DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
PAGES 2-7
FACULTY FEATURES
PAGES 8-10 MEET YOUR NEW STAFF
STUDENT STORIES PAGE 11
PAGES 12-15 ALUMNI CONNECTIONS
PAGES 16-17
EDITOR’S CORNER
PAGE 18
A MESSAGE FROM THE DEPARTMENT CHAIR
BY PINLIANG DONG
As we wrap up the spring semester, I want to take a moment to thank each of you faculty, staff, students, and alumni for your hard work, dedication, and ongoing support This academic year brought continued growth in our academic programs, impactful research, and inspiring accomplishments by both students and faculty
I’m especially proud of the many collaborative efforts that have strengthened our community and advanced our department’s mission As we transition into the summer months, I encourage everyone to take time to recharge and reflect, while looking ahead to the exciting opportunities on the horizon Thank you for all you do to make this department a vibrant and dynamic academic home
Spring Graduates and Scholarships
As another academic year comes to a close, we ’ re proud to celebrate the Geography students who are crossing the finish line this spring and those earning special recognition along the way
To our Spring 2025 graduates:
Your hard work, curiosity, and resilience have shaped this department in countless ways Whether you ’ re heading into graduate school, launching a career, or taking time to explore what comes next, we ’ re proud to have been part of your journey You’ve left your mark, and we can’t wait to see where geography takes you next Congratulations!
To our scholarship recipients:
You represent the best of what our department stands for passion, purpose, and a deep commitment to understanding the world around us. We’re thrilled to support your academic journey and look forward to seeing how you continue to grow.
Bachelor of Arts
Laura Coate
Geospatial Technology Scholarship
Sushant Koirala
Physical Geography Scholarship
Bachelor of Science
Alyssa Alsobrook
Ethan Bradshaw
Logan Burchett
Denton to Detroit: UNT Geographers Go National
In March, a group of undergraduate and graduate students from the Department of Geography and the Environment traveled to the 2025 American Association of Geographers (AAG) Annual Meeting to present their original research on a national stage. Their projects spanned a wide range of topics - including environmental justice, urban planning, geospatial technology, and climate resiliencedemonstrating the depth and diversity of scholarship at UNT Attending AAG offered students the opportunity to engage with leading researchers, receive feedback on their work, and connect with peers from across the country We’re incredibly proud of their achievements and the professionalism they brought to this year ’ s conference
Teaching with Purpose: Mara Hedrich Honored for Excellence
Mara Hedrich was recognized this spring with the 2025 Adjunct Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence This marked her third nomination and first win The award was presented at a university-wide celebration attended by the UNT President, Provost, Board of Regents, and system leadership. She received an engraved award and monetary prize in recognition of her ongoing excellence in instruction, mentorship, and student engagement
This semester, Mara especially enjoyed teaching Geography 4800: Capstone in Geography, a course she inherited from Dr Paul Hudak, whose extensive work built a strong foundation. While the format was already effective, she introduced refinements to help students manage the research and writing process more confidently These include low-stakes, scaffolded assignments that break the paper into manageable chunks – so students aren’t left scrambling at the end By finals, they’ve already built their projects step by step
Additional supports include peer workshops, individualized feedback, and growth-focused grading, all within a classroom culture that prioritizes wellbeing “When I was in college, I turned in a final paper and just hoped I’d done it right,” she says. “I aim to create a structured, supportive space where students can take ownership of their ideas ” Mara has found students’ growing confidence to be the most rewarding part of the semester She’ll be on leave next year as her family grows but looks forward to returning with renewed energy to continue supporting student success
Getting to Know: Dr. Jihoon Jung, Geography’s Newest Faculty Member
Dr. Jihoon Jung is the latest addition to the Geography Department at UNT, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a passion for geography that stems from a lifelong curiosity about the world A fascination with constellations, weather patterns, and natural disasters sparked his initial interest in the field "As a kid, I loved observing constellations and weather, visiting history museums, and learning about volcanoes and earthquakes," Dr Jung recalls "These interests inspired me to choose geography as my major " His academic journey led him to work at a government agency similar to the National Weather Service, where he was exposed to data that ultimately shaped his decision to pursue a career in academia
One pivotal moment in his career came when he encountered a graph that demonstrated the relationship between temperature and human deaths "I noticed a sharp increase after a certain temperature threshold, and what was even more interesting was that each area exhibited a different pattern in this relationship," he explains This observation ignited his curiosity about the factors behind these variations and set him on the path toward academic research
Now, as a faculty member, Dr. Jung is working to find a balance between teaching and research. "As a new faculty member, finding a balance has been challenging," he admits "Currently, I’m dedicating about 60-70 percent of my time to preparing course materials While it’s enjoyable and I’m learning a lot along the way, developing my own lectures and resources takes a significant amount of time and effort." Despite the challenges, Dr. Jung is optimistic about the future. "I’m looking forward to dedicating more time to research and collaborating with students on projects to move them toward publication in the future My ultimate goal is to achieve a balance of 60% research and 40% teaching "
For Dr Jung, the most rewarding part of teaching at UNT has been the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of students and help them see how geography is interconnected with various aspects of life "I’ve attended about six colleges over the last 20 years and have met many students during this time," he shares "When I started this position, I had no idea what you all would be like – excited, but at the same time, a little nervous However, it didn’t take long for me to recognize that i d d hi hl ti t d I f l lik ll f ll f t ti l j t di d t f d "
Getting to Know: Melanie Kneen, Geography Adjunct and Explorer at Heart
Some careers in geography begin with a love of maps or a passion for travel. For Melanie Kneen, it all started in an unexpected place: a chemistry lab
Originally focused on Applied Math and Physics, Melanie quickly discovered that the lab chemicals were making her violently ill "I wanted to know more about air pollution because it was clearly making me sick – and had been for some time," she recalls What began as a personal quest soon turned academic Armed with the tools of math, physics, and an emerging skill in GIS programming, Melanie found herself drawn deeper into the world of geography, geology, and even medical geology, studying not just the sources of dust and pollution but also their effects on human health. Geography became not just an interest, but a mission.
Today, Melanie brings that same sense of exploration to the classroom Her teaching philosophy is simple but powerful: "We can learn more when we're laughing and doing practical stuff," she says Though hands-on activities are sometimes limited to lab settings, Melanie is determined to keep classes engaging – even if it means unleashing a few of her famously terrible jokes "My students now know there’s a class of humor even worse than 'dad jokes'," she laughs
Balancing the demands of adjunct teaching with other responsibilities isn't always easy "Sometimes I don't manage it very well," Melanie admits "But my students are worthwhile people and are worth my time " Seeing students choose to shine – to stretch, explore, and gain more intellectual freedom – is what keeps her coming back to the classroom. "Watching them move from where they are to where they could be is the most rewarding part "
One of Melanie’s favorite parts of teaching is the geography project assignment she gives her students "I love the freedom it offers," she says "Every semester, I'm amazed by the creativity and individuality students bring to their projects " This emphasis on creativity and adaptability is also central to how she designs her courses, offering a variety of ways for students to succeed and recognizing that each learner brings different strengths to the table "Failing to meet high goals isn’t failure," she adds "It’s part of aiming high and trying to meet every student where they are "
Having completed her own education outside of the United States, Melanie acknowledges that adapting to the American higher education system – and the different levels of independence incoming college students bring – has been a challenge. But it’s one she embraces wholeheartedly "Students aren’t responsible for where they are when they arrive," she says "My job is to help move them toward more independent learning and build skills that will help them succeed long after they leave my classroom."
Melanie’s love of exploration doesn’t stop at the lecture hall She describes herself as perpetually curious, always seeking new knowledge – whether it’s through travel, reading, or chess "I love reading, traveling, playing chess, and even terrible karate," she says, laughing "Staying fit bores me to death unless there’s some purpose behind it!" As it turns out, she’s more than just a casual chess player: Melanie is a certified FIDE Arbiter, qualified to referee chess matches at the highest levels of international competition "I play too, but not very well," she adds modestly
When she’s not teaching or traveling, Melanie unwinds with fantasy fiction, romance novels, and meaningful reads like Contact by Carl Sagan and the autobiographies of Richard Feynman But if she had to pick one book that’s shaped her the most, she’s quick to name the Bible.
If given the chance to travel anywhere, Melanie’s list is long – and delightfully specific She dreams of seeing geological wonders like Yellowstone National Park, watching the Northern Lights from Norway, and encountering some of the world’s stranger creatures "I’d love to see a happy-faced spider and a caterpillar whose tail mimics a snake," she says, although she admits spiders and snakes aren't exactly her favorite animals
For students considering a future in geography, Melanie’s advice is simple and encouraging: be curious "We have the whole planet to explore – more than we could ever fully learn about There’s so much weird and cool stuff out there to discover "
With her infectious curiosity, commitment to students, and wide-ranging passions, Melanie Kneen is a reminder that geography isn’t just about studying the world – it’s about experiencing it, connecting it, and finding your place within it
Faculty Publication Spotlight: Geography in the 21st Century
Professors Waquar Ahmed and Ipsita Chatterjee have just published two volumes of the co-edited book titled Geography In the 21st Century: Defining Moments that Shaped Society. In addition to Ahmed and Chatterjee, Jayson J. Funke of Western Connecticut State University and Stephen M McCauley of Worcester Polytechnic Institute also serve as co-editors of these volumes Bloomsburry Academic of United Kingdom is the publisher
Each volume of Geography in the 21st Century consists of 20 chapters and covers topics ranging from COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-23) to Ebola Outbreak, West Africa (20-13-16) and United States’ War on Terrorism: Afghanistan (2001), Iraq (2003) to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (2013- ) More than forty experts on issues such as elections, market practices, geopolitics, society, changing cultural and environmental landscapes, cities and several others, from many parts of the world have contributed academic labor in the form of chapters to making these volumes possible
Geography In the 21st Century: Defining Moments that Shaped Society is now available at the UNT library, in bookstores, and online
Under the Stars: GSA Camping Trip to Beavers Bend State Park
This March, more than twenty UNT Geography students headed north to Beavers Bend State Park in Oklahoma for a weekend of camping, community, and clear night skies Organized by the Geography Student Association (GSA) and supported by the department, the trip gave students a chance to unplug, explore, and connect beyond the classroom
From scenic hikes to campfire conversations, the group made the most of their time outdoors - coordinating gear, food, and transportation across four fully booked campsites With eight cars, plenty of tents, and even more snacks, the students pulled off a smooth and memorable getaway.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the trip a success! Whether roasting marshmallows or swapping stories under the stars, this was geography in its element
Meet Laura: From Center Stage to Center Office
This year has brought exciting new faces to the UNT Department of Geography – and among them is our new Administrative Specialist, Laura, whose journey to us has been anything but ordinary.
Born and raised in Plano, Texas, Laura grew up with the arts in her blood She spent her early years immersed in dance, choir, and theater, performing at district competitions and Dallas award shows. But while the spotlight suited her, Laura's curiosity for the world beyond the stage eventually led her to seek new horizons
"I wanted to explore different experiences and cultures," she says. That adventurous spirit guided her to Texas State University, where she ultimately earned a Bachelor of Arts in Geography with a minor in Business Administration in 2024
After graduation, Laura began the classic post-college quest: finding a role that felt like a true fit While browsing the UNT career page, she stumbled across an opening in the Department of Geography It was a perfect match – combining her academic background with her strong administrative skills–and the rest, as they say, is history
Since joining the team, Laura has found herself energized by the department's dynamic environment.
"Being surrounded by people who are passionate about learning and growth is so motivating," she shares "It’s inspiring to be part of that energy."
Of course, moving from student life to the administrative side of academia came with its surprises
"Calling professors by their first names and seeing them as colleagues was a big shift!" she laughs Still, Laura has embraced the transition with enthusiasm–and a few small wins along the way, like helping organize a departmental event, have solidified her sense of belonging.
This year has been a season of change for Laura, aligning perfectly with the theme of this issue, Charting Change Between graduating college, moving home, and launching her career, she’s been navigating a whirlwind of milestones –all with optimism and a spirit of exploration
Outside of work, Laura’s creativity shines Whether she’s losing herself in a good book, crafting intricate paper art, or hunting down hidden gem cafés and vintage shops, she approaches life with a storyteller’s heart Fashion is another of her passions–she’s always ready to seize any excuse to dress up and head out with friends.
And if you happen to stop by her desk? You’ll find someone ready with a warm smile and a helping hand–whether you need an answer, a recommendation, or just a quick chat to brighten your day
Looking ahead, Laura is excited to dive deeper into creative projects within the department, finding new ways to showcase the incredible work happening here at UNT Geography She’s also looking forward to learning even more about her field and how she can contribute in meaningful and innovative ways
When asked what never fails to make her laugh, Laura grins
"Humans doing voiceovers for animal videos," she says "They're just so stupid and funny – I find them way too amusing for my own good "
In a world that can sometimes take itself too seriously, Laura's ability to find joy in the little things – and her enthusiasm for the journey ahead – makes her a wonderful addition to our department family. Welcome, Laura!
Meet Tanner: From Many Roads to One Map
Change is in the air at the UNT Department of Geography and the Environment – and among the new faces shaping our future is Tanner Lindberg, our new Administrative Coordinator. His journey, winding through fields as varied as nursing, biology, real estate, and veterinary care, has shaped a steady, thoughtful approach to building community and supporting growth
Tanner began his academic career at Tarrant County College as a nursing student before transferring to the University of North Texas, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Biology in 2020 – right as the world was adjusting to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before and after his time at UNT, Tanner spent seven years managing operations at a real estate office, gaining valuable experience in leadership, problem-solving, and client service Later, he pivoted to working as a veterinary technician for Petco’s mobile vaccination clinic, a role that blended his scientific background with his love of animals
Eventually, Tanner found his way back to UNT, joining the Office of Admissions before making the leap to the Department of Geography and the Environment earlier this year Each step along the way has informed his calm, resourceful style–one that balances big-picture thinking with day-to-day care. “This past year has been a huge season of change for me,” Tanner shares “I got engaged, weathered some difficult transitions, and re-found my passion for work It’s been a lot of growth all at once, but it’s exciting ”
Since stepping into his role, Tanner has embraced the opportunity to be more than just an administrator – he’s become a welcoming and reliable presence for students, faculty, and staff alike His philosophy is simple but powerful: “Try to be as helpful and friendly as possible – and make my office an extension of that Have a question? Need or want to chat? Come on in and take a seat ”
Behind the scenes, Tanner manages the entire departmental budget, coordinates administrative processes, and serves as a vital bridge between the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) and the Geography community It’s a complex responsibility that touches nearly every aspect of departmental operations, and Tanner approaches it with quiet professionalism “One of the things people don’t always realize is how much of what happens behind the scenes depends on budgeting, contracts, purchasing, and paperwork getting done right and on time,” he explains. “My goal is to handle all of that so faculty and students can focus on what really matters–teaching, learning, and research ”
Tanner’s commitment to growth hasn’t gone unnoticed. Shortly after joining the department, he was selected for UNT’s prestigious AccoUNTable Supervisor Program – a leadership development initiative for promising staff For Tanner, it’s a point of pride, alongside the quieter joy of simply finding work he’s passionate about Getting to know the people around the Environmental Sciences (ENV) Building has been another unexpected highlight. “It’s nice to finally put down roots,” he says “You start to realize how much community there is here–and how important it is to build those connections ”
Looking ahead, Tanner is enthusiastic about the department’s future “We have some exciting projects in the works to make the department more public-facing and enhance student participation,” he shares. “There’s so much potential here, and I’m really excited to help shape what’s next ”
Outside the office, Tanner describes himself as a “big nerd” with a passion for storytelling, world-building, and nurturing things –whether that’s houseplants, Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, or ideas His desk is often home to an ever-growing collection of plant cuttings, which he’s always happy to share with colleagues When he’s not tending to greenery or crafting fantasy adventures, you’ll likely find him deep into a horror novel–or planning his next creative project.
In Tanner’s own words and actions, it’s clear that he’s not just charting a path for himself –he’s helping to build a stronger, more connected community in the Department of Geography and the Environment. And if his track record is any indication, the best is yet to come
Alumni Connections: From Campus to Continents
Nicholas Enwright (2007/2010)
Zongpei Tang earned his MS in Applied Geography (GIS Track) from the University of North Texas in December 2006 studying under Dr Pinliang Dong His thesis focused on selecting optimal residential locations using fuzzy GIS modeling a methodology that reflects his interest in solving real-world problems with innovative spatial tools
While at UNT, Zongpei credits several mentors for shaping his academic and professional journey Dr Bruce Hunter offered opportunities to manage the GIS and Remote Sensing Lab and join summer research programs, strengthening Zongpei’s technical and problem-solving skills Dr Donald Lyons expanded his understanding of urban and human geography, while Dr Paul Hudak encouraged him to align his research with personal interests Most notably, Dr Dong guided him in approaching complex questions with analytical precision and creativity By graduation, Zongpei was well-prepared to apply GIS in meaningful ways
After UNT, he joined Halff Associates, a full-service engineering firm in Richardson, Texas He’s since grown into the role of Senior Project Manager and QA Manager within their GIS Practice Over his career, he has contributed to a wide range of projects, including large-scale transportation and flood risk mapping initiatives His areas of expertise include spatial analysis raster data modeling geodatabase management web mapping and application development professional cartography and asset management Zongpei also leads specialized air quality studies such as Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSAT) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Traffic Air Quality Analysis (TAQA)
Beyond his technical work, Zongpei plays an active role in mentoring young professionals and fostering a collaborative workplace culture He is known among colleagues for his ability to translate complex spatial data into actionable insights, and among junior staff for his patient guidance and high standards He often speaks at GIS conferences, contributes to best practices in QA/QC processes, and supports internal training efforts that promote data integrity and innovation in public sector projects
If you had told Nicholas Enwright back in 2007 that his work would one day help track the future of Americas coastal wetlands he might have believed you – but only after double-checking your elevation data
Nicholas graduated from UNT with a BS in Geography and a GIS Certificate in 2007, followed by an MS in Applied Geography in 2010 While at UNT, he dove deep into remote sensing and geospatial analysis, studying wetland hydrology through restoration projects at the Grand Prairie Landfill and the coastal prairies of Galveston Bay It wasn’t glamorous work – but it laid the foundation for a career defined by precision, passion, and purpose
That career took off when Nicholas joined a federal contractor supporting the US Geological Survey’s Wetland and Aquatic Research Center in Lafayette, Louisiana In 2013, he made it official – becoming a full-time Geographer with the USGS and, eventually, a Research Geographer in 2022 Along the way, he earned his PhD in Geography and Anthropology from LSU, specializing in remote sensing and barrier island habitat modeling
Now Nicholas leads a team of seven early-career geospatial scientists and has authored or co-authored 32 journal articles (half of them as first author) His work focuses on understanding how fragile environments – like barrier islands and coastal wetlands – shift over time Whether it’s mapping irregularly flooded marshes, modeling sea-level rise impacts, or enhancing national datasets, Nicholas is pushing the boundaries of how we study and protect coastal systems
Despite his national reach, Nicholas traces his success back to Denton He credits Drs Hudak, Hunter, Oppong, and Dong with shaping his research skills and preparing him for life beyond the classroom His advice for current students? “Intern early, network often, and don’t underestimate the power of a Collin County internship”
From storm-impacted wetlands to future climate models, Nicholas Enwright is proof that a strong foundation in geography can take you anywhere – even if you have to map it yourself
Now a leader in the field, Zongpei encourages students to stay open-minded, build strong relationships with mentors and peers, embrace challenges, and commit to lifelong learning His path is proof that the right foundation, combined with curiosity and persistence, can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career in geography one that continues to evolve alongside the ever-changing landscape of geospatial science
Zongpei Tang (2006)
Marinda Griffin (2017/2020)
Marinda Griffin (BA ’17, MS ’20) is a proud two-time graduate of the University of North Texas, where she studied Geography with a minor in Anthropology She received the Terry Jordan Award for Cultural Geography in 2017, recognizing her academic excellence and passion for the human-environment relationship
Marinda was drawn to geography for its interdisciplinary nature “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but the diversity of classes gave me space to explore and find my path,” she explains That journey included internships with the California Coastal Commission, the US Army Corps of Engineers at LAERF, and the North Central Texas Council of Governments She also served as a Research Associate at UNT’s Center for Economic Development and Research where she led studies on local and national economic impacts
In graduate school Marinda developed close relationships with faculty mentors including Drs Waquar Ahmed, Ipsita Chatterjee, and Andrew Nelson Her thesis, supported by Dr Nelson, focused on place-making in community agriculture programs among Bhutanese refugees She credits her mentors with shaping her academic growth and encouraging her writing even when the ideas came slowly “You can always revise later,” she recalls from Dr Chatterjee “Just start”
Marinda now serves as a Planner III with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department covering 34 state parks across Regions 5 and 6 She writes public use plans conducts land-use analysis and collaborates across departments to plan major park and resource management projects Shes also played a key role in implementing the Texas Healthy Parks Plan training staff and presenting on how parks can serve as tools for public health and resilience especially in high-need areas identified by a statewide community needs analysis
Her previous roles include Urban Design Associate at the Texas Trees Foundation, where she led award-winning community engagement efforts for the Southwestern Medical District cap park project, and head of research at Trademark Property Company, applying GIS and place-making strategies to commercial redevelopment
Even outside work, Marinda explores the links between nature and well-being painting biophilic art, interviewing experts like Bill Browning, and reading My First 100 Engineering Words to her toddler Her advice for students: “Don’t feel bad if it takes you time to figure things out It’s about the journey, not the destination”
And her strangest UNT memory? “Finding a human thumb in a jar in the herbarium,” she laughs “I assume it came from an animal Or it was a white elephant gift”
UNT Geography Alumni Map
COMING SOON!
This summer, we ’ re launching a new way to celebrate where Geography has taken us - literally
The UNT Geography Alumni Map is an interactive digital project that will showcase where our graduates live and work across the world From park planners and environmental scientists to GIS specialists, policy researchers, and educators, each pin represents a person shaped by this department - and still shaping the world around them
The map is more than just a visual It’s a growing archive of stories, built to inspire current students, reconnect alumni, and demonstrate the powerful reach of a geography education Whether you stayed in Texas or traveled across continents, your journey is part of the UNT legacy - and we want you on the map
The map will go live by the end of the summer and be embedded on the UNT Geography website for students, faculty, and visitors to explore. Submitting your information is quick and easy: just scan the QR code to add your name, graduation year, current city, and (optionally) your current role or title
Help us chart the next chapter of UNT Geography - one pin at a time
Editor’s Corner
Change is a constant presence at any university, but this year, it felt especially close to home In the Department of Geography and the Environment, we've experienced a season of meaningful transition – welcoming new leadership, new staff, and new ideas into our community Transitions can be daunting, but they are also powerful opportunities: to reflect on where we’ve been, to rebuild with intention, and to reimagine who we want to become
Geography, perhaps more than any other discipline, teaches us that change is not something to resist, but something to understand Landscapes evolve Communities adapt
Even the maps we draw are never truly finished–they shift as the world itself grows and transforms In the same spirit, our department has embraced this season of change not as a disruption, but as a vital and natural part of growth
This year has been about more than adapting It’s been about charting a course forward Together, we’ve been laying the groundwork for a department that is more connected, more visible, and more engaged with the world around us With fresh energy in our halls and a renewed sense of purpose, we are building something that honors our legacy while opening exciting new paths for the future.
Looking ahead, we are eager to strengthen our community through expanded student outreach programs, deeper connections with our alumni, and new initiatives that celebrate the power of Geography in everyday life. We want our students to feel seen, our alumni to feel proud, and our faculty and staff to feel supported and inspired as we continue to grow Geography is everywhere – and our department is ready to meet the future with creativity, collaboration, and curiosity.
To everyone–faculty, students, alumni, and friends–thank you for helping to shape this year of transformation Your work, your stories, and your support make all the difference. You are a vital part of our landscape, and it is because of you that we move forward with confidence and care
Stay connected, share your journeys with us, and be part of what’s next Change is inevitable–but with vision, heart, and a shared sense of purpose, we are charting it together.
–Tanner Lindberg