News
Artificial light is luring birds to cities and sometimes to their deaths
December 4, 2023
Nearly 1,000 birds tragically perished after colliding with a brightly lit building in Chicago, highlighting the severe threat posed by light pollution to migrating birds. A comprehensive study, using weather radar data, revealed that artificial lighting significantly influences birds’ stopover locations during migration, often leading them into dangerous urban areas.
David Roy Makes List of Most Highly Cited Researchers for Fifth Straight Year
November 27, 2023
Dr. David Roy, Director of the Center for Global Change and Earth Observations and professor of Geography, has been named to the list of most highly cited researchers in the world for a fifth consecutive year.
MSU Geographer launches spectral ecology field school with an eye to building inclusive leaders
November 12, 2023 - Diane Huhn
Using funds from a National Science Foundation CAREER Grant, Kyla Dahlin, an associate professor with the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University, launched the Spectral Ecology Summer School (SPEC School), a brand new initiative she has spearheaded aimed primarily at graduate students and early postdoctoral researchers interested in not only incorporating remote sensing tools into their ecological research but also gaining valuable training in inclusive leadership.
Geography Awareness Week event to focus on climate change, Cajun culture, and swamp monsters
November 10, 2023 - Diane Huhn
Mark your calendar and plan to join the Michigan State University Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 7:00 PM at the MSU Business College Complex during the 36th Annual Geography Awareness Week for "Rescuing the Rougarou: Preserving culture in a changing climate."
Przybylinski co-edits new book aimed at helping social scientists theorize justice
November 1, 2023
A new volume centered on theorizing justice for social scientists, co-edited by Stephen Przybylinski, is now available. Theorising Justice: A Primer for Social Scientists brings together various schools of thought on justice, connecting normative and philosophical theories of justice with more empirically focused approaches emerging today in the social and political sciences and policy scholarship.
Spartan Geographers continue to represent at 12th Annual REP Conference
October 14, 2023
Spartan Geographers including several current members and alumni of the department's Advancing Geography Through Diversity Program recently participated in the 12th Annual Race, Ethnicity, and Place Conference held at George Washington University in Washington, DC, on October 11-13, 2023.
Grady awarded Michigan Applied Public Policy Research grant
October 12, 2023
Sue Grady, professor of Geography, has been awarded a 2023-24 Michigan Applied Public Policy Research (MAPPR) grant by the Insitute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) at MSU. Grady's project entitled "Children's blood levels in Detroit Pre and post-demolition" is one of six research projects chosen, each focused on a major policy issue facing the people of Michigan.
Henebry rejoins Editorial Board of BioScience
October 11, 2023
Earlier this summer, Professor Geoff Henebry, Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences and the Center for Global Change and Earth Observations at Michigan State University, was invited to join the editorial board of BioScience, the journal of the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS), published by Oxford University Press.
MSU Geography brings home Best Department Award at Homecoming
October 9, 2023
The department was thrilled to welcome our incredible MSU Alumni back to campus and earn the Best MSU Department Award during our first participation in the MSU Homecoming Parade!
Call for Proposals: 4th Annual Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) GIS Conference
October 3, 2023
The BTAA GIS Conference, presented by the BTAA Geospatial Information Network, invites proposals for its fourth virtual GIS conference, taking place on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023. The BTAA GIS Conference is intended to promote conversation and collaboration between Big Ten researchers, educators, and students who use geospatial information.
Education Abroad Students Encourage Peers to Study Arts, Culture and Urban Sustainability in Rome
August 31, 2023
Each summer the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences offers Arts, Culture & Urban Sustainability in Rome, in conjunction with the MSU College of Social Science and the International Studies and Programs Office for Education Abroad. Learn more about this engaging program.
Geography Department announce Fall 2023 Harm de Blij Scholar Award deadline
August 30, 2023
Instituted in 2013 by Harm de Blij and supported by other major donors to award scholarships to promising incoming students who choose to major in Geography at Michigan State University. de Blij Scholars will be awarded $1000 each Fall/Spring semester that they are a primary major in one of the Department’s degree programs. Deadline for the 2023 Fall Semester is 9/30/23 at 11:59 PM ET.
New images use AI to provide more detail on Maui fires
August 28, 2023 - Kim Ward
Michigan State University researchers have produced new detailed maps of the devastating fires in Maui, which can be used to help work out where and when the fires occurred to guide where postfire remediation activities should be prioritized and to assess future fire risk.
Professor Emeritus, Joe T. Darden, publishes book examining Detroit after bankruptcy
August 22, 2023 - Patti McDonald
Dr. Joe T. Darden, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University, recently published his third book about the city of Detroit, "Detroit after Bankruptcy: Are There Trends towards an Inclusive City?" The book provides a close analysis of the city and its future ten years after it first filed for bankruptcy in 2013.
MSU scientists find plants' ability to fight climate change is weakening
August 16, 2023 - Diane Huhn
New research by Michigan State University climate experts published in the Journal "Science" indicates that plants' ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) may have stalled.
MSU distinguished professor appointed to premier academic publisher’s Climate Action Advisory Board
August 14, 2023
Emilio F. Moran, a John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University and respected researcher in the natural and social sciences, was recently appointed to the Elsevier Climate Action Advisory Board and will join distinguished international experts in the fields of climate research to accelerate action to address the climate crisis.
Third annual MSU Geography alumni golf outing set for September 8
June 13, 2023
The MSU Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences Alumni Advisory Board will be hosting its third annual golf outing at Wheatfield Valley Golf Course in Williamston. The event is set to take place on Friday, September 8, 2023, beginning at 8:30 AM.
David Roy discusses importance of Landsat Science Team on USGS EROS Center podcast
June 12, 2023
David Roy, MSU professor of geography and director of the Center for Global Change and Earth Observations, was recently featured on the "Eyes on Earth" podcast produced by the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center.
MSU research rewrites the story of Lake Michigan's coastal dune evolution
June 6, 2023 - Diane Huhn
In a new publication appearing in "Quaternary Science Reviews," coastal geomorphologist and Great Lakes Dune expert Alan Arbogast and his collaborators have set out to comprehensively assess the evolution of dunes along Lake Michigan, and the role lake level fluctuations and climate have played in this 5,500-year history.
MSU Geography Alumna Earns Early Career Award
May 23, 2023 - Britta Wellenstein
In honor of her significant accomplishments and contributions to the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) and the broader scientific community, Spartan Geography Alumna Cheyenne Lei has been awarded the 2023 Jennifer L. Reed Bioenergy Science Award.
Announcing the 2023 MSU Geography Award Recipients
May 10, 2023
The Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University offers congratulations to all of our 2023 GEO Award recipients recognizing student academic achievement.
MSU research indicates increased views of nature decrease behavior issues in elementary classrooms
May 3, 2023 - Diane Huhn
Under the direction of Amber Pearson, an associate professor in the MSU Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences, a cross-disciplinary team of health scientists, including geographers, a psychologist, kinesiologists, and a statistician, sought to assess the connection between nature views from classroom windows and children’s behavior problems.
Josh Pepper named MSU College of Social Science Outstanding Senior in Geography
May 2, 2023
The Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University proudly announces that Josh Pepper has been named the MSU College of Social Science Outstanding Senior in Geography.
onGEO announces new drone course in collaboration with MSU's RS&GIS and Project GREEEN
April 25, 2023
Online Geography at Michigan State University (onGEO), a branch of the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences, has announced the upcoming launch of a new course designed for those who wish to use drones as a mapping platform.
Registration is now open for onGEO’s upcoming professional GIS certificate courses
April 20, 2023
Registration is now open for the next session of onGEO's upcoming professional certificate courses. The session, which begins May 1, will feature three core courses, each of which count toward earning a Professional Certificate in GIS!
MSU Geography alum details war’s potential toxic impact on Ukrainian farmland
April 12, 2023 - Diane Huhn
Michigan State University Geography alum Joseph Hupy, a digital soil geomorphologist now at Purdue University, was recently featured on an episode of “All Things Considered” on NPR to discuss potential long-term impacts on Ukrainian soil as a result of the war taking place there.
MSU Geography professor earns professional achievement award
April 11, 2023 - Kara Mackenzie
Guo Chen, an associate professor with the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU), recently received a professional achievement award from the MSU Center for Gender in Global Context and the MSU Women*s Student Services.
Geography Career Day and Job Fair to take place March 31
March 15, 2023
The Michigan State University Department of Geography, Environment, & Spatial Science (GEO), along with Career Services Network, are pleased to announce the return of an in-person MSU-GEO Career Day & Job Fair to take place on Friday, March 31, 2023, from 2:30-4:30 PM EST.
Award and scholarship application deadline extended
February 28, 2023
The MSU Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences offers a variety of scholarships and funding sources for undergraduate and graduate students. The 2022-23 GEO Awards Committee is now accepting applications for several student awards and scholarships. Applications are due March 14, 2023, at 5:00 PM.
Spartan Strong
February 20, 2023
During tragic events, Spartans rally to ensure our campus and community have the resources necessary to provide for those in need. As the MSU community comes together to assist one another, learn more about how you can financially support the university with numerous challenges surrounding the evolving crisis.
Enrollment Open for MSU Online Geography (onGEO) Professional Certificate 223 Courses
February 10, 2023
Enrollment is now open for the next session of the Online Geography (onGEO) Professional Certificate Program. Classes begin March 6, 2023.
MSU Geography professor edits social-justice-focused issue of The Professional Geographer
February 9, 2023
Guo Chen, an associate professor with the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Science at Michigan State University (MSU), has edited a newly published issue of The Professional Geographer, the official journal of the American Association of Geographers (AAG). The special issue is titled "Hidden Geographies: Migration, Intersectionality, and Social Justice in a Global Contemporaneous Space."
Geography Awards Committee announces call for student award and scholarship applications
January 27, 2023
The MSU Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences offers a variety of scholarships and funding sources for undergraduate and graduate students. The 2022-23 GEO Awards Committee is now accepting applications for several student awards and scholarships. Applications are due March 14, 2023, at 5:00 PM.
onGEO launches new online Geovisualization course
December 13, 2022
The Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences is launching a new course focusing on geospatial visualization skills and tools for GIS professionals. The course, entitled "Geovisualization: Temporal and Interactive Mapping," is offered through the onGEO Professional Certificate program.
Power to the people must include the people
November 29, 2022 - Sue Nichols
Social scientists and communications experts joined engineers to engage rural communities that are off-grid in the Amazon rainforest to find better ways to deliver electricity.
David Roy Makes List of Most Highly Cited Researchers for Fourth Straight Year
November 18, 2022
Dr. David Roy, interim director of the Center for Global Change and Earth Observations and professor of Geography, has been named to the list of most highly cited researchers in the world for a fourth consecutive year.
GEO Alum to Match de Blij Scholarship Gifts Through Giving Tuesday
November 17, 2022
In honor of Geography Awareness Week and Giving Tuesday, Geography alum, and supporter, Tim Caywood will generously match the first $5,000 in gifts to the De Blij Scholars every dollar donated up to $5,000.
Geography Awareness Week Events | November 14-19
November 9, 2022
The Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences is gearing up to bring back its celebration of Geography Awareness Week after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic with a great lineup of activities including a special evening with internationally acclaimed artist Julie Mehretu.
Geography Student Awarded Provost’s Undergraduate Research Initiative Grant
November 8, 2022
The College of Social Science announced the recipients of the SSC-Provost’s Undergraduate Research Initiative Program (SSC-PURI), which supports undergraduate research through awards of up to $2,000 for Fall-Spring semesters for students majoring in the College.
The American Geographical Society Awards Van Cleef Memorial Medal to MSU's Joe T. Darden
November 7, 2022
The Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University congratulates Professor Emeritus Dr. Joe T. Darden on being awarded the prestigious Van Cleef Memorial Medal by the American Geographical Society (AGS). Dr. Darden will receive the medal on November 18 during the AGS Fall Symposium, ‘Geography2050: The Future of Food,’ to be held on November 17 and 18 at Columbia University.
Geography Awareness Week Event with Julie Mehretu to Explore the Intersection of Art and Geography
October 24, 2022 - Diane Huhn
The Michigan State University Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences is proud to welcome internationally acclaimed artist, Julie Mehretu for a special discussion about the intersection of art and geography during the 35th Annual Geography Awareness Week.
Geography of Canada (GEO 331) to Launch this Spring
October 19, 2022
The MSU Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences is pleased to announce the impending launch of GEO 331: Geography of Canada. This new, fully online course will be offered in Spring 2023.
Geography Alumna Wins with Pins: Representing Tennessee in an Alternative Way
October 18, 2022 - Alexander Gustanski
An alumna from the Michigan State University Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Science recently won a Skills USA statewide graphic design contest. Kyeesha Wilcox, who received her master's in geography from MSU in 2020, cited her time in East Lansing as a significant inspiration for her victory.
Transfer Student Earns de Blij Geography Scholar Award
October 17, 2022
The Michigan State University Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences congratulates Corbin Paules for the coveted deBlij Geography Scholar award.
Enrollment Open for MSU Online Professional GIS Certificate Courses | New Session Begins October 24
October 13, 2022
Enrollment is now open for the next session of the Online Geography (onGEO) Professional Certificate Program offered by the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University. Courses start October 24, 2022.
MSU Geography Alumnus Offers Real-World Advice to Esri Young Professionals Network
September 13, 2022
MSU Geography Alumnus Michael Cousins was recently featured by the Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN) in their Faces of YPN series. Cousins is a GIS Practice Leader and Director of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology at architecture, engineering, and planning firm OHM Advisors.
Education Abroad Students Encourage Peers to Study Arts, Culture and Urban Sustainability in Rome
September 12, 2022
Each summer the Global Urban Studies Program and the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences offer Arts, Culture & Urban Sustainability in Rome, in conjunction with the MSU College of Social Science and the International Studies and Programs Office for Education Abroad. Learn more about this engaging program.
Triple G Announces Fall Colloquium Series
September 7, 2022
The Geography Graduate Group (Triple G) at Michigan State University has announced its Colloquium Series for the Fall 2022 Semester. Each event is free and all are welcome.
Chen Named an MSU Lilly Fellow
September 6, 2022
The Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences congratulates Dr. Guo Chen on being selected as a Lilly Teaching Fellow at Michigan State University.
Luo Named Director of Environmental Science and Policy Program at MSU
August 25, 2022
The Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences congratulates Professor Lifeng Luo on his appointment as Director of the Environmental Science and Policy Program at Michigan State University.
Enrollment Open for MSU Online Geography (onGEO) Professional Certificate Courses
August 22, 2022
Enrollment is now open for the Online Geography (onGEO) Professional Certificate Program offered by the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University.
You're Invited: Second Annual MSU Geography Alumni Golf Outing
August 8, 2022
You're invited to the Second Annual Golf Outing hosted by the MSU Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences Alumni Advisory Board at Wheatfield Valley in Williamston.
MSU Scientists Partner with Kazakh Universities to Expand Environmental Science Curriculums and Networking Opportunities
July 19, 2022
Last month, Michigan State University professors Jiquan Chen, Peilei Fan, and Norman Graham traveled to Kazakhstan to participate in a unique program designed to assist universities in rural areas of the country with developing and delivering core ecology and environmental science courses.
Hot Time in the City: Can We Cool Urbanization's Impact on Global Warming?
July 13, 2022
Ground-breaking research led by Michigan State University (MSU) and Stanford University published in the journal Nature Communications is helping us better understand the effects of past and future urbanization on global warming at the planetary scale, and the need to regulate and enhance the albedo of urban land with better planning policies and new construction techniques.
Geography Ph.D. Student Earns Prestigious Soil Science Award
June 21, 2022
Congratulations to Christopher Baish, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University, for earning the 2022 Pedology Division Award from the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA).
Recent Geography Ph.D. Graduate Earns Prestigious USGS Mendenhall Postdoctoral Fellowship
June 20, 2022
Congratulations to Kevin McKeehan, a recent Geography Ph.D. grad, on earning a prestigious USGS Mendenhall postdoctoral fellowship.
Geography Alumna Earns Postdoctoral Diversity Enrichment Fellowship
June 17, 2022
Congratulations to Demetrice “Dee” Jordan, an alumna of the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences and the Environmental Science and Policy Program at Michigan State University, for being named a 2022 Postdoctoral Diversity Enrichment Program Fellow (PDEP) by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund.
Enrollment Open for MSU Online Geography (onGEO) Professional Certificate Courses
June 16, 2022
Registration is now open for onGEO's upcoming professional certificate courses. The session features three Core courses, which count toward earning a Professional Certificate in GIS! We're pleased to announce, that this session we are offering our brand-new Digital Image Processing course, written by Dr. David Lusch (Professor Emeritus in MSU-GEO and MSU-RS&GIS).
College Shines Diversity Spotlight on GEO Alumnus Anthony Knapp
June 1, 2022 - Liz Schondelmayer
Mr. Anthony Knapp is an MSU Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences alumnus, a statistician and demographer, who has worked on migration patterns amongst Asian Americans.
GEO Ph.D. Student Named Interim Assistant Dean of Student Affairs
May 31, 2022
Congratulations to GEO Ph.D. student Veda Hawkins on being named the Interim Assistant Dean of Student Affairs in the College of Social Science at Michigan State University.
onGEO Professional GIS Certificate Program to Launches Digital Image Processing Course
May 24, 2022
A new fully online professional course, written by Dr. David Lusch (Professor Emeritus in MSU-GEO and MSU-RS&GIS), has been launched. Our Digital Image Processing course is designed to meet the digital imagery exploitation and analysis needs of a wide variety of GIS and remote-sensing personnel.
MSU Geography Doctoral Candidate Earns Scholarship to Fluxcourse
April 29, 2022
The MSU Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences offers congratulations to Ph.D. candidate Gabriela Shirkey, who has been sponsored by AmeriFlux to attend FluxCourse.
Elizabeth Mack Wins William R. "Randy" Boggess Award for Paper of the Year by Journal of American Water Resources Association
April 26, 2022
The Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences congratulates Dr. Elizabeth Mack on winning the William R. "Randy" Boggess Award for the best paper of the year published in the Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA).
Announcing the 2022 MSU Geography Award Recipients
April 25, 2022
The Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University offers a hearty congratulations to all of our 2022 GEO Award recipients recognizing student academic achievement.
Geography Senior Receives Board of Trustees' Award for Academic Excellence
April 22, 2022
The Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences is proud to announce that graduating senior in Environmental Geography, Nicholas J. Catanzaro has received an MSU Board of Trustees’ Award for Academic Excellence.
Spartan Geographer Earns Dean’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence Staff Award
April 14, 2022
Congratulations to Geography Ph.D. student and Assistant Director of Academic and Student Affairs with the MSU College of Social Science on receiving the Dean's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence Staff Award.
New for 2022: Coastlines and People Study Away Student Experience
April 6, 2022
Immerse yourself in real-time research along Michigan’s beloved coast in Traverse City Michigan!
MSU Geography Ph.D. Student Earns Award in Asian Studies Paper Competition
March 24, 2022
The Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences offers a hearty congratulations to Ph.D. student Mehmet Eroğlu on receiving an Honorable Mention award in the 2022 Shao Chang Lee Best Paper Competition for a graduate student paper.
Professional GIS Certificate and Drone Test Prep Courses Offered this Summer
March 22, 2022
The Department’s onGEO program offers two 7-week long sessions of Professional GIS Certificate Courses over the summer semester. Registration is now open.
Undergraduate (for University credit) Courses Offered Online this Summer
March 21, 2022
The MSU Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences is offering a variety of Undergraduate and Graduate courses online this summer. Enrollment is open for both summer sessions.
MSU Geography Ph.D. Candidate Receives COGS Disciplinary Leadership Award
March 15, 2022
Congratulations to Geography Ph.D. candidate Gabriela Shirkey on being awarded a 2022-23 Council of Graduate Students (COGS) Disciplinary Leadership Award.
MSU Geography Ph.D. Student Lands Multiple Awards
March 10, 2022
The Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University extends a hearty congratulation to Ph.D. student Ana Rivera-Rivera for receiving a series of three awards in the past few weeks.
Spartan Geographer Jen Fry Named Diversity Torch
February 24, 2022 - Liz Schondelmayer
The Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences congratulates Spartan Geographer Jen Fry on being named a Diversity Torch by the MSU College of Social Science.
Spartan Geographers Help Address Big Climate Change Questions
February 23, 2022 - Emilie Lorditch
As the planet experiences the effects of climate change, questions arise about the future of our planet and daily life in general. Many of the major challenges related to a changing climate and their impact on society have Spartan Geographers Kyla Dahlin and Ethan Theuerkauf working on solutions.
Judy Olson, Past Department Chair and Professor Emerita, Named 2021 AAG Fellow
January 21, 2022
The MSU Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences offers hearty congratulations to past Department Chair and Professor Emerita Dr. Judy Olson on being named a 2021 Fellow by the American Association of Geographers (AAG).
AGU Helps Shine a Spotlight on MSU Coastlines and People Projects
January 20, 2022
A recent article featured in Eos, the science news magazine published by the American Geophysical Union, is helping to shine a spotlight on important MSU projects currently underway as part of the Coastlines and People thematic area.
MSU Geographers Awarded 2021 Project of the Year by Department of Defense Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program
January 7, 2022
Congratulations to Drs. Sharon Zhong and Michael Kiefer for research recently named a 2021 Project of the Year by the U.S. Department of Defense Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program.
Calling All Spartan Geography Alumni: Share Your Latest Updates
January 6, 2022
Are you a proud member of the Spartan Geography Alumni community? Please consider sharing an update for the 2022 Spartan Geographer Newsletter.
Ph.D. Student Wins Prestigious 2021 MSU Outstanding Advising Administrator Award
December 6, 2021 - Liz Schondelmayer
Veda Hawkins, Geography Ph.D. student and the Assistant Director of Academic and Student Affairs within the Michigan State University College of Social Science, has won the 2021 MSU Outstanding Advising Administrator Award. This university-wide award recognizes advising staff who demonstrate the utmost commitment and exceptionalism towards students and the overall Spartan community.
MSU Geography Ph.D. Student Jen Fry Featured in Sports Illustrated 100 Influential Black Women in Sports Series
November 30, 2021
The MSU Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences congratulates Spartan Geographer and veteran volleyball coach Jen Fry on her recent spotlight by Sports Illustrated as one of 100 Influential Black Women in Sports.
David Roy Makes List of Most Highly Cited Researchers for Third Straight Year
November 22, 2021
Dr. David Roy has been named to the list of most highly cited researchers in the world for a third consecutive year.
MSU, UM Secure $5.4M for Continued Great Lakes Climate Adaptation Work
November 1, 2021
The Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessments initiative, known as GLISA, has been awarded $5.4 million from the Climate Program Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to conduct climate change research in the Great Lakes for an additional five years.
MSU Research Suggests Homicide Rates Decline as City Greenery Increases
October 28, 2021
A recent study led by MSU Geography Ph.D. student Jonnell Sanciangco sought to determine whether increases in greenery in U.S. cities predicted fewer homicides over a 30-year time span.
Geography Alumna Wins NIH LRP Award for Health Disparities Research
October 27, 2021
MSU Geography Alumna and current Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School Dr. Dee Jordan has won a National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Program award.
Who Should Manage Changing Great Lakes Shorelines? MSU Survey Asks for Public Input
October 26, 2021 - Diane Huhn
Researchers at Michigan State University are calling on residents, who live or own property along the Great Lakes, to provide input regarding the management of Great Lakes shorelines in a new survey. A team of coastal scientists within the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences at MSU have been working to better understand future challenges facing coastal environments, especially those brought about by human activity and climate change. Research from this team is taking a scientific approach to inform policy and management of Michigan's coastal communities.
MSU Geographer Jeff Andresen Discusses Climate Change on MSU Today
October 6, 2021
Jeff Andresen, Geography professor and state climatologist, joined Russ White for a conversation on Climate Change during a recent episode of MSU Today.
Interested in Studying Social Science in Rome? Apply for the Summer 2022 MSU Education Aboard Program
September 28, 2021
The MSU Study Abroad Social Science in Rome program will take place will take place from June 4, 2022, to July 2, 2022. Apply by March 1, 2022.
MSU researchers determine rapid water level rise driving unprecedented habitat loss along Great Lakes coasts
August 18, 2021
Coastlines of the Great Lakes are constantly changing, but new MSU research led by Ethan Theuerkauf indicates that increased fluctuations in lake levels due to climate change will likely drive sustained habitat loss. That’s why MSU geographers are sharing their research with coastal communities to help them prepare.
Geography PhD Student Spotlights Community Strength During Michigan’s Inaugural Native Breastfeeding Week
August 16, 2021
Angie Sanchez, a graduate student in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, not only applauds the recognition the State of Michigan is shining on the importance of breastfeeding but was part of efforts to bring Native Breastfeeding Week to fruition in Michigan.
Goodwin Receives Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award
July 20, 2021
Please join the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences in congratulating Robert Goodwin on receiving a Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award.
MSU Geography PhD Student Publishes Guidebook for First-Generation College Students
July 19, 2021
Kionna Henderson, a third-year doctoral student in Geography, has penned a guidebook for first-generation college students.
Alumni Spotlight: How a Passion for Sustainability Became a Distinguished Dissertation
June 28, 2021
As a first-generation college graduate from a single mother household in Puerto Rico, MSU Geography Alumna Dr. Cristina Gauthier-Hernandez received no guidance when it came to navigating her career path. After being encouraged to simply choose a “profitable” career, she studied engineering and eventually tied her degree to her interest for sustainability. Despite any setback she faced, Gauthier persevered and surpassed her career goals, eventually receiving honorable recognition for her work.
MSU Geographer Secures $1.1M NSF CAREER Award to Map Forest Carbon Uptake
June 21, 2021
Under a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program award of nearly $1.2M from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Kyla Dahlin, an assistant professor in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, will lead research that takes a new approach to unravel the challenge of measuring carbon uptake, especially at large scales.
Moore Receives MSU Graduate School Mentoring Award
June 17, 2021
Congratulations to Dr. Nathan Moore, associate professor and graduate program director in the Department of Geography, Environmental, and Spatial Sciences, for receiving The Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award for a senior faculty member.
Study suggests evidence for Native American survival techniques in Great Lakes region
June 15, 2021
Recent work along the Spoonville Peninsula in Southwest Michigan has uncovered what may be the most extensive collection of Upper Great Lakes cache pits ever to be excavated. According
The American Geographical Society Elects MSU Alumna Dr. Demetrice Jordan to Council
June 11, 2021
Congratulations to MSU Geography Alumna Dr. Demetrice Jordan on being elected to the American Geographical Society (AGS) Council.
Michigan State University experts say Great Lakes water levels down, but the threat is far from over
June 7, 2021 - Press Release
MSU geographers are studying how to help coastal communities, while calling on citizen scientists around the region in new, first of its kind, volunteer program
MSU Researchers Produce Publicly Available Dataset to Analyze Broadband Availability and Help Close the Digital Divide
May 27, 2021 - Diane Huhn
Dr. Elizabeth Mack leads effort to make a much-anticipated open-source Broadband Integrated Time Series (BITS) dataset available to anyone wishing to work on analyzing FCC broadband availability data.
Shortridge to be named Interim Geography Chair
May 17, 2021
Dr. Mary Finn, Dean of the MSU College of Social Science, has announced that Ashton Shortridge, Professor of Geography, has accepted the position of Interim Chairperson of the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Science effective August 16, 2021.
MSU Social Scientists and Engineers Work Together for Sustainable Energy Solutions in the Amazon
May 12, 2021 - Diane Huhn
Social Scientists such as Emilio Moran are working with MSU Engineers to ensure that the needs of small communities, often negatively impacted by hydropower dam projects, are thoroughly considered in promising sustainable energy solutions in the Amazon.
Geography Associate Professor Pens Inaugural AAG Op-Ed News Feature
May 7, 2021
Guo Chen, associate professor of Geography and Global Urban Studies at MSU, recently authored the first in a new section of the American Association of Geographers (AAG) Newsletter called Perspectives. The column aims to offer a platform for AAG members to discuss issues of relevance to geography.
College of Social Science - Outstanding Senior in GEO | Ryan Snider
May 4, 2021
Meet our 2021 Outstanding Senior, Ryan Snider!
Economic Geography is Coming this Summer!
April 15, 2021
onGEO and Dr. Liz Mack have created a fully online version of the Geography Department's popular Introduction of Economic Geography (Geo 113v) course. This course will be offered during the 2021 Summer I session with Kyle Redican (MSU-GEO) as the Instructor.
Announcing the 2021 MSU Geography Award Recipients
April 9, 2021
The Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University offers a hearty congratulations to all of our 2021 GEO Award recipients recognizing student academic achievement.
Chen Named Fulbright Global Scholar
April 7, 2021
Congratulations to Dr. Jiquan Chen on being named a Fulbright Global Scholar. As part of this experience, Dr. Chen will spend two to three months each at host labs in Australia and Germany working to build a network of scholars for promoting the research frontiers of global warming potentials and ecosystem services of managed landscapes and will work towards publishing a textbook dealing with modern scientific hypothesis and experimental design across scales.
Enrollment Open for Professional Certificate onGEO Summer Sessions
March 10, 2021
Enrollment opportunities for our slate of Online Geography (onGEO) Summer Professional Certificate courses are open!
Enrollment Opening Soon for Undergraduate onGEO Summer Sessions
March 9, 2021
Enrollment opportunities for our slate of onGEO Summer Undergraduate courses is right around the corner. Enrollment by appointment begins March 15, and open enrollment begins March 23.
NASA Project Studies How Urban Centers May Trap Birds During Migration
March 4, 2021 - Diane Huhn
Michigan State University’s Geoffrey Henebry, professor in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences and the Center for Global Change and Earth Observations is teaming up with Colorado State University’s Kyle Horton, now an assistant professor in the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, to learn even more about the effects of cities as ecological traps for migrating birds.
Geography Alumnus Spearheads Publication of Online Black Geographers Anthology Database
March 1, 2021
The Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University applauds recent Geography alumnus and current Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School Dr. Demetrice "Dee" Jordan for her work in partnership with the American Geographical Society on the publication of a significant resource highlighting Black Geographers.
Chen Receives Outstanding Service Award
February 25, 2021
Guo Chen received an Outstanding Service Award from the American Association of Geographers (AAG) China Geography Specialty Group.
Dr. Joe Darden Named Diversity Champion
February 16, 2021
Congratulations to Dr. Joe Darden on being named a Diversity Champion by the College of Social Science.
PhD Student Earns Cryosphere Innovation Award from AGU
February 5, 2021
Congratulations to Ph.D. student Raven Mitchell for receiving the Cryosphere Innovation Award for Students from the American Geophysical Union (AGU).
MSU Scholar Emilio Moran Discusses Innovative Interdisciplinary Work Focused on Off-grid Hydropower in Brazil
December 17, 2020
World-renowned social anthropologist Emilio Moran discusses his latest work in the Brazilian Amazon with Russ White on a recent episode of MSU Today.
Geography Professor David Roy among the world's most highly cited researchers
December 8, 2020
Dr. David P. Roy, Professor of Geography and member of the Center for Global Change and Earth Observations, has been named one of the most highly cited researchers in the world. Dr. Roy is one of 9 Michigan State University researchers to be recognized in the 2020 Highly Cited Researchers List compiled by Clarivate Analytics.
Angie Sanchez, Ph.D. Student Named Diversity Torch
November 2, 2020
Congratulations to Angie Sanchez on being name a Diversity Torch by the Michigan State University College of Social Science. Angie is a PhD student in the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences. Her dissertation research focuses on breastfeeding access for women in Indigenous communities throughout Michigan.
Chen Co-Authors Book Enabling International Audience a Detailed Exploration of China's Grassland Ecosystems
October 7, 2020 - Diane Huhn
Jiquan Chen of the Center for Global Change and Earth Observations (CGCEO) and the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University, has joined several scholars in publishing the first in a planned series of volumes enabling the broader international community to explore the ecosystems of China.
MSU Interdisciplinary Team Secures $3.2M National Science Foundation Convergence Grant to Empower Off-grid Communities
October 6, 2020 - Diane Huhn
Michigan State University Researcher Emilio Moran will lead a team in the development of a convergent framework offering non-dam hydropower as a sustainable energy solution for off-grid communities while empowering and engaging residents throughout the process.
Grant Will Support Native American Breastfeeding Initiative in Michigan
September 22, 2020
Congratulations to Angie Sanchez, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, on the award of “Native American Breastfeeding Initiative Embracing Culture,” a grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.
Dr. Amber Pearson to Present on Blue and Green Spaces at 2020 SHIFT Summit
September 16, 2020
Dr. Amber Pearson will present at the 2020 SHIFT Summit in October.
Ana Rivera Named Diversity Torch Recipient
September 15, 2020
Congratulations to Ana Rivera on being recognized as a Diversity Torch recipient this month from the College of Social Science. Rivera is a graduate student in Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences who is committed to improving urban environments through the use of geospatial science.
College Shines Diversity Spotlight on Dee Jordan as She Readies for Postdoc Fellowship
August 20, 2020
Congratulations to recent alum Dee Jordan as she begins her Postdoctoral Fellowship with Harvard Medical School and is also spotlighted by the MSU College of Social Science for serving as a model of excellence in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Elissa Slotkin Seeking Federal Funding for MSU-led Work on Systemic Inequalities
August 20, 2020 - Diane Huhn
U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat who represents the 8th district, is interested in seeking federal funding for research spearheaded by MSU Geography Professor Joe T. Darden that was disseminated on an annual basis between 1984-1993 in a report known as the “State of Black Michigan.”
MSU Geography Addresses Disparate Impacts
June 5, 2020
At this time of increased awareness of racial injustice, the MSU Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences is committed to proactively addressing the societal and institutional disparate impact on Blacks and Other People of Color. - Alan Arbogast, Chair.
Alan Arbogast and Kevin McKeehan Participate in Multi-Phased Research to Understand Michigan’s Dynamic Coastal Dunes
June 2, 2020
In conjunction with the Michigan Environmental Council, the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, and the Department of Community Sustainability at Michigan State University recently concluded a phase of ongoing research focused on Michigan’s coastal dunes. This project is the result of a partnership between the state of Michigan, its Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the Michigan Environmental Council, Michigan State University, and citizen scientists across the state.
Advancing Geography Through Diversity Program
May 31, 2020
The Advancing Geography Through Diversity Program is now recruiting students planning to start graduate school in the 2021 - 22 academic year.
Congratulations to Our 2020 Minors in Geographic Information Science
May 18, 2020
The Department of Geography at Michigan State University congratulates all of the 2020 graduates who minored in Geographic Information Science. MSU has a long tradition of excellence in GIS.
Celebrating Our 2020 Geography Graduates
May 11, 2020
All of us at the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences want to congratulate the Class of 2020. We are so proud of the commitment this class has demonstrated and the accomplishments they have achieved.
Mapping a Virus: Visualizing the Geography of COVID-19 in Michigan
May 7, 2020 - Diane Huhn
As cases of the novel coronavirus began spreading across the globe earlier this year, Jonnell Sanciangco, a Michigan State University (MSU) doctoral candidate specializing in spatial methodologies in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, began a routine of checking in on one of the few websites sharing daily COVID-19-related data at the time. He quickly decided to create a similar site for Michigan.
MSU Geography Faculty Contribute to Book about Landscape Dynamics Across Central Asia
May 6, 2020 - Diane Huhn
Important research about the drylands of the greater Central Asia region by several professors in the Michigan State University Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences has recently been featured in a book published by Springer Nature. Editors of the volume include Jiquan Chen and Geoffrey Henebry,
Geography Department Welcomes Diane Huhn
April 6, 2020
We are very excited to announce that Diane Huhn has joined the College of Social Science in the role of Communication Coordinator for the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences (GEO), the Center for Global Change and Earth Observations (CGCEO) and the Environmental Science and Policy Program (ESPP).
This Year's Geography Award Recipients
March 31, 2020
Congratulations to our 2020 GEO Award recipients recognizing student academic achievement.
Advancing Geography Through Diversity Program
March 30, 2020
The Advancing Geography Through Diversity Program is now recruiting students planning to start graduate school in the 2021 - 22 academic year.
2020 Beta Chi Chapter of GTU Initiates
March 29, 2020
Congratulations to our 2020 Beta Chi Chapter of GTU Initiates.
Randy Schaetzl Receives Cross-Disciplinary Research Award
March 27, 2020
Congratulations to Randy Schaetzl for being awarded the MSU College of Social Science Faculty Cross-Disciplinary Research Award.
Frederick "Fritz" Nelson Receives Award from AAG Marcus Fund
March 13, 2020
Congratulations to Dr. Fritz Nelson on being named a recipient of the 2020 Marcus Fund for Physical Geography.
MSU Suspends Face-to-Face Instruction
March 11, 2020
MSU is suspending face-to-face Instruction due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Dee Jordan Selected to Inaugural Cohort of MSU Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society
February 28, 2020
Congratulations to Dee Jordan on being selected to be a member of the inaugural cohort of Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society members at Michigan State University.
Fire Behavior and Smoke Dispersion in Forested Environments: Don't Ignore Turbulent Fluxes of Heat and Momentum
February 20, 2020
Northern Research Station scientists are investigating how fire-induced atmospheric turbulence can impact heat and momentum fluxes in the vicinity of wildland fires in forested environments.
Calling For GEO Award Applications!
January 23, 2020
It’s the time of year that we start looking ahead to the slate of Department awards, and solicit membership in Gamma Theta Upsilon, the International Geography Honor Society.
Congratulations to Jiquan Chen for being a recipient of the William J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Award
January 6, 2020
For his many accomplishments as a scholar and mentor and his extensive service to MSU and his profession, Jiquan Chen is richly deserving of the William J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Award.