I grew interested in geography through a World Regional geography course. The themes that are covered in such a class—environment, human settlement and landscapes, cultural diversity and similarity, economics, politics—continue to interest me and motivate me to learn more about the world. Since it is not possible to be an expert on all those themes these days, I’ve narrowed down my focus to one region, South Asia, and one state within that region, India. I’ve also narrowed down the broad themes to more manageable topics: water, development, gender, poverty, and everyday politics. I find these topics compelling on their own, and especially interesting when considered together. All of these interests, and what I have learned about them, inform my teaching, no matter the class.

What led me into this Field of Study (video links):

re: Kathleen Faculty Bio Interview

re: Gender Issues in Sanitation

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Selected Teaching and Research Awards

• 2018   Presidential Impact Fellow      Texas A&M University
• 2015   Distinguished Achievement Award (College Level): Teaching      Association of Former Students, Texas A&M University
• 2012   Distinguished Achievement Award for Faculty Teaching      College of Geosciences, Texas A&M University
• 2012   Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence Award, Nominee      Graduate Student Council and College of Geosciences Nominee, Texas A&M University
• 2003   J. Warren Nystrom Competition Finalist      Association of American Geographers

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Courses