an introduction to world regional geography. It includes the study of the earth with reference to its physical features, human and environmental systems, and regional and global relationships. Primary emphasis will be given to the study of human activity on earth.
GEO101B: World Geography I
Provides an overview of world regional geography, with special attention paid to the western world and the Americas. The concepts of regionalism, culture, and national environment will be explored, along with the political and economic forces that shape peoples' lives.
GEO102B: World Geography II
Continues the overview of world regional geography. Given basic concepts of world population, landscape, and culture, there will be discussion of how human-geographic forces shape the culture and history of third-world areas such as Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
GEO1110: Physical Geography
Studies the natural environment, which is important to people and their activities, and how the physical elements of geography affect people. Presents maps and physical features, earth-sun-moon relationships, earth materials, land forms, drainage, and major natural resources. Introduces the character, causes, significance, and distribution of weather, climate, soils, and vegetation.
GEOG131: Physical Geography I
An introduction to the physical patterns of the Earth, location, Earth-sun relationships, portrayal of the Earth, cartographic analysis, weather and climate phenomena, along with the scientific method and consideration of cultural diversity factors from the Native American and other perspectives.
GEOG132: Physical Geography II
A continuation of GEOG 131 focusing on: location, cartographic analysis, basic geographic patterns, landforms (genesis, development, situation) in various physical environments plus soil and vegetation patterns and environmental relationships with consideration of cultural diversity factors from the Native American and other perspectives.
GEO 330: Geo-hazards
This course will explore disasters due to natural phenomena such as climate change, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunami, volcanic eruptions, asteroid/comet impacts, and mass extinctions. Each type of event will be considered in terms of its origin, evolution, warning potential, range of significant environmental impacts and possible mitigation strategies, as well as key historical cases of these geo-hazards.
G350: Conservation of Resources
The purpose of this course is to provide students with important principles of ecology and resource management. Emphasis will be on local, national, and global environment problems and possible solutions to these problems.
HOS 220: Geography of Global Cultures
Tourism geography investigates the relationship between culture and tourism. Issues and trends in the management of tangible and intangible assets, such as interpretation, globalization and cross-cultural values are investigated. The course covers major tourism and recreation issues on a global scale and how they apply to different regions of the world. The class takes a geographical perspective, which includes relationships between physical (geology, climate, vegetation) and cultural (historical, cultural, economic) aspects of places around the globe.
ECO 360: The Rise of Modern Asia
This course describes and explains the emergence of modern nations in Pacific Asia. History, geography and cultural traditions are examined and related to the economic development of Pacific Asia.
GEO IDS-400: Diversity
This course aims to broaden and deepen students' understanding, experience, and critical thinking skills with regard to cultural differences and cross-cultural interactions. Students will analyze diversity through the disciplines of socio-economics, physical anthropology, biology, geography, and arts and the humanities. Intercultural competence, a lifelong learning process, is introduced as a crucial skill set and benefit to the individual, interpersonal relationships, organizations, and society. Analyzing the role of culture in today's world, developing culturally responsive practices, and understanding the benefits and challenges of diversity will be emphasized.
IDS-401: Global Society
This course aims to expand upon students' understanding, experience, and critical thinking skills, connecting the roles of the individual at the local, national, and global levels. Students will be analyzing global issues that affect different aspects of identity - individual, national, and global - through the lenses of economics, political science, technology, and business, among other disciplines. Increased global awareness, an important knowledge-base for the 21st Century individual, is emphasized to prepare students for personal and professional relationships with individuals, groups, and organizations that present themselves through a global network. Analyzing the challenges of shifting from local to global, researching the relationship of technology and society, and understanding the importance of the individual in relation to a global society will be emphasized.
G355 / GEA3212: Geography of the United States and Canada
This course presents a comprehensive study of the physical, economic, and social character of the geographic regions of the US and Canada and their significance in the economic and political affairs of the world.
HUM-3ST1: Food and Culture
This course seeks to introduce students to a variety of social, moral, and aesthetic questions about food and engage them in current debates. Topics will include the role of food in shaping identity; the ethics of producing, consuming, and distributing food; and the significance of food in Western art. The course includes lectures, discussions, films, and culinary exploration.
HLTH 243: Community Health
A study of health on a local, national, and a global level. The students will acquaint themselves with health issues in relation to their community. Included are areas of infectious disease and its prevention, human sexuality, violence and abuse, environmental health, aging, death and dying, and health in the new millennium.
PE 100: Weight Training
This courses is designed to present students the opportunity to learn lifetime skills promoting physical, social and emotional well-being and to develop intellectual inquiry to the need of physical activity and leisure.
PE 100: Health & Fitness
The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding and personal appreciation of the relationship of physical activity and fitness to health, so that the individual will select an appropriate personal life-style necessary to produce optimal lifelong health and well-being. Information will be provided in the areas of exercise, fitness, stress management and nutrition. This information will aid the student in developing and maintaining a personal fitness program.
FAS 226: Digital Photography
Photography as a visual medium is integral to the study of contemporary communication. This course introduces students to the history and practice of producing photographic images. The content of the course is a combination of lecture and the hands-on practice of both the analog and digital methods of photographic image-making. The traditional darkroom is dispensed with, giving over to the computer the role of darkroom, with the student using Adobe Photoshop and other image editors to process traditional film and digital image captures. The student is taught to use both film and non-film digital cameras to capture, process and print a portfolio of several original photographic images. Students have the opportunity to output photo prints on state-of-the-art digital printers and plotters ranging from small to large scale on a variety of art papers. Lectures on pictorial composition, subject matter choice, and methods of presentation display will accompany hands-on technical exercises.
GEO 200: World Geography
This course examines the implications of global location and topography for the people of planet Earth. Students will explore how geography shapes the dynamics of human societies, with an emphasis on the geo-environmental, geopolitical, and geo-social phenomena that help to define the modern world.
G328/EVR3410: Human Uses of the Environment
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the integrated relationship between human life and the surrounding environment, beginning with a study of the fundamental concepts and principles of ecology. Topics that are interwoven throughout the course include principles of ecology as seen in the structure and function of the ecosystem; pollution of air, soil, and water resources; population explosion and the relationship of people, disease, and food production; and environmental controls necessary for survival.
G346 / GEO3204: Physical Geography
This course presents a study of the development and distribution of landforms, climates, minerals, soils and water resources. Interrelationships between the physical environment and regional patterns formed by these elements are analyzed against human’s utilization of them.
G146/GEO1010: Human Geography
This course will introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students will employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences.
GEOG 101: World Geography
This course provides an introduction to world regional geography. It includes the study of the earth with reference to its physical features, human and environmental systems, and regional and global relationships. Primary emphasis will be given to the study of human activity on earth.
GEO101B: World Geography I
Provides an overview of world regional geography, with special attention paid to the western world and the Americas. The concepts of regionalism, culture, and national environment will be explored, along with the political and economic forces that shape peoples' lives.
GEO102B: World Geography II
Continues the overview of world regional geography. Given basic concepts of world population, landscape, and culture, there will be discussion of how human-geographic forces shape the culture and history of third-world areas such as Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
GEO1110: Physical Geography
Studies the natural environment, which is important to people and their activities, and how the physical elements of geography affect people. Presents maps and physical features, earth-sun-moon relationships, earth materials, land forms, drainage, and major natural resources. Introduces the character, causes, significance, and distribution of weather, climate, soils, and vegetation.
GEOG131: Physical Geography I
An introduction to the physical patterns of the Earth, location, Earth-sun relationships, portrayal of the Earth, cartographic analysis, weather and climate phenomena, along with the scientific method and consideration of cultural diversity factors from the Native American and other perspectives.
GEOG132: Physical Geography II
A continuation of GEOG 131 focusing on: location, cartographic analysis, basic geographic patterns, landforms (genesis, development, situation) in various physical environments plus soil and vegetation patterns and environmental relationships with consideration of cultural diversity factors from the Native American and other perspectives.
GEO 330: Geo-hazards
This course will explore disasters due to natural phenomena such as climate change, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunami, volcanic eruptions, asteroid/comet impacts, and mass extinctions. Each type of event will be considered in terms of its origin, evolution, warning potential, range of significant environmental impacts and possible mitigation strategies, as well as key historical cases of these geo-hazards.
G350: Conservation of Resources
The purpose of this course is to provide students with important principles of ecology and resource management. Emphasis will be on local, national, and global environment problems and possible solutions to these problems.
HOS 220: Geography of Global Cultures
Tourism geography investigates the relationship between culture and tourism. Issues and trends in the management of tangible and intangible assets, such as interpretation, globalization and cross-cultural values are investigated. The course covers major tourism and recreation issues on a global scale and how they apply to different regions of the world. The class takes a geographical perspective, which includes relationships between physical (geology, climate, vegetation) and cultural (historical, cultural, economic) aspects of places around the globe.
ECO 360: The Rise of Modern Asia
This course describes and explains the emergence of modern nations in Pacific Asia. History, geography and cultural traditions are examined and related to the economic development of Pacific Asia.
GEO IDS-400: Diversity
This course aims to broaden and deepen students' understanding, experience, and critical thinking skills with regard to cultural differences and cross-cultural interactions. Students will analyze diversity through the disciplines of socio-economics, physical anthropology, biology, geography, and arts and the humanities. Intercultural competence, a lifelong learning process, is introduced as a crucial skill set and benefit to the individual, interpersonal relationships, organizations, and society. Analyzing the role of culture in today's world, developing culturally responsive practices, and understanding the benefits and challenges of diversity will be emphasized.
IDS-401: Global Society
This course aims to expand upon students' understanding, experience, and critical thinking skills, connecting the roles of the individual at the local, national, and global levels. Students will be analyzing global issues that affect different aspects of identity - individual, national, and global - through the lenses of economics, political science, technology, and business, among other disciplines. Increased global awareness, an important knowledge-base for the 21st Century individual, is emphasized to prepare students for personal and professional relationships with individuals, groups, and organizations that present themselves through a global network. Analyzing the challenges of shifting from local to global, researching the relationship of technology and society, and understanding the importance of the individual in relation to a global society will be emphasized.
G355 / GEA3212: Geography of the United States and Canada
This course presents a comprehensive study of the physical, economic, and social character of the geographic regions of the US and Canada and their significance in the economic and political affairs of the world.
HUM-3ST1: Food and Culture
This course seeks to introduce students to a variety of social, moral, and aesthetic questions about food and engage them in current debates. Topics will include the role of food in shaping identity; the ethics of producing, consuming, and distributing food; and the significance of food in Western art. The course includes lectures, discussions, films, and culinary exploration.
HLTH 243: Community Health
A study of health on a local, national, and a global level. The students will acquaint themselves with health issues in relation to their community. Included are areas of infectious disease and its prevention, human sexuality, violence and abuse, environmental health, aging, death and dying, and health in the new millennium.
PE 100: Weight Training
This courses is designed to present students the opportunity to learn lifetime skills promoting physical, social and emotional well-being and to develop intellectual inquiry to the need of physical activity and leisure.
PE 100: Health & Fitness
The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding and personal appreciation of the relationship of physical activity and fitness to health, so that the individual will select an appropriate personal life-style necessary to produce optimal lifelong health and well-being. Information will be provided in the areas of exercise, fitness, stress management and nutrition. This information will aid the student in developing and maintaining a personal fitness program.
Accompanying Professional Experience
Photojournalist and Editor for the National Guard (1991-2011)
Speechwriter at the Pentagon serving the DoD and Congress (2007-2010)
Managing Editor for the American Nurses Association (2007)
Digital Data Production Analyst for NASA at the EROS (Earth Resources Observation and Science) Center (1999-2000)
State Trooper for the South Dakota Highway Patrol (1997)
Photojournalist and Editor for the National Guard (1991-2011)
Speechwriter at the Pentagon serving the DoD and Congress (2007-2010)
Managing Editor for the American Nurses Association (2007)
Digital Data Production Analyst for NASA at the EROS (Earth Resources Observation and Science) Center (1999-2000)
State Trooper for the South Dakota Highway Patrol (1997)
Books:
Heaton, T: Travel Transcribed - Get the Most Out of Your Travel, Copyright 2021, ISBN 13 979-8453943548
Heaton, T: Cultural Geography - Human Impact on Place: A Visual Approach, Copyright 2020, ISBN 13-979-8697789483
Heaton, T: Travel Translated – How Travel Affects your Brain & The Psychology behind Place, Copyright 2020, ISBN-13 979-8630003805
Heaton, T: Human Geography – Perception on Place: A Visual Approach, Copyright 2019, Instructional Design Works, ISBN 9781796605136
Heaton, T: World Geography - The Impact of Place on Thought: A Visual Approach, Copyright 2018, Instructional Design Works, ISBN-13: 978-1980804024
Heaton, T: Travel Transcribed - Get the Most Out of Your Travel, Copyright 2021, ISBN 13 979-8453943548
Heaton, T: Cultural Geography - Human Impact on Place: A Visual Approach, Copyright 2020, ISBN 13-979-8697789483
Heaton, T: Travel Translated – How Travel Affects your Brain & The Psychology behind Place, Copyright 2020, ISBN-13 979-8630003805
Heaton, T: Human Geography – Perception on Place: A Visual Approach, Copyright 2019, Instructional Design Works, ISBN 9781796605136
Heaton, T: World Geography - The Impact of Place on Thought: A Visual Approach, Copyright 2018, Instructional Design Works, ISBN-13: 978-1980804024
Athlete
•1st place Kaua'i Marathon Relay – Kaua'i, HI (2011)
•1st place Mardi Gras Marathon Relay – New Orleans, LA (2009)
•1st place Little Rock Marathon Relay – co-ed – Little Rock, AR (2009)
•1st place Bataan Memorial Marathon – overall team – White Sands, NM (2009)
•1st place open team male - Air Force Marathon - Dayton, OH (2006, 05, 04), 1st place co-ed (2008)
•1st place open team male - Marine Corps Marathon – Washington D.C. (1999), 3rd place (2002, 2000)
•1st place two-person relay - Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon (2004) “Course Record”
•1st place male open relay - San Francisco Chronicle Marathon (2004)
•1st place team finish – Blue Angel Marathon – Pensacola, FL (2003), (2004)
•1st place Nike ½ marathon – San Francisco, CA (2005)
•2nd place team – 26.2 Breast Cancer Marathon – Jacksonville, FL (2010)
•2nd place team male - Shamrock Sportsfest 8k - Virginia Beach, VA (2001)
•2nd place team male – Seafair Marathon – Bellevue, WA (2006)
•2nd place age group - Golden Gate 1/2 Marathon - San Francisco, CA (2006)
•2nd place team male – Myrtle Beach Marathon – Myrtle Beach, SC (2007)
•2nd place age group – Kauai ½ Marathon – Kauai, HI (2010)
•3rd place Texas Independence Relay (open men), 203 miles - Gonzales to Houston, TX (2011)
•3rd place Missoula ½ Marathon- Missoula, MT (2011)
•3rd place age group – Houston ½ Marathon – Houston, TX (2010)
•3rd place - Mardi Gras ½ Marathon - New Orleans, LA (2002)
•3rd place - US Half Marathon, San Francisco, CA (2005)
•3rd place - Northern Trails 10-mile, Greensboro, NC (2015)
•5th place North American Summer Biathlon Championships - Jericho, VT (2011)
•15th place - 2001 World Team Trials – summer biathlon
•1st place Patrol Race - CNGB Winter Biathlon Championships – 3rd place 30K relay, Jericho, VT (2005)
•2nd place state team – Lincoln National Guard Marathon Championships (2007)
•Puerto Rican National ½ Marathon Championships (2002, 1999)
•Completed Ironman Triathlon – Florianopolis, Brazil (2006)
•Completed American Birkebeiner 50k XC Ski (2003)
•Completed Trans-Rockies Run 116 miles – (2008)
•Earned German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge -GOLD- (2011)
Sponsorship
•Ambassador for Janji Corps
•Ambassador for lululemon athletica
•Ambassador for nuun hydration
•Ambassador for Headsweats
•National Guard
•New Balance
•Rudy Project
•Salomon
•Titus Transportation
•1st place Kaua'i Marathon Relay – Kaua'i, HI (2011)
•1st place Mardi Gras Marathon Relay – New Orleans, LA (2009)
•1st place Little Rock Marathon Relay – co-ed – Little Rock, AR (2009)
•1st place Bataan Memorial Marathon – overall team – White Sands, NM (2009)
•1st place open team male - Air Force Marathon - Dayton, OH (2006, 05, 04), 1st place co-ed (2008)
•1st place open team male - Marine Corps Marathon – Washington D.C. (1999), 3rd place (2002, 2000)
•1st place two-person relay - Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon (2004) “Course Record”
•1st place male open relay - San Francisco Chronicle Marathon (2004)
•1st place team finish – Blue Angel Marathon – Pensacola, FL (2003), (2004)
•1st place Nike ½ marathon – San Francisco, CA (2005)
•2nd place team – 26.2 Breast Cancer Marathon – Jacksonville, FL (2010)
•2nd place team male - Shamrock Sportsfest 8k - Virginia Beach, VA (2001)
•2nd place team male – Seafair Marathon – Bellevue, WA (2006)
•2nd place age group - Golden Gate 1/2 Marathon - San Francisco, CA (2006)
•2nd place team male – Myrtle Beach Marathon – Myrtle Beach, SC (2007)
•2nd place age group – Kauai ½ Marathon – Kauai, HI (2010)
•3rd place Texas Independence Relay (open men), 203 miles - Gonzales to Houston, TX (2011)
•3rd place Missoula ½ Marathon- Missoula, MT (2011)
•3rd place age group – Houston ½ Marathon – Houston, TX (2010)
•3rd place - Mardi Gras ½ Marathon - New Orleans, LA (2002)
•3rd place - US Half Marathon, San Francisco, CA (2005)
•3rd place - Northern Trails 10-mile, Greensboro, NC (2015)
•5th place North American Summer Biathlon Championships - Jericho, VT (2011)
•15th place - 2001 World Team Trials – summer biathlon
•1st place Patrol Race - CNGB Winter Biathlon Championships – 3rd place 30K relay, Jericho, VT (2005)
•2nd place state team – Lincoln National Guard Marathon Championships (2007)
•Puerto Rican National ½ Marathon Championships (2002, 1999)
•Completed Ironman Triathlon – Florianopolis, Brazil (2006)
•Completed American Birkebeiner 50k XC Ski (2003)
•Completed Trans-Rockies Run 116 miles – (2008)
•Earned German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge -GOLD- (2011)
Sponsorship
•Ambassador for Janji Corps
•Ambassador for lululemon athletica
•Ambassador for nuun hydration
•Ambassador for Headsweats
•National Guard
•New Balance
•Rudy Project
•Salomon
•Titus Transportation
Coach
Augustana University: Assistant Track & Field / Cross Country (2004-2005)
University of Minnesota: Assistant Track & Field - Sprints, Jumps & Hurdles (2001-2004)
Fit 4 Duty - Washington, D.C.; Alexandria; Arlington (2012)
TTES: Marathon Coach (2001-2004)
Mounds View High School: Head Boys and Girls Nordic Ski (2001-2003)
University of Sioux Falls: Assistant Track & Field / Cross Country (1998-2000)
Augustana University: Assistant Track & Field / Cross Country (2004-2005)
University of Minnesota: Assistant Track & Field - Sprints, Jumps & Hurdles (2001-2004)
Fit 4 Duty - Washington, D.C.; Alexandria; Arlington (2012)
TTES: Marathon Coach (2001-2004)
Mounds View High School: Head Boys and Girls Nordic Ski (2001-2003)
University of Sioux Falls: Assistant Track & Field / Cross Country (1998-2000)
Promotional Model / Actor
Acting Experience:
·Starship Troopers (1997) Background Actor
·Armageddon (1997) FBI Agent
·Joe Somebody (2001) Businessman; Gym Member
·Flipping Collars (2018) Pilot pitched to A&E
Promotion Modeling Experience:
·Lucky Brand Jeans
·Mexican Board of Tourism
·Verizon
·Sprint / NBC promotion for the hit TV show “Medium”
·Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom:
·Burger King
·Bayer – Betaseron
·Nike plus / Ipod
·Baltimore Orioles
·State Farm / American Idol
·Holiday Inn / American Idol
·Nickelodeon
·Frito’s
·Helio Wireless Device
·Kellogg’s
·Fresca
·Panasonic
·Culver's
·Macallan Scotch
·Pink Vodka
·Riondo Prosecco
"Words and ideas can change the world." - TH