UW-Madison Department of Geography

Congratulations to UW-Madison Department of Geography Professor Qunying Huang for being a recipient of the American Association of Geographers (AAG) Fellows award! This award is presented to geographers to honor their significant contributions to the advancement of the field of geography.

To learn more about her work and what this recognition means, we spoke with Professor Huang about her career, research, and teaching experience. Check out the article on MadGeogNews at the link in bio to read the full interview!

On April 16th, the second Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Workshop was held at Memorial Library. This workshop, which can be taken by students, staff, and faculty, equips participants with a fundamental understanding of GIS.

The workshop is split into a lecture component, followed by an interactive, hands-on GIS exercise, during which workshop participants complete provided activities using ArcGIS Pro. During this time, participants apply the knowledge learned during the lecture component of the workshop, while facilitators are available to answer questions, ensuring participants immediate support and helping to build confidence.

Read more about the Introduction to GIS Workshop at MadGeogNews here: https://geography.wisc.edu/madgeognews/2026/05/01/getting-started-inside-the-introduction-to-gis-workshop/

From plastic films (mylars) to once radioactive static eliminators, the UW Cartography Lab has uncovered surprising pieces of cartographic history in the move out process! Swipe to see some of these unique finds.

The UW Cartograpy Lab, alongside the rest of the Geography department, is preparing for a temporary move to the Computer Sciences building (1210 W Dayton Street). We spoke with faculty and staff across labs and offices to discuss what it really takes to move a department that has been in the same place for nearly a century. Check out the article on MadGeogNews here: https://geography.wisc.edu/madgeognews/2026/04/24/from-science-hall-to-computer-sciences-inside-the-geography-departments-upcoming-move/

Join us this Friday, May 1st, at 3:30PM for Professor Joe Mason’s Yi-Fu Tuan Lecture on the complexity and histories of ‘ordinary’ landscapes.

After more than two decades, the Geography Department prepares to say goodbye to longtime professor and researcher Joe Mason, who will retire in January 2027. We sat down with him to discuss his career in geography, time here at UW-Madison, and what comes next.

Check out the full interview at MadGeogNews here: https://geography.wisc.edu/madgeognews/2026/04/29/joe-mason-reflects-on-23-years-in-the-geography-department/

Join us at the 2026 Undergraduate Geography Colloquium!

This Thursday, April 30 at 4 p.m. in Science Hall 180, Geography undergraduate majors will present their capstone projects. This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be available.

Check out the article on MadGeogNews here to view the presentation schedule and livestream: https://geography.wisc.edu/madgeognews/2026/04/17/join-us-at-the-2026-undergraduate-geography-colloquium/

Congratulations to Geography Professor Erika Marín-Spiotta for receiving the inaugural Faculty Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring! This award recognizes faculty who have gone above and beyond to support UW-Madison graduate students through impactful mentoring. Read more at https://grad.wisc.edu/2026/04/14/faculty-award-for-excellence-in-graduate-student-mentoring/

photo credit: Ben Jones for the UW-Madison Graduate School