Meet our Faculty
Dr. Christopher Laingen
Associate Professor, GeographyDr. Laingen’s research and teaching interests focus on America’s changing rural landscape. His work relies heavily upon land use and land cover data derived from remotely-sensed satellite imagery, land use and socioeconomic statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and most importantly going out into the field and talking with farmers and ranchers. He brings his research into the classroom to help students better understand from where their food, fuel, and fiber originates, how it’s produced, and how it gets to them from where it’s grown.
Dr. Barry Kronenfeld
Associate Professor, Geography"I am a cartographer and geographic information scientist. My main interests are in visualizing earth processes and human activities, modelling and simplifying geographic features, and analyzing spatial patterns. To carry out my work I develop custom GIS tools using Python and dot-net. Recent projects include mapping disease clusters, visualizing election outcomes and simplifying hydrographic stream centerlines."
Dr. Diane Burns
Associate Professor, Geology“I am a sedimentary geologist/sequence stratigrapher with research interests in sediment transport and geomorphology. My research in the Penn/Perm strata of the Laramie basin in southeast WY uses macro- and microscopic analyses to help unravel the paleotectonism of the Rocky Mountain region. Additionally, I use GIS analyses to follow the channel migrations of the Little Wabash River (IL) and their impact on land usage."
Don't take our word for it
"I am an international student from Ghana, majoring in Geology with a minor in GIS. Coming to EIU is one of the best decisions I made in my life. Being a part of the Geology/Geography department has been the icing on the cake. I have grown and learned so much during my time here. The professors have been great mentors that have challenged me to be the best version of myself. I look toward the future with confidence and great enthusiasm knowing that this department has prepared me immensely for a successful future."
Shirley Tsotsoo Mensah, Geology (2019)
“Both the geology and geography programs have wonderful and supportive faculty who make classes exciting and continue to spark curiosity within their students.”
Abigail L. Knight, Geography and Geology (2019)
"The geography department at EIU has encouraged me to expand my thinking and approach problems from new perspectives. Thanks to the guidance of my professors, I feel prepared to attend graduate school and face whatever challenges this field throws my way."
Madeline M. Reiher, Geography (2019)
"Beyond learning the latest technologies and trends in GIS, I have a ‘friendship’ relationship with my lecturers rather than student-teacher relationship. If what you want is building your professional career, the PSM program is the BEST choice where you get mentors and life coach in addition to your degree. Love every bit of the program."
Bolarinwa Oladipupo, Professional Science Masters in GIS (2019)
"EIU’s Geography Dept. is a hidden gem when it comes to broadcast meteorology. By offering a practicum and a variety of classes that teach the sciences driving the atmosphere, you’ll be able to gain on-air experience through their collaboration with WEIU-TV with supportive faculty helping guide the way to the professional field."
Everett Lau, Geography (2021)Related Pages
Mission Statement Geography Research Projects Geology Research Projects EIU WeatherCenterContact Information
Department of Geology and Geography
Physical Science Building
600 Lincoln Ave.
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 581-2626
geoscience@eiu.edu
