Gamma Theta Upsilon Ceremony 2026
The Geography, Environment, and Sustainability department inducted 13 students to the Gamma Theta Upsilon geography honor society on April 16, 2026. Congratulations to all our outstanding students!
UNC Greensboro
DR. Knapp receives UNCG’s 2026 Research Excellence award
Dr. Paul Knapp, professor of geography, environment, and sustainability, receives the Senior Research Excellence Award for his innovative work in biogeography and climatology using dendroecological techniques. In the field and at his Carolina Tree-Ring Science Laboratory, Knapp uses tree-ring data to reconstruct centuries of environmental conditions and help scientists better… Continue reading…
Nicko Tovar wins Best Graduate Student Paper Award
GES doctoral student Nicko Tovar won the Best Student Paper Award at the November 2025 SEDAAG meeting in Lexington, Kentucky. The title of his paper was: Variation in Bus Transit Infrastructure Provision, Ridership, and Equity: Evidence from North Carolina. Congratulations Nicko!
Congratulations to the GES December 2025 graduates!
The Department of Geography, Environment, and Sustainability congratulates all of its December 2025 graduates! The Masters degree commencement was held at the coliseum, and the doctoral hooding ceremony was held at the UNCG auditorium this year, a few minutes’ casual stroll from the Graham Building. Commencement weather was wonderful (clear… Continue reading…
In Memoriam: John Shields
We are sad to report the loss of GES family member and doctoral student John Shields. The department learned of John’s passing on October 20 from his father who had been in frequent contact over the prior month regarding his son’s illness. John had been part of the GES family… Continue reading…
The Ins and Outs of UNCG Sustainability
Many students become experts of earth-saving habits by making sustainability their major, minor, bachelor’s, or graduate degree. “Our advanced topics include climate economics, sustainable buildings, food systems, and environmental humanities,” says Aaron Allen, Ph.D., director of the environment and sustainability program.
GES welcomes a new faculty member, Dr. Bhuwan Thapa!
Dr. Bhuwan Thapa joined GES in Fall 2025 as an assistant professor in urban sustainability. His research focuses on nature-based solutions for climate risk management, urban climate resilience & adaptation, hyperlocal air pollution, geospatial analysis, agroforestry and urban food systems. Dr. Thapa received BS degrees in Environmental Science from St…. Continue reading…
In Memoriam: Dr. Sarah Praskievicz
It is with deep sadness we share that Dr. Sarah Praskievicz, an associate professor in UNC Greensboro’s Department of Geography, Environment, and Sustainability (GES), died on Aug. 11, 2025, at her home in Greensboro, following a valiant 15-month battle with cancer. Praskievicz taught and conducted research in the areas of hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, and water resources. She was a consummate geographer, having visited all seven continents in her short 39 years. More importantly, she was a consummate human being and colleague, with a generous spirit, contagious (and loud!) laugh, and joie de vivre (joy of living) that brightened any room or outdoor space she entered.
Tyler Mitchell receives PhD and begins work at the University of Wyoming
Congratulations to Dr. Tyler Mitchell on receiving his PhD! Tyler’s dissertation, Radial growth responses of four southeastern USA pine species to precipitation event types, intense rainfall, and the North Atlantic Subtropical High, addresses the importance of rainfall delivery, particularly how intense events are critically important for tree growth and in what way… Continue reading…
Congratulations to Dr. Jay Lennartson and Mr. James Nelson
Congratulations to Dr. Jay Lannartson for being promoted to Principal lecturer and to Mr. James Nelson for being promoted to Academic Professional Professor.