Edwin Eugene (Gene) Ott is a environmental engineer, futurist, planner, inventor, scientist, philosopher, amateur herpetologist, writer, and nature photographer. He has an MS degree in Environmental Systems Engineering (Clemson University, 1972) and a BS in Physics (U. of South Carolina, 1967).

For nearly 30 years, Gene has practiced consulting engineering in the environmental arena. Currently, he is employed with RMT Inc. where he specializes in the use of computer models to predict the fate of pollutants in the natural environment.

For several years he worked for the State of South Carolina developing and implementing statewide programs for managing the construction of publicly-owned wastewater treatment facilities and development of river basin and areawide water quality management plans.

In his early career, he performed research in the United States Air Force concerning fuel fire and explosion suppression in aircraft fuel tanks under flight conditions. His research was often cited in the investigation of the 1996 crash of TWA flight 800 for which the probable cause was found to be an explosion of the center wing fuel tank .

Gene volunteers many hours each year in his local public education system. As an amateur herpetologist, he developed and maintains South Carolina Reptiles and Amphibians. This freely-available website typically receives 1,000 to 2,000 unique ID visits per day. Through his website, he spreads education about these creatures and helps many concerned persons identify the species encountered.

Gene was recently selected as an Artist-In-Residence by the South Carolina State Park Service for 2004.

December 07, 2003 webmaster Copyright 2003, Gene Ott. All rights reserved.