Student lands competitive NASA internship

Jakeb Prickett has won a NASA DEVELOP internship run through the NASA Applied Sciences Program. The program gives program participants access to NASA instruments and data sources to gather and analyze data related to the Earth-based NASA mission. Interns will be placed on project teams of 2-6 people, and mentored by a NASA science adviser. Examples of projects include the study of de-glaciation in Alaska, hurricane disaster relief preparation for the east coast, ecological change in Florida, and global climate change.

Jake adds: The quality of education I have received while in the U of O Geography department directly impacted my success in being selected for this exciting opportunity. I strongly believe that the diverse selection of courses and learning opportunities I was exposed to augmented my previous military experiences in a way which set me apart from other applicants applying to the DEVELOP program. Furthermore, several geography department professors directly supported me during the application process and their support and guidance was immeasurable. Lastly, had I not been a member of the UO ASPRS chapter, I may have never been made aware of the NASA Develop summer internship program. I encourage the geography department faculty and grad students to continue their support of the UO ASPRS, and continue the recruitment of geography undergrad students into the chapter.

Interactive mapping going viral

Graduate student Derek Watkins is getting much attention focused on his blog Creative Mappings. Derek's interactive map of global population density has generated much attention from media outlets, including Vanity Fair. An interview with Derek is featured on the UO graduate school website.

Undergraduate wins prestigious scholarship

Glenn Peterson, currently a first-year student, has won the highly competitive Stokes Scholarship from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

Glenn's story is highlighted on the UO Admissions web site.

Four new courses to be offered in 2012-2013

The UO Curriculum Committee has approved four new courses! Undergraduate students will want to see the new Major Checklist showing course changes and the prospectus of courses for the coming year.

• GEOG 181: Our Digital Earth. This course explores how web-based mapping, social media and crowd sourcing are collectively changing our lives and shaping society.
• GEOG 443/543: Global Migration.
• GEOG 467/567: International Water Policy. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives, this course examine problems in water policy and governance in a global context. Field trip required!
• GEOG 486/586: Remote Sensing II.

Atlas of Yellowstone hits the press!

"What was first envisioned nine years ago as a class project in the Department of Geography was published this spring as a comprehensive, hard-bound reference book filled with colorful maps and data-rich graphics, and covering a broad-spectrum history that reaches back millions of years."

See the UO News Release.

Shaul Cohen selected for 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award

Shaul Cohen has been selected to receive the 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award from the University of Oregon. Shaul is being recognized for his many efforts and achievements that uphold and exemplify the ideals set forth by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“In nominating you, your colleagues have highlighted the amazing contributions you have made to the diversity and equity efforts in your department and the university community … Congratulations on being a member of this prestigious group of awardees. Persons of your caliber and outstanding effort ensure the success of the university." Dr. Robin Holmes, Interim Vice President for Institutional Equity and Diversity

Professor Cohen was recognized for his many contributions to our community and to the larger global community. Specifically, his nominators noted his commitment to peaceful co-existence among traditional adversaries in Ireland and the Middle East, his contributions to educating the campus community about the human cost of military conflict, and his work with students in the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program. Nominators noted his "tremendous moral courage and humanitarian spirit" and his "savvy and courageous leadership."

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award ceremony was held on Thursday, January 19th.

Geography Ducks get jobs

Congratulations to our 2011 PhD and MA/MS graduates! We are proud that many of our grads have landed excellent jobs in geography-related fields, many in academic positions and others in government and industry.

Doctoral graduates:

• Paul Blanton, PhD; now Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Studies, Southern Oregon University
• Matt Derrick, PhD; now Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Humboldt State University
• Shangrila Joshi, PhD (Environmental Studies); now Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Studies, Denison University
• Megan Lawrence, PhD; now Project Manager, Spatial and Map Cognition Research Lab, University of Oregon
• Suzanne Walther, PhD; now Assistant Professor, Department of Earth Science, Utah Valley University

Master’s graduates:

• Vincent Artman, MA; now Geography PhD student at the University of Kansas
• Ian David Crickmore, MS; now an Environmental GIS Technician for JL Patterson
• Mahmood Khan, MA; now a Geography PhD student at UCLA
• Stephanie Michelson Correa, MS; will be a PhD student in the School of Forest Resources, University of Washington
• Denise Tu, MS; now Spatial Analyst and Geomorphology Researcher, Hydrology Program, University of California, Davis