Dr. Lesley Rigg selected as Associate Dean for Research & Graduate Affairs

Congratulations to Dr. Lesley Rigg from the Department of Geography! She has been selected as the Associate Dean for Research & Graduate Affairs. Dr. Rigg brings to the position a strong background as an active researcher, with funding from the National Science Foundation. She also brings experience as part of the leadership team of our NSF ADVANCE Catalyst Grant, as a former Director of Undergraduate Studies in Geography and as a member of numerous department, college and university committees and task forces. Her duties will begin on July 1.

(Post submitted by Jodi Heitkamp)

Dr. Richard Greene featured on NIU Today

Dr. Richard Greene's recent analysis of census data of suburban Chicago is featured on NIU Today.
See more details at http://www.niutoday.info/2011/05/24/shifting-suburban-hierarchy/

Geography Club Had a Productive and Fun Year

During its second year of revitalization, NIU’s Geography Club had continued flourish. In early fall, many geography students and facility participated in the NIU Homecoming 5k race. A graduate student and Geography Club member managed to win the race and even set a course record. Once again, the Geography Department’s Career Day was the primary focus of fall activities. Member’s spent countless hours designing welcome banners and personalizing geography themed water bottles. 2010’s Career Day also marked the first annual creation of Geography Club calendars. Calendar ware created consisting of photos that members had taken themselves. Photos ranged from the DeKalb region to Montana’s National Glacial Park even European castles. All photos included specific longitude and latitude coordinates of the shown location. Calendars were available for sale as a means to raise funds for future Geography Club events. During the winter months Geography Club consistently held “movie nights.” Documentaries often covering geographic topics were shown in Davis Hall. After the film, a discussion was held to give students the opportunity to reflect and present their point of view. Once the weather warmed up geocaching trips to Afton Forest Preserve were organized as well as maple syruping seminars at DeKalb Nature Center. With another productive and fun year behind us, Geography Club is eager to embark on more adventures starting in August.


Career Day


Geocaching

(post contributed by Joe Sepulveda)

Strong Geography/Meterology Presence at the Undergraduate Research & Artistry Day

The following Geography and Meterology undergradatutes presented their research at the 2nd Annual Undergraduate Research & Artistry Day last week (4/20/2011).


Congratulations to Shana Harris, Kristina Rohrbach, Thomas Polvika, Phillip Jagielo, and Dr. David Changnon for placing second in the Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Category.




Trevor Edmonson



Josh Page




Sara Schultz




Rose Sengenberger, Alecia Osborne

Geography faculty and students honored

The following Geography faculty and students were honored recently for their excellence:

1. Dr. Michael Konen received 2011 NIU Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award. For more information, see http://today.niu.edu/2011/04/19/soil-tells-a-story/.

2. Clint Bailey was recognized by the The Soil Science Society of America as an outstanding graduating senior studying soils from universities across the country.

3. Tara Whipple was recognized as an Outstanding Graduate Student by the Graduate School of NIU.

Congratulations to all of them!

2010 GTU inductees

The Department of Geography would like to welcome the 2010 inductees into Gamma Theta Upsilon (GTU), Iota Chapter. GTU is an international honor society in geography founded in 1928. Members of GTU have met academic requirements and share a background and interest in geography. GTU chapter activities support geography knowledge and awareness. Standing from left – Sarah Blue (Faculty), Ryan Coomer, Shannon McCarragher, Jacob Kruse, Alicia Lisowski, Steve Hamilton, Ata Shakir, Christine Carrier, Andrew Krmenec (Faculty Advisor), and Michaela Freidrichova. Sitting from left – Siqin Wang, Tara Whippo, Trevor Edmonson (President), and Michael Williams (Membership Chair). Not pictured – Benjamin Peterson, Daniel Weldon II, and Michael Schuch.

(Post contributed by Lenny Walther)

Christine Carrier won 1st place in student paper competition at AAG West Lakes meeting

NIU Geography graduate student Christine Carrier won 1st place finish in the student paper competition at AAG West Lakes meeting held in in Macomb, IL, Oct. 21-23, 2010. She did an excellent job in writing the paper and presenting it at the conference. She received the highest point total among all entries. This award carries a check of $150, which will be sent directly from AAG central office in Washington, DC. Congratulations, Christine!