SSCI 265: The Water Planet

An exploration of earth’s water, ranging from water properties, chemistry, and pollution, to groundwater dynamics, watershed processes, and oceanic-atmospheric circulation. Implications for past and future societies. Lecture and laboratory.

SSCI 397: Spatial Sciences Internship
Intensive experience in local public agency, private firm, or nonprofit agency engaged in applied geospatial analysis, modeling and mapping work.

SSCI 578: The Practice of Geospatial Leadership

The geospatial value proposition and the qualities and skills leaders will need to help their geospatial information management groups and organizations achieve success.

SSCI 600: The Geography of Life and Death

Meaning and significance of place and role of social, natural, and built environments in disease occurrence in different places and populations.

SSCI 601b: Population, Health and Place Research Practicum

The use of population science, public health, and spatial science theory and practice to advance our understanding of one or more aspects of human well-being.

2021-2022 Meijie Chen, School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China

2019-2021 Shanshan Liu, School of Architecture, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin, China

2018-2019 Dr. Leilei Duan, Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California

2018-2019 Lili Zhang, Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China

2015-2017 Dr. Loraine A. Escobedo, Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California

2015-2017 Dr. Noli Brazil, Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California

2012-2015 Dr. KyoHyouk Kim, Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California

2011-2012 Dr. Yumin Chen, Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California (Visiting Scholar, Center for Remote Sensing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China)

2007-2008 Dr. Jingfen Sheng, Department of Geography, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California

2006-2007 Dr. Zaria Tatalovich, Department of Geography, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California

2004-2005 Dr. Rania Bou Kheir, Department of Geography, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California (Visiting Fulbright Scholar; Research Scientist, National Center for Remote Sensing, Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research, Beirut, Lebanon)

1992-1993 Dr. Victor Wu, Department of Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana

Cirenia Torres, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Assessing the connectivity for the jaguar (Panthera onca) in the United States-Mexico border ecoregions using species distribution modeling and factorial least cost path analysis

Devin Thomas, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Designing a flood early warning system web mapping application for the Atlanta Metropolitan Area (Co-advisor with Dr. Jennifer Bernstein, Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California).

Andre McClure, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Suitable locations for affordable housing to accommodate low income residents in the Cities of Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and Palmdale, California (Co-advisor with Dr. Jennifer Bernstein, Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California).

John Smith, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Multi-criteria site selection for innovative wind turbine adoption in an urban environment (Co-advisor with Dr. Jennifer Bernstein, Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California).

Drew Vagen, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Site suitability analysis for implementing tidal technology in southern California  (Co-advisor with Dr. Jennifer Bernstein, Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California).

Jason Martin, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Environmental niche modeling to predict the spread of Spanish broom in the Angeles National Forest.

Monicque Lee, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Defining neighborhood for health research in Arizona.

Monika Burchette, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Improving wetland determination utilizing unmanned aerial systems.

James Potter, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Collecting and managing VGI infrastructure assessment in support of stability operations.

Brandon Brooks, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Student engagement capabilities in mobile GIS: A framework for mobile GIS education.

Christine Placencia, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Spatial analysis of vision services of Kaiser Permanente members.

Quentina Borgic, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Stone tool raw material distribution and predictability study in southern Illinois.

Shannon Prescott, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Using geospatial technology to establish marsh bird monitoring sites for a pilot study in Maine in accordance with the National Marsh Bird Monitoring Program.

Charles M. Hall, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Examining data sources and classification methods used in food access studies: Investigating volunteered geographic information as an adjunct to traditional data.

Steven Warner, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of  Southern California. Thesis title: A geographical assessment of the Santa Monica Mountains North Area Community Standards District Vineyard Ordinance.

Shanna Bressie, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Spatial patterns of food accessibility across Lane County, Oregon in 2015-2016.

Christian Alvez, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Modeling prehistoric paths in Bronze Age northeastern England.

Brendan Blee, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Creating a geodatabase and web map application to visualize drone legislation in the State of Maryland.

Krista McPherson, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Assessing the impact of a web-based GIS application to promote earthquake preparation on the University of Southern California University Park camp.

Bennett Gaumitz, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis Title: Precision agriculture and GIS: Evaluating the use of yield maps combined with LiDAR data.

Alex Schild, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Archaeological least cost path modeling: A behavioral study of Bronze Age travel  routes across the Amanus Mountains, Turkey.

Nathan Nowak, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Species distribution modeling of sperm whale habitat within the central Gulf of Alaska utilizing passive acoustic modeling.

Brian McDonald, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Dasymetric mapping of building stocks within HAZUS-FL.

Colin Mattison, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis Title: Does the Bay area have a social center? Delimiting the postmodern urban center of the San Francisco Bay area.

Joanne Seo, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis Title: An evaluation of Esri’s Tapestry Segmentation product in three southern California communities: Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach.

Valerie Anderson, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of   Southern California. Thesis title: Historical ecology of the Split Oak forest in east central Florida.

Valerie Anderson, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Historical ecology of the Split Oak forest in east central Florida.

Audra Smolek, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Spatial distribution of the greater sage grouse (Centrocerus urophasianus) in the Powder River basin, northeastern Wyoming.

Wayne Chien, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Geospatial analysis of the Round Fire: Adapting the dNBR to the Sierra Nevada region of California.

David Staffel, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis title: Cartography for visualizing anthropogenic threats: A semiotic approach to communicating threat information in 3D spatial models.

Annabel Lee Enriquez, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis Title: A contributory web-based application for documenting historic places: French colonial era art deco architecture in Hanoi.

Kaveh Shahabi, Ph.D., Computer Science, University of Southern California. Dissertation Title: Scalable evacuation routing in dynamic environments.

Kathy Ulloa, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis Title: Exploring the relationship between urban forests and ethnicity in West Covina using GIS and object-based image analysis.

Jenni Dorsey-Spitz, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis Title: Modeling contamination of groundwater on Mountain Home, Idaho using the DRASTIC method.

Charles Hanley, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis Title: Using VHR multispectral imagery and object-based extraction to discover vernal meadows through vegetative persistence at Fort Ord, California.

Reina Kahn, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis Title: Geospatial analysis of unintended casualties during combat training, Fort Drum, New York.

Chad Johnson, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis Title: Site location suitability analysis for a smart grid network.

Evan Lue, Ph.D., Geography, University of Southern California
Dissertation Title: Defining the Geospatial Needs of an Ubiquitous Disaster Relief Organization

Jennifer Johnson, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California
Thesis Title: Firing Ranges and Social Capital: Spatial Analysis of Social Capital in Houston, Texas

Andrew Isner, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California
Thesis Title: Habitat Suitability Modeling of Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) in Gila National Forest, New Mexico

Trinka Gillis, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California
Thesis Title: Use of Remotely Sensed Imagery to Map Sudden Oak Death (Phytophthora Ramorum) in the Santa Cruz Mountains

Joshua Harrell, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California
Thesis Title: An Evaluation of Soil Sampling Methods in Support of Precision Agriculture in Northeastern North Carolina

Elisabeth Sedano, Ph.D., Geography, University of Southern California. Dissertation Title: Consuming Landscape, Consuming Machine: State, Capital, and Outdoor Advertising in Los Angeles

Amanda Laur, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California
Thesis Title: Modeling the Spatio-Temporal Variability of Solar Radiation on Buildings: A Case Study of Lewis Hall

Amanda Gray, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California
Thesis Title: Spatial Delineation of Market Areas: A Proposed Approach

Trang VoPham, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California
Thesis Title: Integrating Landsat and California Pesticide Exposure Estimation at Aggregated Spatial Scales: Accuracy Assessment of Rurality

Parisa Ghaemi, Ph.D., Computer Science, University of Southern California. Dissertation Title: Generalized Optimal Location Planning

Stephen Gervais, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis Title: Out-of-School Suspensions by Home Neighborhood: A Spatial Analysis of Student Suspensions in the San Bernardino City Unified School District

Jeffry Harrison, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis Title: Onshore Wind Power Systems (ONSWPS): A GIS-Based Tool for Preliminary Site-Suitability Analysis

Holly MacGillivray, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis Title: Spatiotemporal Patterns of Salt and Nutrient Contamination in Los Angeles County’s Groundwater Basins

Su Jin Lee, Ph.D., Geography, University of Southern California. Dissertation Title: Effects of Home Modifications and Municipal Policies on Green Cover in Los Angeles County

Kevin Kelly, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis Title: Different Geographic Representations of Middle America

Thao Nyugen, Ph.D., Geography, University of Southern California. Dissertation Title: Uncertainty in Geomorphometry

Teri L Mooney, M.S., Geographic Information Science and Technology, University of Southern California. Thesis Title: Predicting Hydromantes Shastae Occurrences in Shasta County, California

Daniel W. Goldberg, Ph.D., Computer Science, University of Southern California. Dissertation Title: Spatial Approaches to Reducing Error in Geocoded Data

Christina Q. Li, Ph.D., Geography, University of Southern California. Dissertation Title: Neighborhood Greenspace’s Impact on Residential Property Values: Assessing the Role of Spatial Effects

Jingfen Sheng, Ph.D., Geography, University of Southern California. Dissertation Title: Evaluating Hydroclimatic Systems across Large Metropolitan Regions

Chona E. Sister, Ph.D., Geography, University of Southern California. Dissertation Title: Park and Open Space Resources in the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Region: Who Gets What, Where?

Zaria Tatalovich, Ph.D., Geography, University of Southern California. Dissertation Title: Spatio-Temporal Modeling of Risk

Graeme Aggett, Ph.D., Geography, University of Southern California. Dissertation Title: Advanced Geospatial Technologies Applied to Gravel Bed River Mapping and Modeling

Yongxin X. Deng, Ph.D., Geography, University of Southern California. Dissertation Title: Evaluating Input Data for DEM-based Environmental Analysis and Classification

Christine S. Lam, M.S., Geography, University of Southern California. Thesis Title: Comparison of Flow Routing Algorithms Used in Geographic Information Systems

Julie R. Eurek, M.S., Geography, University of Southern California. Thesis Title: Modeling Recreational Boat Traffic on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

Yan Xu, M.A., Geography, University of Southern California. Thesis Title: Spatial Predictions of Population Growth and Habitat Change in the Santa Monica Mountain Area, California

Linda E. Gillett, M.S., Geography, Montana State University
Thesis Title: The Use of NDVI to Characterize Drought in the Northern Great Plains, 1988-1993

Ute Langner, M.S., Geography, Montana State University. Thesis Title: GIS-based Crop Yield and Soil Productivity Modeling

Jonathan M. Wheatley, M.S., Geography, Montana State University. Thesis Title: Using Terrain Attributes to Assist Remote Sensing Vegetation Mapping of Northern

Sara T. Stillman, M.S., Geography, Montana State University. Thesis Title: A Comparison of Three Automated Precipitation Simulation Models: ANUSPLIN, MTCLIM-3D, and PRISM

Philip L. Repetto, M.S., Geography, Montana State University. Thesis Title: Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation: Estimation at the Landscape Scale Using GIS

Damian J.  Spangrud, M.S., Geography, Montana State University. Thesis Title: Sensitivity of Selected Soil and Terrain Attributes to Variations in the Number and Pattern of Input Data

Douglas L. Wittren, M.S., Geography, Montana State University, Thesis Title: A Viewshed Information System for Mountain Resort Areas

Wendi A. Urie, M.S., Geography, Montana State University, Thesis Title: Environmental Factors Influencing Recreational Trail Condition

Janelle K. Jersey, M.S., Soil Science, Montana State University. Thesis Title: Assessing the Vegetation and Hydrologic Characteristics of a Semi-arid Environment Using Geographic Information Systems and Terrain-based Models (Co-Advisor with J.S. Jacobsen)

Joseph P. Seney, M.S., Geography, Montana State University. Thesis Title: Erosional Impact of Hikers, Horses, Off-Road Bicycles, and Motorcycles on Mountain Trails

John C. Pings, M.S., Geography, Montana State University. Thesis Title: Spatial Variability of Soil Redistribution Processes in a Small Agricultural Watershed

Kristen E. S. Gerhart, M.S., Geography, Montana State University. Thesis Title: Evaluating the Performance of the Soil Productivity Index Model in Cascade County, Montana

John H. Ruth, M.S., Geology, Montana State University. Thesis Title: An Assessment of Streambank Erosion along the North Fork Flathead River