Mike Ribant was awarded People’s Choice Award

PhD student Mike Ribant was awarded People’s Choice Award (student division ) for his poster “Persistent County Clusters of High Unemployment Across Recessions: November 2001-June 2009” at the fall 2011, Illinois Geographic Information Systems Association meeting.

GIS Night

NIU’s Department of Geography - Advanced Geospatial Laboratory held its fourth annual GIS Night on Wednesday, November 16. GIS Night coincides with Geography Awareness Week which is sponsored by the National Geographic Society and other geographic organizations around the world.

Demonstrations included traditional 2D GIS mapping, touch screen technology, digital signage, holographic maps, 3D animations and several activities geared towards children grades k – 12. The lab was open for several hours and was attended by a cross section of students, faculty and the public. Several graduate students that worked in the lab were present to help answer guest questions. Prizes were given out that included a world globe and T-Shirt.
(post submitted by Phil Young)

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!