In my undergraduate program, I jumped from major to major because I had many interests and was curious about many different things. As I started to develop an interest in the city, I stumbled over the geography department at Bowling Green State University. It was there that I found a department that was looking at all sorts of questions—but through a geographic perspective. From there, I went on to be a practicing urban planner. I enrolled in a master’s program, expecting it to be my terminal degree. Then, I noticed UWM’s geography program, which was dedicated to urban environments. I enrolled to work with Dr. Judith Kenny to focus on the social and cultural aspects of the urban built environment by looking at LGBT/queer community place-making. Since I also worked with Dr. Mansson McGinty, Dr. Sziarto, and Dr. Jordan (in Sociology), I had a very dynamic committee that pushed the theoretical orientations of my dissertation in multiple ways.
In what way does geography relate to your current work?
I am currently Assistant Professor of Practice of Geography and the Environment in the Department of Geosciences at Texas Tech University. As I teach multiple courses, advise in the undergraduate program, and coordinate the graduate program in Geography and the Environment, I use my geographic knowledge every day. I am in a program with a large GIS focus, but I am working to expand offerings in urban geography.
What is your favorite memory of being a student in the Department of Geography?
I have many fond memories of my time at UWM. When I was in the Geography Program, we had a very close-knit group of graduate students. We encouraged each other. We challenged each other. We created reading groups and exchanged ideas. And, of course, we socialized! I keep in touch with many of my graduate colleagues to this day. What’s more, the geography department was in a state of growth as I was nearing the completion of my doctoral studies, and I was able to develop direct ties with many of these new faculty members. I am forever grateful for their inspiration, help, and dedication. I was directly involved in organizing some conferences within the department and on campus. To this day, I remember the robust colloquia the department hosted, the caliber of which has not been matched anywhere else I’ve been. …And I remember a few wasted hours with my fellow grad students in the Gasthaus (at the Student Union).
How do you keep the balance between work and life? What do you do for your extra time?
That is a good question! In my spare time, I like to garden and cook what I harvest. When time permits, I like to read outside of the discipline, namely classic fiction. I’d like to say I’ve traveled a lot, but I’ve made up for it by moving quite frequently. I rather enjoy the outdoors, and I’ve gone on memorable hikes in many of the states.
Any suggestions for our geography students?
Get to know each other. Hang out and talk with your peers. Have fun but also interact intellectually.