Research areas
Department of Geography is the home of research areas including Climate, Environment, Health, Geospatial Technologies and Urbanization.
Climate and Earth System Science
Making sense of people and our planet
This theme encompasses research on physical landscapes, climate, hydrology, glaciers, permafrost, and ecological systems. Faculty investigate how natural systems respond to both gradual and abrupt environmental changes around the world, especially in alpine, Arctic, and prairie settings. Techniques include field studies, environmental monitoring, geospatial technologies (remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) and drone technologies, and modeling.
Geospatial Technologies and Spatial Data Science
Spatial thinking for a changing world
This theme involves the development and application of geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial analysis to better understand environmental and urban systems. Research includes mapping, spatial modeling, machine learning, and applications in urban planning, biodiversity, spatial decision support systems, energy efficiency, and climate mitigation.
Ongoing Projects
Environment, Health, and Sustainability
Mapping the world's sustainable futures
Faculty working within this theme study the dynamic relationships between people, animals and environments. Topics include resource governance, conservation, political ecology, land use, Indigenous and traditional ecological knowledge, food systems, environmental health, health systems, sustainable development and resource use, animal welfare and environmental justice. Research often addresses policy, governance, urban sustainability, and power structures shaping environmental outcomes.
Urbanization and Urbanism
Mapping connections, shaping futures
Urban Sustainability and Political Ecology This theme focuses on the social, political-economic, cultural, and environmental processes that shape urbanization, institutions, and everyday life. It explicitly addresses urban sustainability issues, public health, accessibility, mobility justice, urban planning and policy, urban governance and the ways urban processes and places are experienced. It often involves participatory methods, qualitative research, citizen social science, and diverse critical perspectives.
