Department of Geography and Planning

I graduated from Appalachian State University with bachelor’s degrees in Geography and Community and Regional Planning, as well as a Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the Spring of 2025. I’m now continuing my education, working toward a Master's in Geography with a Concentration in Planning at AppState.

As an undergraduate, I interned with Empower Renewables, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, where I worked on projects connecting GIS and renewable energy planning. That experience, along with my coursework, helped me develop a strong interest in how data and mapping can support sustainable growth and smarter community planning.

I’m especially passionate about sustainability and finding ways to make communities more efficient, resilient, and people-focused. I hope to continue applying what I’ve learned to real-world planning and energy projects.

When I’m not in Rankin, I love to travel, go out to restaurants, and spend time with friends.

I began working with geospatial tools and communities in 2011 as a member of the National 4-H GPS/GIS Team in high school. After I graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2019 with a B.A. in communication studies, I was the communications specialist for YouthMappers (a network of 400+ university mapping chapters in 80+ countries). Through my involvement in YouthMappers, the last five years as a staff member and chapter co-adviser, I've co-authored four book chapters related to open mapping, open movements, and the Sustainable Development Goals. During my Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in the Lao P.D.R. from 2022-2024, I developed research interests in youth development, geospatial communities, open mapping, rural accessibility, landlocked countries, and experiential learning. While I'm pursuing a master's in geography, I'll be working full-time as the Assistant Director of Nationally Competitive and Experiential Learning Scholarships here at Appalachian.

Outside of open mapping, I enjoy hiking, learning languages (I'm studying Spanish and Lao), traveling to countries off the beaten path, and dancing with Latin Dance Boone.

I graduated from Ohio University in 2024 with a B.A. in Geography with a focus on globalization and development. I earned a Masters of Public Administration (MPA) the following year from Ohio University as well. 

As an Undergraduate and Graduate student at Ohio University, I worked with the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public service as a student researcher focusing on economic development within Appalachian Ohio and the Appalachian region as a whole. I took part in various research and consulting projects for city and county governments within the area, as well as local non-profit organizations looking into job opportunities and community revitalization.

At Appalachian State I hope to continue my academic career in geography, focusing on the intersection of environment and human interactions. As part of my research I am working with health geographies focusing on post-Hurricane Helene affected communities throughout western North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. I hope to be able to develop myself further through research that benefits both humans and the natural world while I attain my graduate degree in geography here at Appalachian State. I hope to hone and strengthen my skills I learned in my undergraduate programs to transition into the public sector upon graduation. My goal is to work in state government or in non-profit related organizations that focus on environmental restoration/management or community development.

I love to be outdoors and connect with those around me in any way I can. I enjoy hiking, watching football, traveling, cooking, and trying new things. 

I graduated from the University of South Alabama in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Geography and a minor in GIS. During my undergraduate studies, I discovered my passion for geography and knew it was the field I wanted to pursue. My research interests center on physical geography, especially climatology and the study of atmospheric disasters and their impacts on the environment and society.

I had the incredible opportunity to study microclimates in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, which deepened my interest in climate systems and field-based research. I also worked with an environmental nonprofit dedicated to restoring Alabama’s Gulf Coast, where I assisted with seagrass restoration projects and water quality testing.

By my senior year, I was eager to continue my education and dive deeper into research, which led me to Appalachian State University.. I’m now a research assistant for Dr. Wang, studying the ways climate extremes intersect with social vulnerability and community resilience.

Outside of academics, I love crocheting, listening to Radiohead, playing guitar, hiking, and spending time with my cat, Romeo.

In May 2025, I graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sustainable Development. Since then, I have been pursuing a master’s degree in Geography with a concentration in Urban Planning through the accelerated master’s program. 

During my undergraduate studies, I worked with Dr. Shay on a research project analyzing car ownership trends in Western North Carolina before and after Hurricane Helene. This past summer, I had the opportunity to intern with the City of Lenoir’s Planning Department, where I contributed to a variety of projects, including GIS mapping, downtown property rendering, and city ordinance research. In addition to my project work, I also had the privilege of observing the inner workings of city government by attending multiple city meetings. 

The experiences I have gained at Appalachian State have strengthened my passion for urban planning and design, while preparing me to enter the professional planning field. After completing graduate school, I intend to work for a city planning department and eventually transition into a private urban design consulting firm. 

In my free time, I work at the Schaefer Center on campus and enjoy backpacking, traveling, and playing card games with my roommates. 

In December 2024, I graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (Earth Systems Concentration), a Minor in Geology, and a Certificate in Geographic Information Science. Shortly after graduation, I worked in the field with a global non-profit to test for bacterial contamination in home water systems across Western NC as part of a Hurricane Helene Response and Recovery program. This experience led me to my graduate degree research assistant position with Dr. Maggie Sugg and her REACH lab, focusing on research related to Hurricane Helene, understanding hurricanes and mental health, well-water, and other health impacts.

My strong passion for health-related concerns and climate change began in my undergraduate program, where I had the opportunity to study mitigation solutions to air pollution on major roadways. I have also visited Belize and Iceland through field courses and have witnessed firsthand the impacts of climate change on varying extreme climates. I seek to one day work more directly on projects related to environmental engineering solutions for climate change and to be a proficient educator.

Outside of academics, I am a goth rock and metalhead who loves fitness, reading, hot tea, craft nights, collecting minerals, spending time with my fur babies, being a hobbyist musician, and playing video games with friends.

In May 2026, I graduated from Appalachian State with two Bachelor’s degrees: a B.S. in Sustainable Development and a BA in Geography. I started research in the Geography Department in 2024. I chose to continue my graduate education in this department because of the invaluable mentorship I have received from the faculty and staff I’ve had the pleasure of working with and learning from. I am primarily engaged in two research projects with Dr. Maggie Sugg: one focused on understanding the relationship between groundwater vulnerability and public health outcomes after extreme precipitation events, and another focused on understanding barriers and challenges to relief and recovery in Appalachia after Hurricane Helene. My research interests are largely centered around climate, with an emphasis on water and health.

Hello! My name is Logan, and I am from Asheville, North Carolina. I have lived in Boone for about 2 years, and I am excited to continue my time here by pursuing a masters degree at Appalachian State University.

In May of 2026, I graduated from App State with my Bachelors degree with a major in Community and Regional Planning and a minor in Sustainable Development. Since then, I have been working towards a masters of geography with a planning concentration. Before coming to App State, I received my Associates of Arts and GIS Fundamentals Certificate from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. I originally wanted to go into photography, but coming out of community college, I knew my true passion lied elsewhere.

Since I transferred, I have worked in housing projects for the High Country Council of Governments with Dr. Quattro in Planning Studio, as well as interned with the Grahamtown Team in Forest City, North Carolina, to develop their neighborhood revitalization plan.

Outside of school, I love getting out into nature and exploring the Appalachian mountains. Rock climbing is my sport of choice, and I regularly compete at local gyms and surrounding schools. I also love being creative, whether its sketching and water color or photography!