Dr. Abolfazl Mollalo – Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health, Baldwin Wallace University
Who are you?
I’m Abolfazl Mollalo. I noticed my first name is hard to pronounce in the US, so people simply call me Abe 🙂 I’m currently an assistant professor at the Department of Public Health at Baldwin Wallace University. The campus is located in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. I joined this university immediately after I graduated from UF Geography.
When did you attend UF? What degrees/certificates did you earn at the Department of Geography?
I started my Ph.D. in UF Geography in August 2015 and officially graduated in August 2019. I obtained my Ph.D. in Geography, specializing in Medical Geography under the guidance of professor Greg Glass.
What is your greatest memory from your time as a GeoGator?
UF Geography was my first experience in America, and it couldn’t have been better. The faculty and staff worked very hard to provide an intellectually stimulating environment for learning. They equipped me with the necessary tools and knowledge to ensure I was successful during the entirety of the program.
In my opinion, UF Medical Geography is one of the best Medical Geography programs in the country, with four nationally renowned faculty in the field. Fortunately, I had a wonderful adviser who provided me excellent research insight and guidance; I’m forever grateful.
As a GeoGator, I took almost all graduate-level medical geography courses in the department. I specifically loved all of Dr. Mao‘s courses such as “Medical Geography”, “Spatial Networks”, and “GIS Models in Public Health” that built the foundation for my future endeavors.
How do you use what you learned in the Geography Department in your life?
As a new professor, I extensively employ what I’ve learned from my UF Geography professors to efficiently and effectively develop and teach my courses and advise my students. I learned how important it is to incorporate research and technology in the classroom to solve real-world problems. I served as lab instructor for two years for “GIS in research” and “GIS Models in Public Health” for Dr. Mao and Mr. Anwar Sounnys’ classes. These incredible experiences really helped me hone my skills and knowledge.
Do you have a message to share with current/prospective students?
Time goes by very quickly. Study hard, but make sure you also have time for creating lasting friendships and memories.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Now, more than ever, Medical Geography is incredibly relevant, and UF Medical geography is training students with cutting-edge research and tools as we navigate through the pandemic. I highly recommend the UF Geography program to anyone interested in Public Health particularly from the Geography perspective.
Find out more about Abe’s work at the Health GIS Lab at Baldwin Wallace University. Abe is also on Google Scholar and ResearchGate.
If you would like to tell the world about your GeoGator Alumni Adventure, please send an email to Mike Ryan Simonovich.