Department of Geography and Environment - Faculty of Social Science

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Geography & Environment

Geography & Environment

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Geography and Environment is home to faculty and students whose focus is the study of relationships between people, places, and the environment. As a discipline, Geography uniquely bridges the social and natural sciences to understand the world we live in and how that world is changing.

Studying Geography offers an education for life and for living as informed and responsible citizens.

Our faculty members are active in four research areas that form the basis of our undergraduate and graduate (Masters and PhD) programs:

  • Environment, Development and Health
  • Geographic Information Science
  • Physical Geography
  • Urban Development & Urban Studies
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NSERC, CIHR & SSHRC Undergraduate Summer Research Award (USRA) Program Launch

Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRAs) are meant to nurture your interest and fully develop your potential for a research career in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences or humanities. These awards are also meant to encourage you to undertake graduate studies by providing research work experience that complements your studies in an academic setting. 
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Postdoctoral Opportunity – High-Resolution Vegetation Fuel Modelling for Wildfire Management

Drs. Laura Chasmer and Christopher Hopkinson are inviting applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher beginning February 2026. This position focuses on high-resolution vegetation fuel modelling for wildfire management using advanced remote sensing, LiDAR, and deep learning techniques. The successful candidate will collaborate with academic and industry partners, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, and support student supervision.
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Undergraduate Summer Research Internship (USRI)

USRI's provide undergraduate students with engaged research experiences under the mentorship of a faculty member and are intended to stimulate undergraduate students’ interest in research through direct exposure and hands-on experiences conducting research. 
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Undergraduate

Your launchpad for shaping resilient, equitable, and informed futures—for cities, communities, and the environment

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Graduate

Where cutting-edge research meets real-world challenges in climate change, urban systems, health, and sustainability

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Research

Drive discovery with research—advancing knowledge on climate resilience, urban transformation, environmental health, and geospatial innovation

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Latest News

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Emeritus Professor Phil Stooke featured in the NY Times for his expertise involved with the landing site of Luna 9

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Emeritus Professor Phil Stooke featured in the NY Times for his expertise involved with the landing site of Luna 9

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Emeriti Professor and lunar expert Phil Stooke shares insight on the scientific value of renewed lunar exploration

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Youth Voices Take the Mic: The HEAL YAC Podcast Launches

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Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories | Tyson Hamilton

African Ancestral Recognition

We recognize that African descendants’ legacies and contributions have enriched Southwestern Ontario, including the historic Black communities of the Hollow, Wilberforce Settlement, Dawn Settlement, McGregor’s Creek, Buxton Settlement, Old Sandwich Town, and Amherstburg.

Inclusivity Statement

The Department of Geography and Environment is firmly committed to working towards equity, diversity, inclusivity, and decolonization in our campus community. Please review our full inclusivity statement.