News as of 14 May 2003

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Palos Verdes Peninsula Conservancy

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Conservancy has research opportunities available to help in its habitat restoration projects (damaged and degraded lands, control of non-native plants, local seed collection and propagation, and long-term monitoring studies). The Conservancy is interested in making its lands available to those studying various geoscience and bioscience topics. This might be a great opportunity for graduate students looking for possible thesis projects or faculty interested in developing a local field research site. To learn more, please contact Andrea Vono at (310) 541-7613 or avona@pvplc.org. There's a flyer on our bulletin board, too.

Internship for Students Interested in Urban Planning

The City of Huntington Park has a part-time planning internship for 1,000 hours each fiscal year, at $11.70 an hour. The intern selected will provide support in assisting the public by telephone and in person, processing planning permits and entitlements, writing reports, implementing land-use regulations, reviewing and drafting environmental documents, conducting field studies, preparing maps and graphics, conducting research and analysis, reviewing basic architectural plans, and related work as requested.

For information on minimum requirements and abilities, please see notice on bulletin board. To obtain an application, please call (323) 584-6210 or visit http://www.huntingtonpark.org under Personnel Department.

Geography Student Association

Dr. Frank Gossette, undergraduate advisor, facilitated a wine-tasting event for the 21 or older members of GSA and faculty on the 8th of May. The heavily-attended party was treated to lectures on how to savor wine and differentiate such qualities as floral, fruity, tannic, and herbaceous, how to select wines as gifts for dinner parties and not embarrass oneself, and how to find excellent wines for bargain prices (look for well-known wineries offering relatively lesser known varietals, such as chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc, or zinfandel, or regions with well-established wine-making traditions that are not particularly favored in today's fashions, e.g., New Zealand, Spain, Côtes du Rhône). The event was really well attended, organized, and informative, and there was discussion of creating a 2 unit geography of wine course.

Dr. Del Casino's Work Is Discussed in a New Review of Medical Geography

Dr. Vincent Del Casino was delighted to find his work discussed in an important new review of medical geography. The reference is Hester Parr (2003), Medical Geography: Care and Caring," Progress in Human Geography 27, 2: 212-221. Dr. Del Casino's work is cited on p. 213 and extensively discussed on pp. 216-218. Congratulations on earning such prominence in an important review article!

Dr. Kate Hutton, Staff Seismologist at Caltech

Kate Hutton, the famous "earthquake lady" at Caltech, will be speaking at CSULB on Tuesday, 6 May, 5-6:30 in PH1-141. The lecture is sponsored by the Geology Student Association, and geography students and faculty are invited.

Dr. Del Casino's New Book Is out!

Dr. Vincent Del Casino and his collaborator, Dr. Stephen Hanna (Mary Washington College) have just published a new book they edited, entitled, Mapping Tourism. They have an article in it, too: "Introduction: Tourism Spaces, Mapped Representations, and the Practices of Identity." You can get a copy here. Way to GO!!!

Prof. Woods Has a Letter in GIS World

Mr. James Woods has a letter to the editor published in the current issue of GIS World. The letter, cautioning readers about the artificial impression of accuracy created by copying line features on maps drawn from a small scale map onto a large scale map. It can be read at here, just below the "lawn map of the United States." Thanks!

Baby Announcement!

Dr. Christian Brannstrom and his wife, Wendy Jepson, are proud to announce the arrival of their son, Nicolas Oskar Kimball Brannstrom, on 18 April, 3.1 kg and 52 cm. Parents are doing well; Nico is expected home in a few days. CONGRATULATIONS!!! A great anecdote: The proud mother went into labor within hours of completing her dissertation!! So, a second set of contratulations is due to Dr. Jepson for this double birthing experience!!!

Master's Candidates Research Colloquium

The Department has a new colloquium series, which allows graduate students at the stage of being advanced to candidacy to present the current status and planned directions of their thesis research projects. Four graduate students availed themselves of the opportunity on Friday, April 4th, and gave very impressive talks followed by animated discussion.

Ms. Samantha Antcliffe presented "Native Plant Recovery of a Riparian Habitat within the Tijuana Estuary."

Ms. Lisa Pitts gave a talk entitled, "GIS in High School."

Mr. Brian Sims spoke about "Accuracy Assessment of Viewshed Predictions in a GIS with High Spatial Resolution Digital Surface Models."

Ms. Janet Troeger presented her work on "Monitoring Phenological Variability Using MODIS Imagery in the Mojave Desert, California."

Los Angeles Geographical Society Hosts Dr. Tyner

Dr. Judith Tyner gave a presentation on "Hidden Cartographers: Women in Cartography," to the LAGS on the 4th of April. The LAGS is a geographical outreach society, which hosts free public talks by geographers and others interested in geography. The meetings are held in Franklin Hall 101, Los Angeles City College, 855 North Vermont Avenue, just north of the 101 (Hollywood) Freeway. From the main entrance of the campus on Vermont, you enter Franklin Hall on the right, go up the stairs and voilà, there you are! Free beverages and cookies are provided afterwards (as if hearing Dr. Tyner weren't inducement enough!).

Job for Students Trained in Remote Sensing

Airborne 1, a LiDAR technology company, has asked the Department to bring a job opportunity to the attention of our students. Details are available here.

Drs. Dmitrii Sidorov's and Chrys Rodrigue's Research Discussed in New Books

Dr. Sidorov's research on urban spatial restructuring in response to Czarist, Soviet, and post-Soviet ideologies is discussed in a book by Edward E. Roslof, entitled, Red Priests: Renovating Russian Orthodoxy and Revolution, 1905-1946 (Bloomington and Indianapolis: Indiana University Press, 2002).

The work of Dr. Rodrigue and her collaborator, Dr. Eugenie Rovai (Chair of Geography and Planning at CSU Chico) on the Northridge earthquake is discussed in Keith Smith's Environmental Hazards: Assessing Risk and Reducing Disaster, 3rd ed. (London and New York: Routledge, 2001).

Science Olympiad

Dr. Chrys Rodrigue, Prof. Jim Woods, and graduate student, Mr. Aziz Bakkoury captained three Science Olympiad events ("Weather or Not," "Roads Scholar," and "From a Distance," respectively) for this Saturday in LA4. The Science Olympiad is a competitive round of science labs, in which small teams of 6th-9th grade and 10th-12th grade students compete to achieve the highest score in a variety of different labs and then go on to compete nationally with their peers from around the country. It is a lot of pretty hysterical science fun with a bunch of bright teenagers and pre-teens and event captain collaborators from a huge variety of sciences across the campus.

Some New Conference Calls for Papers

The California Geographical Society, the Southern California Academy of Sciences, the Pacific Division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Association of Pacific Coast Geographers, among others, are calling for abstracts (and host student awards). For more information, click here (April, May, June, and September listings).

Dr. Lassiter Has Yet Another Publication out

Dr. Unna Lassiter, together with Dr. Jennifer Wolch of USC, have the lead article in the current issue of The California Geographer. The article is entitled, "Sociocultural aspects of Attitudes toward Marine Animals: A Focus Group Analysis."

Dr. Sidorov's Research Discussed in New Textbook

Dr. Dmitrii Sidorov, while going through a new textbook that he'd like to use in his World Regional Geography course, was delighted to find two of his photographs of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow shown in the book -- and his research discussed in a section on cultural revival in the nations of the former Soviet Union. The reference is: Lydia Mihelic Pulsipher and Alex A. Pulsipher, 2002, World Regional Geography: Global Patterns, Local Lives, 2nd ed. (New York: W.H. Freeman & Co.): 260. Cool!

The RESAC Featured in Inside CSULB

The activities of the NASA Regional Earth Science Applications Center housed in the Department and directed by Dr. Christopher Lee was the focus of an article in Inside CSULB, entitled, "Bushes into Brushfire." You can read it by clicking here and scrolling to page 3. Thank you to Drs. Lee and Wechsler and graduate student, Mr. Brian Sims for bringing such positive campus-wide attention to the Department!

City of Lakewood Contract

Dr. Frank Gossette has just received a $25,000 contract from the City of Lakewood. The award is to provide custom GIS analysis and mapping services for the City. Dr. Gossette has brought a number of such contracts to the Department, which have provided many benefits to students over the years in the form of jobs, professional contacts, and funds for various enrichment activities. Thanks!

Dr. Del Casino Has Just Returned from Australia!

Dr. Vincent Del Casino spent six months at Australian National University where he had been invited to take up a position as a Research Fellow in the Department of Human Geography in the Research School for Pacific and Asian Studies. We are delighted to welcome him back from this prestigious research opportunity.

Internship Web Page

Dr. Suzanne Wechsler would like to remind students and faculty to visit the Geography Internship web page, which has been redesigned and is being updated very frequently. There is always a list of new jobs available to students and the current speaker coming up in the "Jobs in Geography" lecture series.

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Jobs

Thomas Brothers

Dr. Tyner reports that Thomas Bros. has a number of jobs, noting that the company offers excellent benefits. Several CSULB students and alumni work there and are quite happy and enthusiastic about their jobs. Dr. Tyner has some applications. She can be reached at jztyner@csulb.edu, (562) 985-5332, or in LA4-103E.

Airborne 1

Airborne 1 is looking for entry-level LiDAR data processors with GPS/CAD skills. They will train the right candidate.

As a member of the Airborne 1 team, the Data Processor's duties will include:

• Calibration flight data processing and analysis
• GPS static and kinematic processing and analysis
• Post-processing of LiDAR survey data
• Point visualization and classification using TERRASCAN
• CAD work using TERRAMODEL and MICROSTATION
• QA/QC of LiDAR data
• Terrain modeling and visualization
• Preparation of final deliverables
• Data storage and archiving

Experience with various GIS, CAD, Surveying/GPS, and remote sensing software packages would be useful, as would prior experience with terrain modeling and visualization software, such as TerraModel and TerraVista. More importantly, Airborne 1 is looking for people who are technologically adept, have a problem-solving mind and who can work with minimum supervision: Only the smart, willing and highly-motivated need apply.

This position is based in Los Angeles, with occasional travel throughout North America. Full benefits, a coastal Los Angeles location and employee stock options in a very hot young company are added incentives. The day-to-day atmosphere is typical of a small high-tech startup, where our workloads are only exceeded by our opportunities. If interested in any of these positions, please respond with a copy of your résumé or c.v. to employment@airborne1.com and indicate which position you are applying for; only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.

About Airborne 1

Airborne 1 provides flexible access to advanced LiDAR technology for clients in the photogrammetry, surveying, and mapping fields. Airborne 1's digital mapping services and solutions include a dedicated airborne LiDAR survey group operating state-of-the-art Optech ALTM sensors; flexible fractional ownership plans for clients without dedicated access to LiDAR technology; LiDAR data processing, analysis and application development; LiDAR field survey coordination and project management. Airborne 1 was incorporated in 1998, the same year in which it took home the coveted USC MBA "Best Business Plan" award. For more information contact:

Airborne 1 Corporation
5777 W. Century Blvd. #725
Los Angeles, CA 90045

Part-Time Lecturing at CSULB

The Department of Geography at CSULB may have part-time lectureships available for Fall 2003, though the State fiscal crisis may impact the number of courses the Department has to offer. For more information on the positions and the application process, please click here.

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Lectures and Field Trips

Ms. Katharine McKinnon

Ms. Katharine McKinnon, Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Human Geography at the Australian National University, will present a guest lecture entitled, "Research(ing) Communities/Constructing Communities: Developers, NGOs, and the 'Hill Tribes' of Northern Thailand." The talk was held on the 3rd of March. Thanks to Dr. Del Casino for arranging this visit!

Dr. David Porinchu

Dr. David Porinchu, post-doctoral researcher at UCLA, spoke in Mr. Noel Ludwig's climatology class on 25 February. His research presentation was entitled, "Tracking Climate Variability Using Natural Archives."

Mr. Matthew Therrell

Mr. Matthew Therrell, Ph.D. candidate in Environmental Dynamics at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, gave an invited research presentation in Dr. Judith Tyner's advanced cartography course on 19 February 2003. The title of his talk was "Tree Rings, Climate, and History in Mexico."

Dr. Paul Baker

Dr. Paul Baker, Professor of Geology at Duke University, will make an invited research presentation on the 12th of March, on the subject of the "Paleoclimate of Tropical South America in the Late Quaternary."

Dr. Michael Kearney

Dr. Michael Kearney, Associate Professor of Geography at the University of Maryland, College Park, will discuss "The Last 350 Years in Chesapeake Bay: The Implications of Historical Geography, Paleoenvironmental Analysis, and Remote Sensing for Historical Archaeology and Past and Future Changes in Bay Communities and Ecosystems." His invited research lecture will be held in Dr. Suzanne Wechsler's GIS course.

Mr. Greg Armento

Mr. Greg Armento, alumnus and currently CSULB Librarian, will discuss "Careers in Cartographic and Geographic Information Services in Public and Academic Libraries," for the "Jobs in Geography" colloquium series. The talk was held on 9 October.

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Changes among the Faculty

Chair and Graduate Advisor

Dr. Chrys Rodrigue has returned from her Fall 2002 sabbatical and has resumed her duties as graduate advisor and department chair. Her office is in LA4-105, and she can be reached at (562) 985-4895 and rodrigue@csulb.edu.

Undergraduate Advisor

Dr. Frank Gossette is the undergraduate advisor. His office is in LA4-206A, and he can also be reached at (562) 985-7808 and gossette@csulb.edu. He holds office hours by appointment. To set up a visit, please contact Lisa Mikhail at (562) 985-4977.

Internship and Extension GIS Certificate Program Director

Dr. Suzanne Wechsler is the Director of the Internship Program and the GIS/Cartography Certificate Program run through University College Extension Services. Her office is in LA4-206E, and she can also be reached at (562) 985-2356 and wechsler@csulb.edu.

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Upcoming Conferences and Calls for Papers (by month of conference)

April 2003

The California Geographical Society

The CGS will meet at American River College in Sacramento from April 25th-27th. More information is at: http://cgs.csusb.edu/cgs_sacramento.htm.

European Geophysical Society, American Geophysical Union, and European Union of Geosciences Joint Assembly

The EGS, AGU, and EUG will hold a joint meeting from the 6th through the 11th of April in Nice, France. The meeting is described at: http://www.copernicus.org/egsagueug/index.html. Abstracts are due no later than 15 January, but special rates for registration end on the 31st of December.

There will be a Technical Session on The Geomorphic Effects of Wildfire (NH8.01) which will be part of the Natural Hazards Program of the Joint Assembly. The recent occurrence of catastrophic wildfires throughout the world, coupled with the continued encroachment of human development into fire-prone ecosystems, has resulted in the need for a better understanding of how fire affects the hydrological and depositional responses of watersheds. Recent studies of burned watersheds provide the basis for better methods for predicting the form and magnitude of post-wildfire runoff processes, as well understanding of the role of wildfire in shaping the landscape. These advancements are necessary to guide post-fire mitigation decisions, to inform development of plans to restore fire processes to fire-prone ecosystems, and to minimize loss of life and property. In this session we welcome papers on field and modeling studies of post-wildfire runoff (hillslope to landscape scale), fire effects on soil, the effectiveness of post-fire rehabilitation efforts, post-wildfire hazard assessments, and the development of new tools and methodologies for assessing post-wildfire runoff and erosion.

The Western Social Science Association

The WSSA will meet in Las Vegas at the Riviera Hotel from the 9th through the 12th of April. The meeting is described at: http://wssa.asu.edu/wssa_conference.htm. Abstracts are due no later than 15 November.

The National Social Science Association

The NSSA will also meet in Las Vegas also at the Riviera Hotel but from the 16th through the 18th of April. The meeting, entitled the "National Technology and Social Science Conference" is described at: http://nssa.apsu.edu/lv2003/nssalv2003.pdf.

May 2003

Southern California Academy of Sciences

The Southern California Academy of Sciences will hold its annual meeting from May 9th to 10th, at California State University, Northridge. Abstracts are due no later than 1 March and instructions are available at: http://www.jsd.claremont.edu/scas/annual/abstract.html. The SCAC offers best student paper awards in several areas, of which Ecology/Evolution and Physical Sciences might be of interest to physical geography students.

June 2003

American Association for the Advancement of Science Pacific Division
California Academy of Sciences

The AAAS Pacific Division will hold its 84th annual meeting in conjunction with the CAS from June 15th-19th, at California State University, San Francisco. Abstracts are due no later than 25 April and instructions and information are available at: http://www.sou.edu/aaaspd/SF2003/SF.html.

July 2003

ESRI User Conference

The ESRI User Conference will be held from the 7th to the 11th of July at the San Diego Conference Center. Abstracts will be accepted until 1 November 2002. For more information, please visit http://www.esri.com/events/uc/.

The International Geographic Union

The IGU will hold a joint meeting with the National Committee of Geographers of Russia in Moscow and Barnaul (Altai) from the 20th-29th of July 2003. This Special International Conference will be named the Society and Environment Interaction under Conditions of Global and Regional Changes. Abstracts must be in no later than 1 December 2002. For more information, please visit here.

The Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society

GARSS will hold its International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium in Toulouse, France, from the 21st-25th of July 2003. Abstracts are due no later than 17 January 2003. The call for papers is available at http://www.ewh.ieee.org/soc/grss/downloads/igarss03.pdf.

August 2003

The Ecological Society of America

The ESA will meet in Savannah, Georgia, from the 3rd through the 7th of August 2003. Abstracts are due no later than 1 March 2003. For more information, please visit: http://www.esa.org/savannah/.

September 2003

The Association of Pacific Coast Geographers

The APCG is scheduled to meet at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon, from the 17th to the 20th of September 2003. The call for papers, registration form, and local information is available at http://geog.pdx.edu/APCG/index.htm.

October 2003

North American Cartographic Information Society

NACIS is meeting in Jacksonville, Florida, from the 8th through the 12th of October. The call for papers is available by clicking here.

November 2003

  30th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment

ISRSE will meet in Honolulu from the 10th-14th of November. Interested contributors can submit abstracts online, no later than 31 March 2003 by clicking here.

December 2003

American Geophysical Union

The AGU will meet from December 8th through 12th in Moscone Center in San Francisco. The deadline for submitting session proposals is 20 May, the deadline for electronic submission of abstracts is 14 September at 14:00 UT, and the deadline for registration is 10 November. To learn more, click here.

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Have Any News Items You Want to Share?

This news page is for everyone in the Department -- students, faculty, staff, and alumni. If you would like to tell folks about your accomplishments or notify us of something you think we'd like to know about, please contact Dr. Rodrigue (rodrigue@csulb.edu) or LA4 206D and she'll get your news up here.

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