To our students who have completed their degrees this spring semester: Well Done!

At the May 8 commencement, many Geography and Atmospheric Science students will receive their diplomas. We will have names and recognition at today’s (May 6) awards ceremony in the Faculty Club. As the graduate dean states “Commencement is a wonderful celebration of what you have achieved and what you hope to accomplish in the future.” Congratulations to all who are celebrating on Sunday, May 8, in Ohio Stadium.

Wonderful news for the department:  Rae Choi (PhD, 2015) has accepted a tenure track position as Assistant Professor of Global and Sociocultural Studies at Florida International University. Rae’s advisor is Becky Mansfield. The faculty at FIU has many geographers-- including our own Kevin Grove (PhD 2011, Mat Coleman advisor).  Welcome to Miami – what a dynamic city!

Current ASP graduate student Alex McCarthy and undergraduate ASP student Matthew Campbell did a terrific job this week talking about the impacts of ENSO on Ohio weather during the Monroe Severe Weather Symposium. They presented an informative and fun talk and were also great in dealing with the many questions from the audience. Thanks also to Alvaro Montenegro for leading by example!

Michelle Hablitzel successfully defended her honors thesis, titled Gentrification in Over-the-Rhine: It's Not Just Black and White. Michelle's committee consists of Nancy Ettlinger, Miranda Martinez (Comparative Studies) and Mat Coleman (advisor).  Michelle received generous funding for her research from the College of Arts and Sciences, and presented her findings at the Denman earlier in the year.

Congratulations to Rachel Beery (Sophomore) who has been awarded a very prestigious Summer Internship with the National Geographic in DC. Rachel has been working with Elisabeth Root and took her population class this semester. As you may know, these awards are quite hard to come by and Rachel made a good case based on her interests in outreach and K-12. Rachel is also a 2016 Sharpe Scholarship Awardee. Well done!

A full list of Sharpe Awardees is coming soon.