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Stanislaus State | Geography & Environmental Resources| AY 2021 - 2022
Geographical
Stanislaus State | Geography & Environmental Resources | AY 2021 - 2022
INSIDE THE ISSUE Pre-Pandemic Memories
2 Pre-Pandemic / Geography in Film
3 Letter from the Chair
This issue’s front cover, was part of a This is a self-guided, one-unit, and
4-5 Faculty & Staff | 2022 Graduates scouting travel by Drs. McNally and asynchronous online course in which
6 CASA: 3 Years and Counting Díaz-Garayúa in Fall of 2019, right just students go to the field on their own as
7 Grant Writing | Research Experience … before the pandemic. This field was a a partial requirement to receive credit
8 Research & Teaching at CASA beautiful sight, a great surprise hidden for this course.
9 A Filed Note from Nigeria along the route in preparation of
The Geography Program has
10 Geography Alumna on TV GEOG 3940, Geography of the Delta.
designed three one-unit self-guided
11 A Field Note from Iceland
12 - 13 Smoke & Vape Free Scholar Initiative
This course is an individually-paced, tours. Students from any major
14 - 15 Study Abroad: A Geographer in Ghana field trip which involves following a benefit from these courses: GEOG
16 Alumna at PG&E trip guide to sites in and around the 3930 the Delta Region, GEOG 3940 the
17 GIS in Health & Human Services communities across Sacramento-San Yosemite Region, and GEOG 3950 the
18 Kristi Kelechenyi’s Geographic Path Joaquin Delta. At each site, you are Mother Lode Region.
19 The Hallmark of Service Learning directed to play recorded lectures on
Recently, a new 3900s course,
20 Dr. Helzer’s Sabbatical Project topics ranging from early gold mines,
GEOG 3910 Geography in Film, was
21 Geography Awareness Week & GIS Day mining methods, mining towns, local added to the curriculum.
22 - 23 Led by José Díaz-Garayúa, Project … … history, geography, and geology.
Desk Editors: Geography Program
Editor: Dr. José Díaz-Garayúa
Geography in Film
Geography in Film is a one-unit This course introduces concepts of data source that can be used to deploy
asynchronous online new course geography through the use of films a variety of critical techniques used in
developed by Dr. Díaz-Garayúa. As a and is designed to provide critical the subfield of human geography.
PhD student, he co-taught a similar lenses to interpret a variety of stories
course at Kent State University being related to geography in film. Students
able to appreciate the use of films as will watch selected films (commercial,
pedagogical tool. international, or independent), read
scholarly work about those films, and
Although this course was thought long
write short essays about them.
before, the pandemic was the catalytic
that make it happen. As many one-unit This course introduces students to This course focus on the geography
self-guided courses were taken virtual several concepts in the discipline of in films (cinematic representations or
due to the pandemic, Geography in Film Geography [i.e. space, place, production of spatial meaning) and
was an excellent option as a virtual landscape, culture, nationalism, not on the geography of film (movie
course. This course examines the identity territory and other concepts] business).
multiple geographies as well as by exploring how geographies are
geographical representations in films. crafted in films and examine them as
2
Letter from the Chair
Dear Geographers and Friends, In the past two years we have virtually celebrated Geography
I’m very proud to report on the Stanislaus State Geography & Awareness Week and GIS Day. Thank you to our presenters and
Environmental Resources’ recent accomplishments. participates. In 2020, David and Sharon Froba (community
leaders) hosted a virtual conversation on Racially Restrictive
I thank the faculty and staff for all of their dedication to the Covenants in Modesto. In 2021, Dr. Carr (UC Berkeley) presented
program over the past few years. I welcome, Dr. Helzer back to on Language & the Right to Public Space; Gene Barrera (Merced
our department, after serving as the Associate Dean for County), Aron Harris (Stanislaus County), Kristi Kelechenyi, and
International Education. Dr. Avwunudiogba co-edited a new Kaley Lopez participated on the GIS Professionals Experiences
book, Human Trafficking: Global History and Perspectives (2021). Panel; and Dr. Sánchez-Rivera (US Census Bureau) presented on
Dr. McNally served as the vice-president of the California Thinking Geographically: Making "Known" Research Problems
Geographical Society. Dr. Díaz-Garayúa and partners at UC Unique. Thank you, Dr. Díaz-Garayúa, for your tireless work
Merced were awarded a $1.4 million grant from the Tobacco- hosting these two events.
Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP). As a group, we are
Congratulations to our 2022 and 2021 Graduates and Student
pleased to announce our new undergraduate major in Geography
Achievers. Our Outstanding Students include Elissa La Comb (BA
& Environmental Resources, BS. Students select from a
- 2022), Emma Denison (BA - 2021), and Stephanie Lopez (MS –
concentration in Applied Geography or Environmental
Resources. 2021). Despite the global upheaval, our students have also
continued to participate in International Education. Vanessa
I especially want to recognize the important work of our lecturers Padilla has been studying in Ghana in 2021-2022. Thank you to
over the past three years: Chuck Bowen, Cece Hudelson, Cameron the Office of International Education for providing these
Pallotta, Dr. Catherine Garoupa-White, Tanya Gemperle- opportunities to our students. We appreciate the support of our
Goncalves, and Gene Barrera. They were so very dedicated to community in providing internships for many of our students
providing high quality classes during the uncertain circumstances including: Stanislaus State Facilities, CASA, Merced County,
of the COVID emergency. I appreciate all the work Cameron Stanislaus County, Turlock Irrigation District, Tuolumne River
Pallotta has done to maintain our GIS Lab, especially while we Trust, US Army Corps of Engineers, E&J Gallo, and Strong
taught our GIS courses online. Some of the Stanislaus State Emergency Fire & Construction Inc. Thank you to the Office of
COVID-relief funds were used to purchase a class-set of GIS Service Learning for supporting and facilitating our community
laptops that students could check-out. Of course, none of this connections.
could happen without the support of our Administrative
We have many exciting opportunities to look forward to next
Coordinator, Christina Aflleje-Meyer. I commend Dr. Díaz-Garayúa
and Dr. McNally for their work as co-Directors developing the year. We invite you to attend our November 2022 GIS Day
Celebration (More Information to Follow). I thank everyone for
new Center of Applied Spatial Analysis (CASA). I would also like to
their contributions to our program. Have a wonderful and safe
welcome two new affiliated Geographers to Stanislaus State. Dr.
summer.
Haley Ye, joined the Stanislaus State community in 2021 as our
new Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. Prior to Stanislaus
State, Dean Ye was a professor, chair, and associate dean at CSU Sincerely,
Los Angeles. Dr. Matthew Derrick, joins the Stanislaus State
community in fall 2022 as the new director of the Social Science
Program. Prior to Stanislaus State, Dr. Derrick was a professor
Peggy Hauselt
and chair of Geography at Cal Poly Humboldt. Geography & Environmental Resources Chair
3
Faculty & Staff
Dr. Austin Avwunudiogba, Ph.D. is a Dr. José R. Díaz-Garayúa, Ph.D. is an Dr. Peggy Hauselt, Ph.D. is a Professor of
Professor of Geography & Environmental Associate Professor of Geography & Geography & Environmental Resources
Resources. Environmental Resources as well as co- and Chair of the Department of
Dr. Avwunudiogba’s primary research Director of CASA. Anthropology and Geography &
focuses on investigating how coupled Dr. Díaz-Garayúa’s most recent Environmental Resources.
human-fluvial systems respond to and publications are: 1) Teaching Geography Dr. Hauselt has been leading the
recover from natural and human-induced in Times of Covid19: Experiential-Based Department of Anthropology, Geography,
changes at multiple temporal and spatial Learning with Everyday Digital Tools in The and Ethnic Studies during these difficult
scales. He has ongoing research projects in Geography Teacher (forthcoming) and 2) times of drastic changes. During this
the Tuolumne Watershed, CA, and the COVID-19 deaths in México: A academic year, she helped to establish
Lower Niger River Floodplain in Nigeria spatiotemporal analysis (with Oscar G. Ethnic Studies as a standing-alone
where he is working with his students to Hernández-Lara and Kevin Butler) in department and established the new BS in
study the impacts of land use/ land cover COVID-19 and an Emerging World of Ad Geography & Environmental Resources.
change on hillslope erosion, stream channel Hoc Geographies (Eds. S. Brunn and D. Dr. Hauselt also lead the following units:
response, and floodplain sediment flux. Gilbreath) (2022). 1) the Program Director of the
Dr. Avwunudiogba’s secondary interest At CASA, he is leading a series of Interdisciplinary Studies Master Program,
focuses on current development challenges projects. He is working with Dr. Anna 2) Chair-Elect of the Academic Technology
in Africa. In the past couple of years, he has Song (UC Merced’s NCPC) to create a and Learning Committee (ATLC), and 3)
examined the role played by globalization in tobacco control pipeline. The TRDRP Chair of the College of the Arts,
the changing dynamics of the interrelated awarded 1.4 million dollars for this Humanities, and Social Sciences’ Chairs
issues of refugees, internally displaced project, being our institution recipient of Council.
persons, and human trafficking in Africa. His over 1 million dollars of these funds. This year Dr. Hauselt taught Intro to
recently published a co-edited book Human As part of his work in CASA, He has led Geospatial Apps, GIS, Wine Geography, &
Trafficking: Global History and Perspectives work for Stanislaus County as well as Restorative Human Ecology (along with Dr.
with Dr. Elisha Dung (Alabama State internships from GeoHumanities to McNally!).
University). human-environmental relations.
4
Faculty & Staff
Program Administrator
Mrs. Christina Aflleje-Meyer
Adjunct Faculty
Gene Barrera, MCRP
Geographic Information Systems
Planning Issues
Chuck Bowen, M.S.
Introduction to Physical Geography
California Cultures & Environments
Dr. Jennifer Helzer, Ph.D. is a Professor Dr. Alison McNally, Ph.D. is an Dr. Catherine Garoupa-White, Ph.D.
of Geography & Environmental Associate Professor of Physical California Cultures & Environments
Resources. Geography & Environmental Tanya Gemperle-Goncalves, MSc
Her research and teaching interests Resources and co-Director of CASA. Sustainable Agriculture
include immigration, ethnicity, and Dr. McNally is interim Vice-
Cece Hudelson, MSc
the transnational linkages associated President of the California Cultural Geography
with human migration and settlement Geographical Society. She is
in California. interested in water accessibility and Cameron Pallotta, M.S.
Introduction to Physical Geography, Lab.
Her published work explores the sustainability issues. Her research is
various dimensions of migration to influenced by biogeography,
northern and central California by geomorphology, landscape ecology,
refugees, euro-migrants, and recent and geospatial science. 2022 Graduates
newcomers. She incorporates Dr. McNally’s most recent research
experiential learning, including field focuses on the Tuolumne River ▪ Alissa- Monique Bravo
trips and community-based service- watershed, where she examines
learning projects, in her courses. Her impacts to water quality in the
▪ Isabella Sophia Cárdenas
recent teaching includes California Tuolumne River, and at the Antioch ▪ Zachary Falcon
Cultures and Environments, Ethnic Dunes National Wildlife Refuge,
Geography, Urban Geography, Wine where she investigated particulate ▪ René García
Geography, and the Geography of deposition on a relict dune ▪ Elissa Genevieve LaComb
Europe. She is currently collaborating ecosystem.
with Modesto’s Downtown ▪ Patrick James Nicolini
Improvement District to facilitate new ▪ Vanessa Padilla
internships and service learning
opportunities for students.
5
CASA: 3 Years and Counting
By Dr. José Díaz-Garayúa
CASA, the Center for Applied Spatial During the academic year 2021 – Also, CASA delivered a workshop.
Analysis of California State University, 2022, the Center for Applied Spatial The first post-pandemic workshop –
Stanislaus opened its door in Fall 2019 Analysis continued working and organized by Dr. Díaz-Garayúa and
during the GIS Day. During that day, serving the general community. Carolina Alfaro from the WCCC –
CASA launched a series of activities brought a mapping workshop to
CASA secured a contract with
including a GIS workshop led by provide tools to examine the campus
Stanislaus County Health Services
colleagues from ESRI. Dr. Díaz- language landscape. This workshop,
Agency. This contract consisted of a
Garayúa (co-Director of CASA) led and supported by a Latinx team for
project about park use to help
secured an external grant from our Hispanic Serving Institution,
determine how to better serve the
California Humanities making possible served to introduce basic concepts of
communities. This project, led by Dr.
to bring the 2019 Geography meets mapping using ArcGIS Online to
Díaz-Garayúa and Dr. Ryan Logan
Humanities: A Focus in Social Justice. students, faculty, and staff.
(anthropology), provided funds for
COVID-19 hit soon after the opening paid research assistants (for 10
of CASA. However, the pandemic students). The Program of Health
could not bring CASA to a complete Sciences assigned a student as an
halt. During the pandemic, CASA was Intern to work on this project as well.
able to continue its work on several The students had the opportunity to
grants and also secured a small yet work in “real world” problems while
important work commissioned by developing skills used in applied
David and Sharon Froba, community human geography and applied
members from the city of Modesto. anthropology.
Participants at the workshop.
This work was about Racially
In addition, CASA worked on a grant Photo Credit: Carolina Alfaro, 2022
Restrictive Covenants in Modesto. In
for the Tobacco-Related Disease
addition, David and Sharon Froba
Research Program. This project has CASA and the Geography Program
presented in 2020 about the historical
been funded with over $1,400,000 to brought the Geography Awareness
geography of Racially Restrictive
develop a Tobacco Control Pipeline. Week and the GIS Day. These activities
Covenants in Modesto during the GIS
Dr. Díaz-Garayúa, Dr. Song (NCPC of were organized and led by Dr. José R.
Day.
UC Merced), and Dr. Meggan Jordan Díaz-Garayúa and attracted 170
CASA was able to serve hundreds of (Sociology) are leading this work viewers. One of the sessions was co-
community members, students, staff, where students will apply geographic organized and co-hosted by Dr.
and faculty through a series of principles, GIS, and other techniques Brenda Ortiz-Loyola, from the
activities. You can access and read to tobacco control research and Program of Modern Languages.
CASA’s 2019 – 2021 Annual Report for advocacy. Students will join research
more details. teams at the NCPC at UC Merced.
6
Grant Writing Research Experience for Students
By Dr. José Díaz-Garayúa By Dr. José Díaz-Garayúa
The Stanislaus State Office of One of the most beneficial In doing so, CASA has created spaces
Research and Sponsored Projects opportunities for students during their of extracurricular learning for students
(ORSP) launched a program. The undergraduate studies is to join a across campus beyond grants or
Faculty Grant Writing Community was research project or work on their own contracts. For example, biology major
created to facilitate grant writing for research project. Engaging on Laura Plascencia reached Dr. Díaz-
external funding. This is a one-year research is useful because students Garayúa to engage on a research
commitment where participants must learn new skills while doing their work. project. Laura is working on an applied
submit grant applications. Students gain applied skills that are human-environment project focused
transferrable to jobs or graduate on the intersection of urbanization
This award will provide time and
school. and front yards. During this project,
compensation to a selected group of
Dr. Avwunudiogba and Dr. Gardner
professors working on grant In fact, CASA offers an alternative
(Biology) joined the team.
proposals. ORSP selected 18 faculty space for undergraduate and graduate
members across campus and 3, or students. CASA has brought students
16%, of the fellows are geographers. from different departments across
Drs. Avwunudiogba, McNally, and campus and one intern from Health
Díaz-Garayúa were awarded. In fact, Sciences to work on a Park Use
they represent 60% of the Geography project. These ten paid research
Program. assistants and one intern (Fall 2021)
that permitted students to gain new
Our faculty members have been
skills.
successfully attracting external
funding as primary investigators (PI) or Students got to know and work with
co-investigators (co-I). Bringing surveys, semi-structured interviews,
external funds provide opportunity coding, ArcGIS Pro, and the Laura Plascencia working on the project
not just for faculty development but smartphone application Survey 123 Photo Credit: Laura Plascencia, 2022
also helps students and community under the supervision of Dr. Díaz-
Laura took advantage of CASA’s
while allowing the growth of the Garayúa (Geography) and Dr. Logan
student research opportunities
discipline inside and outside our (Anthropology). In addition, students
presenting her work at the California
campus. worked as a team and, in some
Geographical Society. Also, Laura
instances, organized themselves to
This well-earned award will facilitate Plascencia, Dr. Díaz-Garayúa, and Dr.
tackle problems. Working as a team is
the mission of the Geography Program Gardner co-authored and submitted
great not just for any job position but
and the Center for Applied Spatial an article for the California
also, and more important, to our
Analysis. Geographer the official journal of the
society.
California Geographical Society. .
7
Research & Teaching at CASA
By Dr. José Díaz-Garayúa
Most people think about professors They emphasize the importance of In other words, every municipio in
as persons reciting the same lecture spatiotemporal data analysis when, Mexico follows a similar pattern of
for ages. Nothing further from the literally, making life or death decisions these four distinct cluster showed in
truth. You can find faculty members, in society. Spatiotemporal data the Figure below.
scholars, engaged in constant research analysis is key for Public Health. Sure, the spread of COVID-19 is a
even in universities designated as They examined daily data for over a complex process. The point is that
teaching institutions like Stanislaus year by municipio. Despite the limited Spatiotemporal analysis is a valuable
State. However, what better way to resources, Mexico was successful in tool that geography can offer to our
teach classes than incorporating making available COVID-19 data. students and other disciplines.
research into our courses? Similarly,
including students as Research
Assistants to work in “real-world”
experiences is an excellent way to
provide them with a great opportunity
of professional growth.
Moreover, faculty that regularly
publish, work on projects proposals to
attract external funds, participate in
workshops, travel overseas, and are
generally engaged on research are
great resources when teaching,
specially, method classes or graduate
courses.
Our Geography Program is an
example since several of our faculty
member are active on research and
publication. Here, Dr. Díaz-Garayúa
co-authored (with Oscar Hernández- Figure 1. Average Time Series Clusters of Cumulative Deaths per 100,000 persons
Lara and Kevin Butler) the publication
COVID-19 deaths in México: A One of the results, Figure 1 shows all In addition, you visit CASA
spatiotemporal analysis in COVID-19 municipios in Mexico classified in one (www.csustan.edu/casa/projects) to
and an Emerging World of Ad Hoc of four categories. Thus, Figure 1 examine a map by municipios
Geographies, edited by Stanley D. shows the result of the average time- categorized in any of these time-series
Brunn and Donna Gilbreath. series clustering. clusters.
8
A Field Note from Nigeria
By: Dr. Austin Avwunudiogba
I travelled to Nigeria at the end of fall 2021 semester and During the fieldwork, I conducted some floodplain
spent three weeks doing fieldwork on the Lower Niger River geomorphological mapping and collected data to verify an
floodplain (LNRF) as part of my ongoing research on human earlier land use/ land cover map that I generated from the
impacts on large river systems. Large tropical river systems classification of Landsat 8 multispectral imagery of the LNF.
such as the Niger play a significant role in the global
The long-term goal of this project is to contribute to our
hydrological cycle because of their extensive floodplain and
understanding of the new hydrological regime and develop
the large volume of water that drain from their basins.
basin wide adaptation measure to mitigate its economic
However, land use and land cover change combined with
impact on population that depend on the productivity of
global climate change is affecting the natural hydrological
the LNRF.
regime of many tropical rivers including the Niger.
Location: On the Lower Niger floodplain. The Asaba-Onitsha Niger Bridge is visible at the background. The dry
riverbank would normally be under flood. Photo Credit: Felix Avwunudiogba, 2021
Note: This trip was funded by the Office of the Provost. The project has also received previous funding from the Office of the Dean, College of the
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS).
9
Geography Alumna on TV
By: Marylú Pulido
Marylú Pulido in a scene of an ASICS commercial
In August 2021, my athletic coach Island Wood is used as a summer They had all of us go through an
put me in touch with the ASICS team camp for kids to learn about immersive learning experience and
because they were looking for three everything and anything that has to do that completely gave me a different
athletes for a sustainability campaign. with the environment. They show us take on what the interactions between
ASICS was going to release a new how nature already has the blueprint the environment and humans could
environmentally friendly athletic shoes we need to lead sustainable and look like. After this experience, I not
commercial. environmentally friendly lives. Not to only walked away feeling proud that I
After going through the selection mention that they have their own was able to be a part of such an
and interviewing process, they sent me garden so all the meals that are amazing campaign but excited to and
an airplane ticket and the itinerary served, from fruits to vegetables, were optimistic in the futures of sustainable
with information for the shoot. We harvested by them. While ASICS is living and what it could bring to
were scheduled to film in Seattle, trying to be more environmentally everyone.
Washington for a week where we conscious with their products, they
would be staying in Island Wood, a also want everyone to understand
non-profit environmental learning what it means to be environmentally Marylú Pulido earned a B.A. in Geography in
2018. You can access the commercial here:
center on Bainbridge Island. friends. https://youtu.be/HPRAvLgUbrg
10A Field Note from Iceland
By Dr. Alison McNally
Last summer I was fortunate to take Exploring glacial landscapes – our Waterfalls were truly awesome – we
part in a professional development group visited a few of the over 260 visited several, including Skógafoss and
opportunity hosted by the National glaciers in Iceland – with the most on the Skóga river (foss=falls), Gullfoss
Council of Geographic Education and memorable experience consisting of a (gull=gold), and Seljalandsfoss
GeoCamp Iceland, where I spent 11 Zodiak ride through the Jökulsárlón (selja=sells, lands=land), which we
days exploring the southern part of glacial lagoon on the south edge of walked behind! These powerful
Iceland with a group of K-12 and Vatnajökull glacier, one of the largest landscape features produce 70% of
higher education teachers from in all of Europe. It was amazing to see Iceland’s overall energy. As glaciers
across the U.S. Needless to say, I was enormous chunks of ice that had melt, there is a fear of what the future
thrilled and couldn’t wait to get out recently broken off the glacier making will hold for hydropower if rivers begin
after spending so much time at home their way toward the Atlantic Ocean. to wane.
due to the pandemic. After meeting
Human landscapes were equally as
COVID requirements (negative test),
interesting as the physical, with visits
our group explored the rugged
to Reykjavik (the largest city in Iceland)
physical environment of the island
as well as many rural communities and
(due in part to its location on the mid-
landscapes made famous by Game of
Atlantic ridge where the North
Thrones. We learned that most of
American and Eurasian tectonic
Iceland’s 366,000 inhabitants can trace
plates are pulling apart), and learned
back their ancestry to Celtic or Viking
about the human history of
settlers in the late 800s, which means
settlement dating back to 874 by
that many Icelanders are distantly
Celtic and Viking settlers. A few
related to one another. There is even
highlights of the trip included:
an app folks use to check their ancestry
Visiting the volcanic landscapes of before they begin dating!
Iceland – yes, we went to the most
The biggest highlight was being able
recent eruption at Fagradalsfjall and
to spend this time with so many
got to explore the lava! We also
friendly, giving hosts in Iceland, who
visited several geothermal sites in
literally opened up their homes and
southern Iceland, and heard the Dr. McNally in front of Skógafoss waterfall. lives to us. It was a truly wonderful
powerful jet engine sound of a Photo Credit: Dr. McNally, 2021
experience, and one I am eager to
geothermal steam vent being
repeat in the near future. In the
harnessed for energy (85% of homes
meantime, I will continue to practice
are heated with geothermal energy in Note: This trip was made possible by funding
from the Office of the Provost and the pronouncing Eyjafjallajökull.
Iceland).
Geography & Environmental Resources Program
11Smoke & Vape Free Scholars Initiative (2022 – 2025)
By Dr. Díaz-Garayúa
California Endgame’s goal to end however to date, there has been a Scholars accepted to this program
tobacco use in the state by 2035 lack of structured efforts to provide will take course in HONORS being
requires strengthening tobacco continual training in tobacco control introduce to tobacco control in
control capacity in all regions of the foundations, research, and practice. preparation for this program.
state. Although California’s San Historically, the lack of structured
Scholars will join a tobacco
Joaquin Valley (SJV) geographic land training for potential advocates is
control research team at UC
mass represents about 25% of the due, in part, to the lack of institutions
Merced.
State and is the fastest growing region of higher education in the region,
with over 4 million residents and including a research university that Scholars will be assigned to one of
counting, it is severely under- would produce new knowledge for six county Local Lead Agencies
resourced and lags in achieving state the region. (Public Health Departments), to
tobacco control objectives. According conduct tobacco control advocacy
To help address to this issue,
to 2019 data, despite the fact that work as a part of county-level
faculty members from the CSU
more people have tried to quit tobacco control programs.
Stanislaus’ Center for Applied Spatial
smoking, counties of the SJV have By engaging on these three
Analysis (CASA) and the University of
higher smoking prevalence compared activities, scholars will acquire a
California, Merced’s (UC Merced)
to the whole state. Moreover, the SJV breadth of tobacco control
Nicotine & Cannabis Policy Center
is home to several immigrant experience. The training these
have partnered up to recruit and train
communities (e.g., Hispanic, Hmong), students will receive will provide
cohorts of undergraduate scholars at
many who reside in rural areas of the instrumental support for local
California State University, Stanislaus.
Valley and are vulnerable to tobacco tobacco control activities and
use and are targets of the industry. In In addition to the scholars being
sustainability to the tobacco control
this regard, the SJV is not only home integrated into a tobacco control
workforce in the region.
to priority populations, but as a whole research project conducted at the UC
is considered a priority population. Merced’s Nicotine and Cannabis This program, Smoke & Vape Free
Policy Center (directed by Dr. Anna Scholars Initiative, offers students an
A major challenge to advancing
Song), scholars will be assigned to one ample range of both academic and
tobacco control goals in the region
of six county local lead agencies to professional experiences on health
has been cultivating local tobacco
conduct tobacco control advocacy and tobacco control in the Central
control advocates that understand
projects as a part of county-level Valley. These experiences will provide
the challenges in the region and are a students with the necessary tools to
tobacco control programs.
part of the local community. Local be competitive and to continue
lead agencies (LLAs) and nonprofit This partnership, between these
graduate studies on health and/or
groups have taken the charge to two major institutions, will provide
tobacco control or to compete in the
organize youth tobacco control opportunity to the scholars accepted
job market.
activity and increase interest, to this program to the following:
however to date, there has been a lack
12
of structured efforts to provide
continual training in tobacco controlSmoke & Vape Free Scholars Initiative (2022 – 2025)
By Dr. Díaz-Garayúa
With a grant award of 1.4 million It is important to note that this How to apply for the 2022 cohort:
dollars for Stanislaus State and UC program will benefits students by
Submit your unofficial transcripts
Merced from the Tobacco-Related allowing them to enroll in HONORS
Disease Research Program (TRDRP) in courses (one every semester), being A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
funds for the next three academic matched with a research team at UC
years (2022 – 2025), the Smoke & Merced, and being matched with a An 800-word (maximum)
Vape Free Scholars Initiative program health department in the Central personal statement addressing
(SVFSI) is a one-year academic and Valley. These opportunities will the following:
professional experience that equip expand the students’ network that
o How you would use science to
students to transition to jobs in the will likely increase professional and
health area, including tobacco academic opportunities in the future. promote social justice in society?
control, or to continue to graduate o What sparked your interests in
Because the SVFSI program is
studies.
schedule for: health and/or tobacco control
This program offers a one-year full and what have you accomplished
Academic Year 2022 – 2023
scholarship allowing students to be a toward this area?
full-time student to dedicate their Academic Year 2023 – 2024
time to get immerse on this o What are you looking to
Academic Year 2024 – 2025
experience. This scholarship accomplish in this program?
provides the following: You can apply now for the
Academic Year 2022 – 2023 or get Submit these materials via email as a
It pays your tuition fees ready to apply for the next two single PDF to both
It pays you a generous stipend academic years. Dr. José Díaz-Garayúa
every month. The total annual To apply you want to be sure that (jdiazgarayua@csustan.edu) and
amount is $10,500. you will enroll as a full-time student
(12 units). You want to be committed Dr. Meggan Jordan
It will cover your costs to attend
and participate at a program to your studies, including working (mjordan1@csustan.edu)
conference at UC Merced. (internship) with the assigned UC by May 13, 2022 entitled
Merced research team and with the “Lastname_Firstname_SVFSI”. Please
Scholars will enjoy of other
assigned public health agency. You also use the SVFSI Internship as the
advantages such as:
will need a minimum GPA of 3.0 and subject line for the email.
Personalized Mentoring access to reliable transportation to
work at your internships in UC Merced Questions? Email Dr. José Díaz-
Working space at the Center for
and the assigned health department Garayúa (jdiazgarayua@csustan.edu)
Applied Spatial Analysis (CASA) or go to www.csustan.edu/casa/svfsi
agency.
Other expenses covered
13Study Abroad: A Geographer in Ghana
By Vanessa Padilla
The university experience is so
unique and special to each student
because it opens in your life academic
and personal doors. Through lectures,
assignments, discussions, and group
projects we adapt and grow to
appreciate the learning experience.
Now, grab your passport and bags
and head straight to the airport. Do
not look back or think twice. Just do it.
This was the plan I set in motion in
January of 2022 with the destination
set to Ghana. With little idea of what
to expect I was excited to learn about
the culture and customs. The study
abroad experience at the University
of Ghana in Accra has given me much
exposure and insight to the history of
the Gold Coast. Ghana has been a
strong leader amongst the African
countries, being the first to gain
independence from colonial rule in Figure 1 – Black Star Square. Photo Credit: Vanessa Padilla, 2022
1957. This is even further shown
through the colors of the flag red Along with the beautiful Ghanaian the first being a knock at our hotel
representing the fight for culture there is also much natural room door, the unexpected visitor
independence and the lives that were beauty to admire. In the northern being a baboon. From there on we
lost, gold to remind all of the precious region of Ghana, you will find Mole saw many birds, lizards, wart hogs, a
gold reserves, green for the abundant National Park in the heart of the variety of antelope, crocodiles and the
natural resources, and the five-point savanna, which is home to a variety of most impressive in my opinion the
black star as a symbol of freedom native wildlife. The animals are free to African elephant. Though it pains to
from slavery for all other African roam as they please and have park learn that some of these species are
countries to strive towards. This has rangers to ensure there is no illegal categorized as vulnerable, such as the
been the feeling during my time in human trespassing nor poaching. elephants and lions, it is exciting to see
Ghana, this sense of unity and When visiting we were fortunate to the efforts that are being made to
strength. experience a variety of encounters, protect the wildlife and habitat.
the
14Study Abroad: A Geographer in Ghana
By Vanessa Padilla
Traveling through Ghana has been a
very unique experience, especially
coming from a geography background
I feel I can appreciate the landscape
and the people so much more.
I truly believe exploration is at the
center of all geographer’s hearts and
my study abroad experience has
definitely proven this point. There is so
much to learn and see all over the
Figure 2 – African Elephant at Mole National world and I truly wish and encourage
Park. Photo Credit: Vanessa Padilla, 2022
all current and future students to take
on this journey, to wander in the
Just 10 hours south of Mole National unknown, and to explore all that they
Park you will begin to enter a region of can for as long as they can.
lush green forested mountains and
personally my favorite region, the
Volta region.
Here we explored the Wli waterfall,
known to be the tallest waterfall in
west Africa. To reach the waterfall was
Figure 3 – Wli Waterfall. Photo Credit:
a short 30-minute walk through the
Vanessa Padilla, 2022
forest. As we began our walk we were
met with rain which created the
magical rainbow that met us at the Other common dishes are banku with
base of the waterfall. a stew or meat with pepper, or fufu
with some soup and another one of
Ghana is now the keeper of my heart
my favorite’s groundnut soup with rice
and stomach having had the time to
balls. These dishes all have such
sample many dishes, I have grown very
unique flavors and aromas that they
fond of Ghana’s cuisine. My typical
will be one of the things I will be left Figure 4 – Red-Red. Photo Credit: Vanessa
lunch called Red-Red. The basics of the Padilla, 2022
missing the most.
dish consist of black-eyed peas in palm
oil, and fried plantain, to this you can
add in gari, made from cassava root, Vanessa Padilla is graduating in May 2022.
plain rice, avocado, a boiled egg, and
some shito. 15Alumna at PG&E
By Jess Carey
As a transfer student from Clovis Community College, my time Growing up and residing in Mariposa County, my
at CSU Stanislaus was short but also sweet. I originally entered commute to campus was long, roughly 1.5 hours
California State University, Stanislaus as an Economics major but one way, I was taking 18 – 21 units most semesters,
after taking my first geography class from Dr. McNally I knew a and the faculty did an amazing job at helping me get
change in majors was the right decision for a career path that through my program and to reach my goals in a
would be enjoyable, rewarding, challenging, and I jumped right in. timely manner. As a part of my final semester,
where an internship was required, I worked with the
Mariposa County Planning Department, and was
able to work on the County’s Land Conservation Act
(also known as the Williamson Act) supporting the
GIS team uploading documents to a database that
would then show in the County’s GIS system.
Upon graduation in late 2018, I worked for the
National Park Service in Yosemite seasonally and
was then hired as an Assistant Planner for Mariposa
County where I gained experience in municipal
planning and community development, in County
government, grant writing, land use, land rights
research, project planning, and project
management.
In 2020, I was hired with PG&E as a Land
Planning Analyst supporting the Environmental
Team, and most recently just accepted a new
position within PG&E working as a Land Agent on
the Land Team researching property rights.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time at home
with my family in the mountains of Mariposa, as
well as weekend getaways to the city. Some of my
hobbies include roller-skating, gardening, bike-
riding, and watching murder-mysteries.
I would like to express my gratitude for my time
spent as Stan State, my educational experience
there was amazing, and it has done wonders for my
career and self-confidence. The faculty and staff are
Jessica Carey earned a B.A. in Geography 2018
top-notch, and I am glad to continue to stay in touch
with many of my professors and former alumni.
16GIS in Health & Human Services
By Christina Falk
I originally transferred to Stanislaus My advisors were so helpful in my Currently there are invasive species
as a Liberal Studies major with the decision-making process and of mosquito (i.e., Aedes Aegypti)
intention of becoming a teacher. I took encouraged me to pursue the affecting our region. Mosquito
one geography class and I was ready to program. In search of advice about the surveillance and mediation are critical
change my major. After that first GRE examination Chuck Bowen told if we plan to prevent it. I have created
geography class I realized teaching me “Well if you fail, you might not be a data collection layer that will allow
wasn’t what I wanted to do, and ready for graduate school”. Initially, I technicians to document where these
decided my life path would be better was stunned but he continued, “But species are located, in addition to sites
suited to collect data, analyze it, that doesn’t mean you can’t get there that have been inspected. With this
create maps, and most importantly … If you want something I know you data I will be able to help the district
EXPLORE! will do what it takes to get there”. I make data-driven decisions.
I finally looked forward to going to know that seems insignificant, but it I grew academically and personally
school. I took every geography class certainly made me realize failing in my time at the Geography Program.
available to me. During my second doesn’t actually matter, I am a first-generation college student
semester I enrolled in the Death Valley determination and hard-work will get but I never felt alone. The instructors
class, I had never been away from my me where I want to go. in the Geography Program are great.
family prior to this trip. We went to I accepted a GIS internship at Stanislaus holds a special place in my
Death Valley for a week and it was well Turlock Irrigation District (TID) working heart.
worth the risk. I was acquainted with a in the Survey Department, which was
few of the other students, but I had a dream job for me. I worked on some
not built a significant relationship with very interesting and challenging
any of them. Upon returning from the projects, including TID’s recent solar
Death Valley trip I felt like I was a part over the canal project, and the
of the Geography Department family. construction of the new Ceres Main
I graduated in 2018 with my B.A. in Reservoir.
Geography with a concentration in Currently, I am the GIS/IT
global studies and physical geography, coordinator for the San Joaquin
but I was not ready to quit my County Mosquito and Vector Control. I
geographic aspirations. I wanted to am the first in this agency's history to
pursue a M.S. in water resource hold the GIS/IT position, I essentially
management at Fresno State, but I explore different ways that GIS can
was very hesitant because I was not benefit the agency. I am using various
sure if I was qualified for that level of GIS techniques for data collection,
education. public information, and data analysis.
Christina Falk earned a B.A. in Geography 2018
17Kristi Kelechenyi’s Geographic Path
By Kristi Kelechenyi
Acquiring new skills requires Learning from Mr. Barrera in class was
practice and more practice. After a good experience, but the chance be
taking GIS related courses at a part of the talent pipeline he was
Stanislaus State, I knew I would need creating was even better. I was
continued access to the Esri software offered a place to continue sharpening
if I was going to hone the skills I had my skill-set and observe how GIS was
just learned or pick up any new ones. being implemented in a multitude of
ways.
Access to the ArcGIS was high on my
list of priorities, but I wondered how Mr. Barrera has arranged for several
difficult that would be to come by. As a class, we created an online workstations in his office with access
What organizations in my area use survey to classify current facilities that to the ArcGIS license for training
GIS, and how is it being applied? After would be critical to Merced County in students and colleagues while helping
realizing that I would not be able to the event of an emergency or disaster, the county accomplish goals and
afford an ArcGIS license on my own, I a web map displaying those facilities, projects. He has assigned me widely
became worried that I may not be and several story maps informing varied projects ranging from
able to find employment with a about various types of emergencies or displaying prospective soccer fields to
company who did. Would I forget disasters that residents of Merced editing community zoning boundaries
what I had learned before I could find County might face. to displaying census data; there is
a job that allowed me to utilize it? always something different to work
All of this data was included in a on.
Planning Issues, a course often single application for ease of access
taught by Mr. Gene Barrera, showed for the Merced County Hazard I also learned the importance of
me an avenue for acquiring that GIS Mitigation Team, and all of the various developing a network of relationships,
access. The course project for Spring Merced County departments who may engaging those in the field you hope to
2021 entailed assisting Merced plan for emergencies. This project work in can provide you with
County with updating their Hazard taught me to look at GIS from a opportunities you may not have
Mitigation Plan. As the GIS manager different perspective; not to focus on expected. Volunteering in the Merced
for Merced County and a University the general public as the end user, but County GIS department resulted in a
instructor, Mr. Barrera was able to to focus the data toward those who part-time position, and has been an
provide a unique opportunity to the would plan for a growing population. ideal situation for growing my GIS skill
students: the chance to observe and We had used several of Esri’s set.
participate in a local government programs to complete this project and
process while gaining experience and I had more tools under my belt when I
confidence in our GIS abilities. Geographer Kristi Kelechenyi graduated in 2021
would go on my job search.
18The Hallmark of Service Learning
By Eugene Barrera, MCRP
Connecting academic instruction Department’s Planning Issues course As the GIS Manager for Merced
with real world experiences is the as well as my position as the GIS County, I have a good understanding of
hallmark of service learning activities. Manager for Merced County. the GIS business needs of many County
Stan State has a long-standing Understanding the commitments in departments and have formed
commitment engaging students in developing the course curriculum for working relationships to assist in
the practical applications of the Planning Issue course and my meeting their project goals. Several
coursework and civic participation. direct involvement in administering GIS projects over the years have benefited
Nowhere can this be better projects at the County of Merced has from student involvement where GIS
exemplified than in the study of afforded me with a unique opportunity plays a role.
Geographic Information Systems or to develop the components necessary
One example where student service
GIS and its use in local government. to provide a rewarding service learning
learning was involved included a
experiences for students.
Over the past several years, I’ve project supporting the Merced County
been providing instruction as a GIS Emergency Operation Center. This
lecturer in the Geography work involved identifying data that
Department. I’m also the GIS could be used to support populations
Manager for the County of Merced. In with Access and Functional Needs
both roles I’ve been relying on this during an emergency event. When a
service learning concept to develop a disaster strikes, knowing what you
“Talent Pipeline” that provides need and how to find them is the key
students with a direct link to factor to saves lives, resources, and
community engagement by critical infrastructure.
participating in academic coursework
My vision is to maintain and ongoing
benefiting local government. In
talent pipeline between the University
developing this talent pipeline, not
and the County that provides a
only do students enrolled in the I’ve also coordinated with the Office
mutually beneficial outcome for all
coursework benefit in applying the of Service Learning to rely on their
parties involved. Such a collaboration
tools in GIS to a local government student placement program to ensure
not only serves in meeting a County
setting, but the County of Merced the community engagement
need but fulfills a University mission of
also benefits from the talent pool of experience meets the University’s
community service all while providing
university students to support administrative requirements. Early
a unique service learning opportunity
projects of local importance. engagement with the Office in
for students interested in geospatial
developing the service learning and
To construct this talent pipeline, I technology.
internship program provides the
have been able to work within
necessary resources to focus the Eugene Barrera, MCRP is Lecturer at the
Stanislaus State as a lecturer for the
course for experiential education. Geography Program in CSU, Stanislaus
19Dr. Helzer’s Sabbatical Project
By Dr. Jennifer Helzer
Dr. Helzer’s sabbatical project is the Each chapter will include maps and Significance (SGS), which will utilize
development of an etextbook other visualizations to illustrate key the custom mapping tools and sharing
entitled, California Dreamin’: A topics and geographic processes. capabilities of GoogleMaps. Examples
Geography of the Golden State. She These visual aids will anchor course of SGS include San Diego’s Barrio
and her co-author, Dr. Robert Voeks, concepts to real locations and sites of Logan and the town of Allensworth in
CSU Fullerton, will examine the historic and cultural significance Tulare County, also known as “the
principal natural, economic, political, throughout the state. Other unique Tuskegee of the West,” founded,
and cultural processes and features features include Sites of Geographical financed, and governed by African
that interact with one another to ede American settlers. Similarly, the vernal
shape California’s unique physical and pools of Butte County, and the Owens
human landscapes. The etext draws Lake (Inyo County), now dry due to its
on each author’s unique topical and water source being diverted to supply
regional expertise to provide a the Los Angeles Aqueduct, are
comprehensive and up-to-date significant locales of environmental
examination of California’s diverse interest.
human landscapes, cultural systems,
Each chapter will be showcased by
and natural environments. The etext
specific and iconic geo-spotlights
will explore such topics as social
highlighting the exceptionalism of the
justice, indigenous and immigrant
Golden State. For example, the
geographies, biogeography, popular
bristlecone pine, located in the White
culture, tourism, natural resource
Mountains, is the oldest single-
use, sustainability, and the state’s
stemmed organism in the world.
evolving spatial relationships—local,
Likewise, the recovery of the California
regional, and global.
Condor and its resurgence as a unique
The ebook provides a relevant and up- species signifies the state’s
to-date teaching resource that can be progressive environmental policies.
utilized for online, hybrid, and face-to- Each chapter will include one or more
face instruction. Our overarching goal “Five Minute Field Trip” YouTube
is to illustrate the geographical video clips to illustrate a key
patterns and processes that have geographic theme or process. The
shaped California’s past and present videos may also include testimonials
landscapes, and to explore the state’s from alumni, graduate students,
Chicano Park murals in Barrio Logan, San
major human and environmental faculty colleagues, and working
Diego. Barrio Logan is one of 14 California
challenges from the perspective of Cultural Districts. Photo credit: J. Helzer,
geographers sharing their professional
justice, resilience, and sustainability. March 2022. experiences.
20Geography Awareness Week & GIS Day
By Dr. José Díaz-Garayúa
The Geography Awareness Week Our Geography Awareness Week Mr. Barrera has taught GIS and
(#GeoWeek in Social Media) took opened on November 15, 2021 with Planning Issues and has a very dynamic
place on November 15 to 19, 2021. As the presentation of Dr. Jhonni Carr. service learning program in all of his
many of the activities during the Dr. Carr is a linguist at UC Berkeley. courses providing opportunities to his
pandemic, we decided to go virtual. Her presentation examined how students.
Nevertheless, taking the talks virtual language can act as a barrier to social
provided the opportunity to virtually engagement, especially for marginal
bring people from other places to groups. Dr. Carr studied the linguistic
Turlock. We benefitted from scholars landscape of Southwest Los Angeles’s.
and professionals not just from as Her presentation reached over 70
close as Stanislaus and Merced County attendees from 31 cities, and 2 states.
but also from the Bay Area (Berkeley
The last talk brought Dr. Ana
California) and as distant as the East
Sánchez-Rivera. Her presentation
Coast (Maryland).
reached 32 different zip codes in 18
These three talks, as we have been
different cities in California, Maryland,
doing since 2019, have been edited
Washington, and Hawai’i. Dr. Ana
and archived for the benefit of the
Sánchez-Rivera is a human geographer
general public. They will be in
with a social psychology background.
www.csustan.edu/geography/gis-day.
The second activity, a panel with GIS Her undergraduate research, at the
The presentations will be available
Professionals, brought three University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras
with subtitles in both English and
practitioners: Ms. Lopez and Ms. was about discriminatory attitudes
Spanish. This is important because is a
Kelechenyi, two of our alumnae, and against Dominicans living in Puerto
way to provide a service to students in
our colleague Mr. Barrera who is Rico. She has an M.A. from SUNY
this Hispanic Serving Institution, which
adjunct faculty and GIS Manager for Binghamton and a Ph.D. from
make up over 50% of the student
Merced County. This talk brought over University of Maryland, College Park.
population (in the city of Turlock, over
40 viewers in 27 cities and 3 countries. Dr. Sánchez-Rivera works as a Survey
40% speak Spanish). Providing
Our alumnae talked about how their Statistician at the US Census Burau,
subtitles in Spanish, permits more
experiences as intern and volunteer Population Division in Washington DC.
inclusion because many of our
students’ family members had contributed to their development
communicate better in Spanish. We and how the education and skills
cannot forget that more than 25% of acquired in our program help them to
California’s population speaks Spanish move forward. Our colleague Mr.
while over 41 million (over 12%) of Barrera talked about the importance
people in the US speak Spanish. of a pipeline between universities and
local governments.
21Led by José Díaz-Garayúa, Project Will Leverage Each Campus’s
Stanislaus State is partnering with UC Merced’s Nicotine
and Cannabis Policy Center (NCPC) on a significant project
as part of California Endgame’s goal to end tobacco use in
the state by 2035. The two universities have been awarded
a $1.4 million Smoke and Vape Free Scholars Initiative
Program Award collaborative grant from the Tobacco-
Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP).
The project will train the next generation of tobacco
control advocates in the San Joaquin Valley with a goal of
producing scientific tobacco control advocates through
classroom instruction, research labs and fieldwork.
Funding for the award began March 1 and is slated to last
through 2025. The TRDRP has awarded similar grants in the
past, but this is the first time a partnership between a
public teaching institution and a research university has
been required.
A unique aspect of the project is that each campus will
provide its own strengths. Stan State students will have an CASA’s co – Director and PI, Dr. José R. Díaz-Garayúa, Ph.D.
opportunity to enroll in courses to learn about the basic
tenants of tobacco control research. The project is a Stanislaus State students will have an opportunity to
dynamic example of what is possible through multi-campus participate in cutting-edge research projects at UC Merced,
collaborations in the Central Valley. ranging from research on the metabolic process to
scholarship on policies at the local and state level. Students
“Stanislaus State is excited to partner with UC Merced on will collaborate with multiple county Local Lead Agencies
this collaborative grant,” said Stan State President Ellen (LLAs) to conduct tobacco control advocacy projects, which
Junn. “This is a real opportunity for our campuses to band will allow them to make significant contributions to their
together and have a unified voice to advocate for better communities and gain vital hands-on experience.
health in our region. By leveraging the strengths of our
institutions, we will accomplish fantastic work within the Stanislaus State’s José Díaz-Garayúa is the project’s
Central Valley.” principal investigator. Díaz-Garayúa, an associate professor
of human geography and geographic information systems
“UC Merced is proud to join with our Central Valley (GIS), is co-director of the University’s Center for Applied
colleagues in advancing knowledge that will benefit the Spatial Analysis (CASA). He and his team will recruit
long-term health of people in the Valley and beyond,” said students and provide workshops, instruction and
UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz. mentoring.
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