San Diego State University and UCSB have a joint PhD program in Geography which is distinctive in that it brings together two outstanding departments that complement each other. California State Universities do not offer stand-alone doctoral programs; the joint doctorate program thereby provides mutual benefits for two of the strongest research-oriented Geography departments in the U.S. SDSU Geography grads in the program are required to spend at least one academic year in full-time residence at UCSB, and their doctoral committee must include two UCSB Geography faculty members (although exceptions are granted). Several SDSU grads in the joint PhD program have recently received major awards (see the SDSU Geography News page):
- Denise Goerisch and Justin Stoler (who recently completed his doctorate) received SDSU Aztec of the Year awards in recognition of “excellence in the numerous contributions that students, faculty, staff, and community partners make to the San Diego State University community.” Denise’s committee consists of Stuart Aitken (SDSU), Kate Swanson (SDSU), Susan Stonich (UCSB), and Eileen Boris (UCSB); Justin’s committee consisted of John Weeks (Chair, SDSU), Li An (SDSU), and David López-Carr and Stuart Sweeney (UCSB).
- Alex Zvoleff received the SDSU President’s Award for his presentation on population, health and environment in high priority conservation areas. He was also chosen as the Inamori Fellowship recipient for 2011-2012. The Inamori Fellowship Program is awarded to San Diego State University graduate students who demonstrate a high degree of scholarly accomplishments in addition to exceptional faculty mentor recommendations. Alex is advised jointly by Dr. Li An (SDSU) and Dr. David López-Carr (UCSB); Kathleen Farley (SDSU) and Bodo Bookhagen (UCSB) round out his committee.
- Marta Jankowska won the SDSU Library Award for her presentation on climate and health in Mali. Marta is a population geographer and GIS specialist, interested in health, development, and environmental systems. Her committee consists of John Weeks (Chair), Pascale Joassart Marcelli, and John Elder (all SDSU) and David López-Carr and Dan Montello (UCSB).
