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Geospatial Analytics Ph.D.

“I Use Geospatial Analytics To…” Part V

new Geospatial Analytics Ph.D. students stand under the Center for Geospatial Analytics sign at orientation
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In Fall 2022, the Center for Geospatial Analytics welcomed its fifth cohort of Geospatial Analytics Ph.D. students. Geospatial analytics is a branch of data science that spans myriad disciplines, and our students’ research interests are just as varied!

Curious about what our newest students will work on for their dissertations? Check out how they will use geospatial analytics for research, as they join our other cohorts of students on their academic journeys.

“I use geospatial analytics to…”

Emma Butzler
Emma Butzler

“…understand the impacts between humans and natural systems.”
Co-advisors: Georgina Sanchez and Ross Meentemeyer

Grace Choi
Grace Choi

“…understand our ecosystem’s response to, and possible outcomes caused by, climate change.”
Advisor: Josh Gray

Rebecca Composto
Rebecca Composto

“…leverage satellite imagery to examine the effectiveness of adaptation and resilience efforts.”
Advisor: Krishna Pacifici

Our students are funded by a mix of program support and external grants from NASA, NSF, The Nature Conservancy, USDA and more. And all of our Geospatial Analytics Ph.D. students are fully funded for four years.

“I use geospatial analytics to…”

Mark Feinberg
Mark Feinberg

“…analyze the spread and impacts of invasive species and pathogens and study the societal impacts of golf courses on nearby areas in Los Angeles and Wake Counties.”
Advisor: Ross Meentemeyer

Louis Goodball
Louis Goodall

“…assess how ecosystem services in forests respond to shifting climatic conditions and forest management practices.”
Advisor: Robert Scheller

Truffaut Harper
Truffaut Harper

“…analyze the increased impacts of flooding caused by climate change and its effects on development.”
Advisor: Ross Meentemeyer

The Faculty Fellows advising our students have academic homes in over a dozen academic departments and seven colleges across NC State.

Although they have varied research interests, all new Geospatial Analytics Ph.D. students share a set of core courses that unite them in their academic journey, beginning with GIS 710: Geospatial Analytics for Grand Challenges.

“I use geospatial analytics to…”

Eli Horner
Eli Horner

“…model the spread and control of invasive pests and pathogens.”
Advisor: Ross Meentemeyer

Jamie Huerta
Jamie Huerta

“…analyze and graph chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) concentrations along the coast of North Carolina.”
Advisor: Chris Osburn

Christina Perella
Christina Perella

“…quantify habitat connectivity in the Southeast under a range of future land use and climate change scenarios.”
Co-advisors: Adam Terando and Jelena Vukomanovic

Varun Tiwari
Varun Tiwari

“…study surface water and flooding dynamics under climate change scenarios.”
Advisor: Mirela Tulbure

As they move through their program, Geospatial Analytics Ph.D. students enjoy a shared learning journey with their cohort, as well as engage with other students in the program and benefit from the support of the Geospatial Graduate Student Organization.

Interested in joining this talented group? The application deadline for our Ph.D. program in Geospatial Analytics is February 1! Contact our Graduate Services Coordinator, Rachel Kasten, with any questions or to connect with a potential advisor.