Research

Our faculty conduct research across the fields of geography. You can learn about our individual interests in the faculty directory, or check out our research groups and areas of expertise below.

Earth System Science

This area is home to faculty who focus on the scientific processes of the planet, including climate, geology, and ecosystems.

Climatology

Investigation of atmospheric processes, weather patterns, and climate dynamics, including paleoclimatology, extreme weather events, and their societal impacts

Biogeography

Study of the geographic distribution of plants and animals, and the environmental factors that influence these distributions

Earth Surface Dynamics

Focus on the processes that shape Earth's landscapes, including the study of watersheds, landform evolution, and environmental change

Water Science & Resources

Examination of the physical processes of the water cycle, including studies of drought, flooding, and the physical characteristics of water bodies

Natural Hazards

Investigation of the scientific causes and physical impacts of natural hazards, with an emphasis on atmospheric hazards, and geological processes that lead to events like floods or landslides

Environment and Natural Resources

Faculty in this category conduct scientific investigations to improve the use and protection of our natural resources.

Forest Ecology & Management

Scientific study of forest ecosystems, their structures, functions, and the interactions between forest components and their environment

Natural Resource Conservation

Strategies and practices for protecting and restoring natural resources, including land, water, wildlife, and ecosystems

Protected Area Management

Focus on the planning, governance, and operational aspects of national parks, reserves, and other protected areas for conservation and sustainable use

Sustainable Agriculture

Research into agricultural practices that promote environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic equity, particularly for smallholder farming systems

Environment and Society

This focus examines the complex relationships between human societies and the natural environment, with a strong emphasis on social, cultural, and political dimensions.

Human Geography

Research into the spatial organization of human activity and its relationship with the environment, covering topics like cultural ecology, land use change, and the social impacts of environmental issues

Political Ecology

Examination of the political, economic, and social power dynamics that influence environmental issues, resource access, and environmental justice

Environmental Policy & Governance

Analysis of policies, laws, and societal processes related to environmental governance, decision-making, and responses to environmental challenges

Environmental Perception & Communication

How societies perceive, interpret, and communicate environmental information, including the public interpretation of weather forecasts

Geographical Information Science (GIS)

This area includes faculty who specialize in the theory and application of geospatial technologies for data analysis, mapping, and modeling.

Geospatial Analysis

The application of geographic information systems for data input, database management, spatial analysis, and information output

Remote Sensing

The use of satellite imagery, aerial photography, and other non-contact technologies (e.g., LiDAR, radar, hyperspectral) to collect and analyze information about Earth's surface and atmosphere for various environmental and human applications

Cartography & Geovisualization

The science and art of map-making, including the design, creation, and interpretation of maps and other visual representations of geographic data

Location Science

Specialized research in optimizing locations for facilities, services, and infrastructure, often leveraging GIS and spatial analytical models to solve real-world problems in transportation, logistics, and resource distribution

UAS Applications

Use of Uncrewed Aerial Systems for data collection and research across environmental and human geographic domains