TXST Geography & Environmental Studies

The Professional Geographer Volume 78, Issue 3 of The Professional Geographer

🌿🍝 From the classroom to the kitchen — Dr. Colleen Myles led a group of Texas State students on a 3.5-week immersive program in Perugia, Italy — the green heart of Italy!

Nestled in the ancient hilltop city of Perugia, a thriving cultural center dating all the way back to Etruscan times, students explored the geography of food and agriculture across the Umbria region— one of Italy's most celebrated food and cultural landscapes, known for their cheese, olives, wine, cured meats, and specialty goods. 🧀🫒🍷

From cobblestone streets and hilltop vistas to deep dives into food identity, environmental impact, and sustainability, this was geography come to life in the most delicious way possible.
A major highlight? A hands-on cooking class in the didactic kitchen of the Umbra Institute, where Chef Daniele Guerra guided the group through crafting an unforgettable three-course Italian meal together.

This is what learning looks like.

📣 Shoutout to for making experiences like this possible!

🎉 Congratulations to our outstanding students and alumni in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies! 🎉

We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of several members of our department who have recently received prestigious awards and reached significant academic milestones:

🏆 Brock Burford and Ayomedi Famewo (Advisor: Dr. Myles) were awarded the Hoss Newsom Viticultural Scholarship from the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association.

🍑 Luisa Caye (Advisor: Dr. Blue) and Fatema Tarin (Advisor: Dr. Julian) were each awarded a P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year.

🌍 Winfred Wyettey was awarded a 2026 SWAAG Student Summer Field Award for his project, "A GIS-Based Analysis of the Spatial Distribution and Settlement Patterns of Ghanaian Migrants in the U.S." Winfred was also awarded a P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year.

📚 Drake Blanchard (Advisor: Dr. Ray) successfully passed his master's comprehensive exam.

🎓 Sadia Ritu (Advisor: Dr. Jensen) successfully defended her proposal and has advanced to Ph.D. candidacy.

👏 Heather Palma (Advisor: Dr. Solem) successfully defended her doctoral dissertation.

These achievements reflect the dedication, scholarship, and impact of our students and researchers. Please join us in congratulating them on their hard work and success!

🌍 Exciting international learning opportunity ahead!

This summer, students and faculty from Texas State University will travel to London to participate in a study abroad experience in partnership with the University of Westminster and the JUST STREETS project.

JUST STREETS is an international research initiative focused on creating more sustainable, inclusive, and people-centered streets and public spaces. The project brings together 32 partners across Europe to explore how cities can better support walking, cycling, accessibility, safety, and equitable mobility for all residents.

During the program, participants will engage with researchers and practitioners exploring urban justice, mobility, and city planning while experiencing London firsthand.

Learn more about JUST STREETS: https://www.just-streets.eu/

Stay tuned as we share more about the program, introduce participants, and provide photos, highlights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses from our London experience. We can't wait to take you along on this exciting international journey!

🌎 Get Involved in Geography & Environmental Studies at TXST!
Our department is home to seven active student organizations that connect students with peers, hands-on learning opportunities, leadership experiences, and professional development across a variety of interests.
This semester, our organizations have been busy making an impact both on and off campus! Clubs include:
🌿 Bobcat Stream Team
🌎 Environmental Conservation Organization
🎓 Gamma Theta Upsilon
🪨 Geology Club
🗺️ Society of Geographic Information Science
🏙️ Student Urban Planning Organization
💜 Supporting Women in Geography
Whether you're passionate about conservation, GIS, geology, urban planning, or building community, there's a place for you!
Learn more: geo.txst.edu/undergraduateprograms/studentorganizations.html

Stephen Ramirez came to Texas State as an accounting major. Then he discovered bird watching — and everything changed. Now a Conservation Director at the Texas Land Conservancy, he's helped permanently protect ~85,000 acres of Texas land over 10 years. His GIS degree from TXST gave him the tools; his love of nature gave him the purpose. 🌎

🎓🌎 Congratulations to the Spring 2026 graduates of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Texas State University!

Today, we celebrate your hard work, dedication, and achievements as you begin your next chapter. Whether your path leads to research, public service, environmental advocacy, planning, GIS, or beyond, we are proud to call you Bobcats for life. 💛🤎

Thank you for the impact you’ve made on our department and community. We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next.

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

Episode 36: Reshaping How Geography is Taught with Dr. Joann Doering Zadrozny

In the 36th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to alumna Dr. Joann Doering Zadrozny, research associate in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies. They discuss her enrolling at TXST for graduate school due to the reputation of the geography department, why she is so passionate about geography education, and her focus on Powerful Geography to help reshape how geography is taught, learned, and applied in the real world.

For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email [email protected].

LISTEN ON: Spotify, Apple, or watch on YouTube.

🎓 Congratulations, Graduates! 🌎💚

The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Texas State University is excited to celebrate the Class of 2026!

Join us after commencement on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM for a department graduate meet-up in Sewell Park. We’ll gather at the star/X (see photo) for photos with fellow graduates, faculty, friends, and family. 📸

We hope you’ll stop by to celebrate this incredible milestone together!