May 02, 2012

Showcase features geography students’ research

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Students majoring in geography and environmental resources at Southern Illinois University Carbondale end their academic year on a positive note, with an annual awards reception and student research showcase.

The event is 2-3 p.m. on Friday, May 4, in Faner Hall 2533.  The research poster session highlights current research conducted by students in geography and environmental resources.  Research posters are useful for students in this and other majors where data analysis requires more than text only.  Data graphs may represent months of painstaking research that could not be as well described in words as in a combination of text and graph.

Among the students being honored are:

• Erin Carman-Sweeney, Charleston: Scholastic Achievement Junior Award in Geography

• Genevieve Gieser, Elmhurst: Scholastic Achievement Senior Award in Geography

These awards go annually to an outstanding junior and senior majoring in geography and environmental resources and who meet grade point average and geography credit hour requirements.  Eligible students must also have the recommendation of geography and environmental resources faculty.

• Makayla Trotter, Macomb: Priscilla Anne Moulton Memorial

This award honors the former student of the same name who was an outstanding geography and environmental resources student before her death in an automobile accident in 1971.  The award typically goes to an outstanding senior, and may be applied to graduate studies.

• David Mann, Kansas City, Mo.: David G. Arey Memorial Award

This award honors the memory of an SIU Carbondale geography and environmental resources professor.  The award goes to a graduate student who demonstrates “creative thinking in natural resources and environmental problem solving.”

Other awardees received Outstanding Students in Geography Awards.  These awards acknowledge academic success and also participation within the department.  The students here are listed by hometown:

ILLINOIS

Carbondale: Amber Blakeslee (senior), Ellen Esling (sophomore); Ryan L. Smith (junior)

Charleston: Erin Carman-Sweeney (junior)

Chicago: Mercedes L. Gomez Jacobo (junior)

Downers Grove: Christopher Peters (senior)

Elmhurst: Genevieve Gieser (senior)

Gurnee: Cassandra Massong (senior)

Macomb: Makayla Trotter (senior)

St. Charles: Kimberly N. Nowicki (junior)