Geography and Planning

The Graduate School's 5th annual Three Minute Thesis competition featured student research on wide-ranging topics — from forest-saving forensics and a local invasive insect to social media hashtags and student mental health.

Ms. Kathe's MS thesis evaluates the impact of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect, on the water quality of New York City's water supply system. The insect has caused damage to forests and agriculture in the Northeast, and Ms. Kathe's proposed research framework identifies areas where the insect is most likely to affect water quality. Her study recommends management strategies to reduce the insect's impact, particularly in the New Croton, Kensico, and Diverting reservoirs within the Croton Watershed.

Their study will utilize methods from forensic spectroscopy and soil science to test the effectiveness of mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy as an extension of conventional minirhizotrons for recording root growth.

A deadly fire in China’s Xinjiang region last month triggered outcry against the nation’s stringent COVID policies, resulting in mass protests unseen in the country since 1989. Youqin Huang, a professor in University at Albany’s Department of Geography and Planning, explains the significance of these protests.

Come to join us celebrating GIS Day on campus at the Lecture Center Concourse East (and Lecture Center 12) located right underneath the Performing Arts Building, organized by the Department of Geography and Planning together with CURCE (Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement). What is GIS? It is Geographic Information Science which helps us make better decisions for the society and environment.