Dear Colleagues and Friends of UF Geography,
Greetings! As I sit down to compose this update, my heart swells with pride over the remarkable strides our department has made. It’s a joy to share with you the exciting developments that continue to shape the vibrant tapestry of UF Geography.
Personal Adventures in Research
Before diving into the departmental updates, I’m excited to share a personal highlight from Summer 2023. I had the incredible opportunity to engage in field research in South Africa alongside Dr. Heidi Lannon and three of our esteemed alumni – Dr. Cerian Gibbes, Dr. Hannah Herrero, and Dr. Erin Bunting. It was a rewarding and fun experience, collaborating with former students who are now making significant contributions in their respective universities. This trip not only advanced our research but also strengthened our global academic network. A photo capturing this memorable collaboration is included, showcasing all of us in the field, proudly representing our respective institutions.
Expanding Horizons with New Spaces and Faces
This year has been nothing short of dynamic. We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming expansion of our facilities, including a state-of-the-art GeoAI lab and a new classroom. This expansion doubles our capacity for teaching, responding to the growing demand for our courses. We hope to use some of our generated funding from the upcoming Giving Day (February 15th 2024) to help fund these classroom developments.
We are excited to welcome Dr. Alan Wiig as the newest Associate Professor of Geography at the University of Florida. With a PhD in Geography-Urban Studies from Temple University, Dr. Wiig is a distinguished scholar in human geography, economic development, globalization, information technology, infrastructure studies, urban planning, and urban studies. His research, which has been featured in leading academic journals, delves into the intricacies of urban geography and planning, focusing on the emerging digital divides in smart city projects, the politics of urban revitalization, and the transformation of city regions through transnational logistics corridors. Dr. Wiig’s work, characterized by comprehensive fieldwork and critical analysis of policy and planning documents, aims to unravel the complex dynamics of city regions’ responses to global economic trends and technological advancements, while highlighting the resulting impacts on infrastructure, equity, and sustainable urban development.
Elevating Undergraduate Education for a Future-Ready Workforce
At the heart of our commitment to educational innovation, we’ve taken significant strides in enhancing our undergraduate curriculum to better equip students for the rapidly evolving workforce. Recognizing the critical importance of both technical proficiency and effective communication in today’s AI-driven world, we have introduced a new mandatory course: GEO 4170 ‘Communicating Science in the Geosciences’. This course, alongside the existing GIS 2002 ‘The Digital Earth’ and GIS 2114 ‘The World & Big Data’, forms the backbone of our revamped undergraduate tracks. GEO 4170 is specifically tailored to develop students’ abilities in articulating complex scientific concepts clearly and effectively, a skill increasingly valued in the professional world. By integrating this course, we aim to not only enhance our students’ understanding of AI and big data but also to empower them with the communication skills essential for translating these concepts into practical, real-world applications. This comprehensive educational approach ensures that our graduates are not just technically adept but also exceptional communicators, making them highly marketable and well-prepared to thrive in diverse professional environments.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Geographers
Our commitment to fostering undergraduate research has taken a giant leap forward with the launch of a summer research program in 2023. This initiative, which placed 11 students into 7 diverse research groups, is not just an opportunity for practical experience but also a platform for professional development. The program culminates with student presentations at a department colloquium in the fall, showcasing their innovative findings.
A Glimpse into the Future: Meteorology Program
Looking ahead, we’re excited to introduce a new bachelor’s program in Meteorology starting Fall 2024. This program promises to be a blend of project-based learning, research opportunities, internships, and mentoring, alongside immersive experiences like excursions to field sites. It’s an initiative that exemplifies our commitment to hands-on learning and industry collaboration.
Continued Excellence in Research
Our research endeavors continue to flourish, placing us consistently in the top 5 for research productivity within our college over the past 6 years. This year, we’re proud to rank third. This achievement reflects the dedication and innovative spirit of our faculty and students.
Looking Forward
As we move forward, our sights are set on further elevating the impact and reach of UF Geography. Your continued support and enthusiasm for our programs make all the difference. Let’s keep the momentum going and make the upcoming year even more remarkable!
Sincerely
Dr. Jane Southworth
Chair