David J. Ruck, MFA

Experience

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  Grand Valley State University

  Aug 2006 - Dec 2009

  Adjunct Professor

  Adjunct instructor position at the School of CommunicationI frequently taught three sections a semester of COM 109: Technology in Public Relations & AdvertisingI also taught one semester (two sections) of a lab for Final Cut Pro 6.

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  Muskegon Community College

  Jan 2007 - Dec 2009

  Adjunct Instructor

  Adjunct instructor position at the English Department.I taught a variety of classes including:Intro to CommunicationJournalismMass MediaIntro to Video ProductionSpeech

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  Associate Producer "At the Edge of Space" for PBS NOVA

  Jun 2012 - Nov 2012

  Associate Producer

  I worked with Steve Burns - former EVP of Content, National Geographic Channel - as an associate producer on the NHK program "The Cosmic Shore" in repurposing the show for the western market.In this capacity I worked with the team to identify footage, contact producers, secure rights, and assist with deliverables.The show was picked up by WGBH and aired on PBS NOVA as "At the Edge of Space" in October, 2013.

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  NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

  May 2014 - Sept 2017

  Documentary Filmmaker

  Office of National Marine SanctuariesBoth on land and in the sea, I tell the stories of the National Marine Sanctuaries, helping to engage the public in these spectacular places in the ocean and the Great Lakes.I am capable of filming both above and below the surface of the ocean with some of the best gear available.My connections to other government agencies - like NASA - have helped us grow our audience in social media circles, engaging the American public - and indeed the world - with the National Marine Sanctuaries and their variety of cultural and biological resources.I am trained and equipped as a NOAA Diver using high-end video. I was instrumental in the creation and establishment of the Earth Is Blue campaign to promote sanctuary activities. I continually strive to establish and grow connections to other government agencies, private industry and non profits. My bosses and colleagues will tell you I go above and beyond my job description for the benefit of the office, the administration, and the public. Show less

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  Great Lakes Outreach Media

  Jul 2018 - now

  President/Producer

  Great Lakes Outreach Media is a new company, but already with years of experience in telling stories with strategic messages, targeted audiences and desired outcomes in storytelling, outreach and audience engagement. We partner with groups and organizations that are already doing fantastic work, but want to reach more people, change more minds, and ensure that the benefits of their work aren't lost on the people who should know the most about it. Whether your target audience is educators, stakeholders, elected officials, or granting bodies, your work deserves to be talked about. We help get them talking. Show less

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  Self-employed

  May 2019 - now

  Producer/Director - "The Erie Situation"

  Award-winning documentary that examines the toxic mix of politics, big ag, and water security rights as western Lake Erie turns green with Harmful Algal Blooms every summer. Winner of the Cleveland Film Festival Global Health Competition; Winner of the Shine a Light Award for Journalistic Excellence at the Detroit FreePress FREEP Film Festival; Recipient of the Best Independent Producer Award through the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as part of airing on Great Lakes PBS affiliates.

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  Detroit Public Television

  Aug 2019 - now

  Government & Science Reporter - Great Lakes Now

  David has been contributing to Great Lakes Now since 2019, while he was working on his feature documentary "The Erie Situation". Elements of the material he was gathering became segments of the show in "Toxic Algae and the Climate Conundrum" and "Feeding the Blooms", which focused on industrial agriculture's role in contributing to the dire state of western Lake Erie. "The Erie Situation" went on to win numerous awards for journalistic excellence, global health, as well earning him and his team the "Best Independent Producer for Public Television" award from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) in 2023 for an hour-long version of the film which aired on multiple PBS affiliates, including Detroit Public Television. David has produced numerous award-winning or highly viewed segments for GLN, mostly tapping into his extensive knowledge of the scientific community as well as federal agencies working within the Great Lakes. His background at NOAA has given him access to some of the cutting edge research the administration is conducting in the Great Lakes, as showcased through his segments on Lake Huron Sinkholes and efforts to map the Great Lakes in exquisite detail using modern charting and mapping techniques. David finds it hard to distinguish work from pleasure, as you'll frequently find him flying his drone around the Great Lakes looking for the perfect shot or attending scientific conferences to stay up-to-date on the latest research. Throughout his career, David has focused on topics ranging from space exploration to stories about communities facing the fallout of toxic waste from industrial operations. He is passionate about environmental justice, education, communicating science, and loves to find great characters. When he's not working - though that's rare - he's found in his garden, driving around in his Jeep without any doors or windows, and spending time with his cattle dog, Billie. Show less