Geography is the science of place and space.
Geography is a distinctive discipline with a special place in the university. It encourages students to take a holistic view of the world and their place in it: it's about putting knowledge together, rather than taking it apart. It focuses on the relationships between people, their places and their environments, and the ways in which these can be made more sustainable for the future.
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2012 Scholarship Winners
Matti Kaups Scholarship: Sarah Davidson and Stephanie Gibeau
Sarah Davidson is a junior at UMD majoring in Geography and Political Science. She is from Sunny Lake Bluff, Illinois.
Stephanie Gibeau is a Junior who is majoring in Geography with a minor in Photography, and is also pursuing an Undergraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science. Over the past few years at UMD, she has had her photographs displayed in multiple art exhibitions and is an active member in the UMD Athletic Bands.
Emma Goldman Scholarship: Tara Coberley-Horrall and Stephanie Gibeau
Tara Coberley: Growing up on a small farm near Madison, Wisconsin rooted an important ideal within me, that is the interconnectedness between daily life and the surrounding environment. This connection between humanity and the land has always fascinated me, and pursing the study of geography has continued to develop my knowledge of the intricate balance between earth systems. A minor in American Indian Studies has deepened my awareness of the struggles faced by those whose connections to the land have been severed, and I have become passionate about studying how improving the land can improve the lives of people. I hope to help strengthen communities by working on sustainable and urban agriculture, bringing renewed life to people that have been separated from the land that truly sustains us all.
Stephanie Gibeau is a Junior who is majoring in Geography with a minor in Photography, and is also pursuing an Undergraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science. Over the past few years at UMD, she has had her photographs displayed in multiple art exhibitions and is an active member in the UMD Athletic Bands.
Catherine Cox Scholarship: Kelly Bray and Joshua Sandstrom
Kelly is a non-traditional student with a passion for learning. She has a diverse background of career and academic experiences that continually help her succeed in her pursuit of a Geography B.A., Environmental Studies Minor, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Certificate. She is particularly interested in healthy food production and food systems. She works as a project coordinator on UMD's Sustainable Agriculture Project. After graduation she will attend graduate school focusing on Geography of Food Systems and/or GIS.
Joshua Sandstorm: I grew up in Hermantown, Minnesota and graduated Hermantown High School in 2009. I chose to major in Geography at UMD because I wanted to go to college at home, and Geography seemed to be the best major for me. After I graduate from UMD, I hope to attend further schooling for a degree in meteorology.
Fred Witzig Scholarship: Samuel Giebner
I am double majoring in both Geography and Urban and Regional Studies while completing the Geographic Information Science Certificate Program. Currently I am a junior and plan to graduate spring semester of 2013. After the completion of my undergraduate programs, I am considering pursuing a master's degree in Geographic Information Science at the University of Minnesota. Outside of the classroom, I am member of the nordic ski team and a marathon runner. I also have a passion for canoeing and wilderness camping. My passion for the outdoors and community has led to envision a career with the either the Forest Service, DNR or a County government.
Chris Anderson
Awarded an ESRI User Conference Student Assistantship for this summer 2012
Department Intro (ppt)
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2011 Department Newsletter
Distance complicates, impedes healthy diets for some
Food Deserts Causing a Drought of Healthy Food in Duluth
University of Minnesota Campuses