Cynthia Brewer, professor of geography at Penn State, has been awarded the 2023 Carl Mannerfelt Gold Medal by the International Cartographic Association (ICA). The recognition represents the highest honor bestowed by the ICA, celebrating exceptional cartographers who have made significant original contributions to the field of cartography.
A team of Penn State researchers has received a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to spearhead a new initiative to create novel monitoring systems for insect populations, many of which are experiencing dramatic changes across the globe due to changes in land use, pollution and climate change.
Julie Michelle Klinger, assistant professor of geography and spatial science at the University of Delaware, will kick off the Penn State Department of Geography’ fall 2023 "Coffee Hour" lecture series with the talk, “Wasting and wanting: an extractive supply chain approach to outer space geographies.” Her talk will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, in 112 Walker Building on the University Park campus and via Zoom.
A Penn State-led research team used data from low-cost sensors, artificial intelligence and mobility data to improve models that assess human exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), tiny particles in smoke and other forms of air pollution that can pose health dangers. Public health officials can use the models to develop strategies to reduce exposure to unhealthy air quality, according to the researchers.
A U.S. Navy platoon commander who is a Penn State World Campus student has received this year’s Lt. Michael P. Murphy Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the geospatial intelligence community.
Mark Ortiz, a Presidential Postdoctoral Scholar in Penn State’s Department of Geography, is one of 15 geographers selected to the American Association of Geographers’ (AAG) first-ever cohort in the new Elevate the Discipline, or Elevate, program.
Poaching wild animals poses global environmental risks, from threatening the survival of keystones species to potentially spreading animal-borne diseases to humans. Technology like unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, can help combat poachers, but finding the best way to use the large amounts of geospatial data generated by these tools remains a challenge, according to Penn State scientists.
Over spring break 2023, Penn State graduate students traveled to Arizona to participate in a transformational research experience as part of the Landscape-U program. During the week students visited sites connected to food, energy and water topics, the focus of the trip.
In May, the Department of Geography held a workshop aimed at supporting third- and fourth-year students from underrepresented groups in their journeys toward applying for graduate programs in geography.
Each year, millions of pounds of fireworks illuminate the skies across the United States, captivating audiences with their dazzling displays. What many people may not realize is that perchlorate, a significant ingredient in fireworks, may pose potential health risks to humans and animals.