For the past 30 years, Doug has served as educator and researcher in the soil, plant and water sciences at Montana State University. He holds a bachelor's of science in soil science from University of Wisconsin, a master's degree in soil physics and a PhD in crop and soil science from Montana State University.

His research at MSU focused on rehabilitating land affected by the resource-extraction industries in the Western United States, particularly the mining industry. Doug has conducted research for more than 30 resource-extraction companies, many private landowners, and numerous federal and state agencies . He has also conducted foundation research on acid production from sulfide minerals associated with the hard-rock mining industry. In addition, Doug completed two decades of investigation work with the United States EPA Superfund Program. During that time he developed methods for the closure of tailing impoundments with earthen covers and the assessment of contaminant migration mechanisms in soil profiles. Other research projects include the neutralization of acidic wastes, the establishment of plant growth and the reclamation of salt-impacted lands associated with oil and gas, coal, metals and bentonite extraction.