Mapping a Path to Success Through Geographic Information Science (GIS) [VIDEO]

Explore the benefits of incorporating GIS into your academic major, regardless of your field of interest. Discover how GIS courses can equip you with valuable skills that will complement your chosen career path. Geographic Information Science (GIS) is the science of understanding location and spatial analysis through the interactions of many variables. From here, computer […]

A Look Inside Geo Information Systems With Jackie Ganter & Danielle Miller

Four members of Geo Lab discuss a project while outside holding equipment.

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) majors and graduating seniors, Danielle Miller and Jackie Ganter, give insight into what the GIS major entails and its impact. What is GIS? According to Danielle, “geographic information science, it’s the analysis of data sets, the creation of maps, and other imagery.” She went on to give her point of view […]

Climate Anxiety: What It Is, and Why It Matters

Dramtically colored sunset over the town of Glassboro, as seen from a drone.

Understanding Eco-Anxiety: Impact on Mental Health & Coping Strategies This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @rowanuwellness on social. This story is by Kayden Heinz, a junior Writing Arts major. Climate change has begun to […]

Impact of Growing Up in Mumbai on Desire to Major in Environmental Science

Kriish poses for an outdoor portrait in front of a tree while wearing a bright orange shirt.

Today, on World Environment Day, we hear from Kriish Hate, a rising senior environmental science major (School of Earth & Environment) and a transfer international student from Mumbai, India. Kriish is here to tell us about his experience within the major. Can you describe the environmental science program? “There are both environmental studies and environmental […]

Meet Jenna Grace: the Triple Major Making a Difference in Environmental Conservation

Jenna Grace is posing inside of the Scotland Run Nature Center, wearing a gray sweater, looking into a tank

Today, we hear from graduating senior Jenna Grace, a triple major in Community & Environmental Planning, Environmental & Sustainability Studies, and Geography, all within the School of Earth & Environment. From Stratford, NJ (Camden County), Jenna works at Scotland Run Nature Trail in Gloucester County, NJ. What is your experience like with being a triple major? […]

Exploring the Community and Environmental Planning Major with Senior Jon Hansel

Jon smiles outside in on Glassboro Town Square.

Today we feature senior Jonathan Hansel (he/him) from Burlington County. Jon is majoring in Community and Environmental Planning and pursuing a master’s in Urban and Regional Planning through Rowan’s 4+1 program. Here, he discusses the importance of planning, his personal aspirations, and the opportunities he’s found in the program. Could you tell us a little […]

The First of a Program: Katrina McCarthy, M.S. in Urban and Regional Planning Student

Katrina is sitting at a desk with a globe put near the camera.

Transitioning from one career path to another is no simple task, but in the case of Rowan Global student Katrina McCarthy, she’s used her prior knowledge to set the foundation for her next step forward. In our conversation with Katrina, a Rowan undergraduate alumna and member of the first cohort to launch the  M.S. in […]

In Foraging Course, Wild Foods Abound on Rowan University’s Campus

Today, we join Rowan University’s Foraging for Edible Plants class, led by School of Earth & Environment Assistant Professor and course founder Dr. Daniel Duran. Just steps outside their classroom on the side of the newly opened Discovery Hall building, Dr. Daniel Duran shows his students a juneberry shrub, one of dozens of edible plants […]

Rowan University Student Zachary Rouhas on the Joint Degree Program That Pairs Environmental Studies with an MBA

Today we feature Zachary Rouhas, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environment and Sustainability Studies and a master’s degree in Sustainable Business. through an accelerated 4+1 program — the first of its kind in the state. Zachary, a veteran of the U.S. Army, discusses his journey to becoming a student within the accelerated program, his future […]

Rowan University Geography Major Hopes to Create Change For Future Generations

A landscape photo of the fountain behind engineering pond.

Jaylen Shanklin, a junior Geography major from Gloucester County, shares why he chose his major and the environmental impact that he hopes to have. “I’ve always had an interest in geography. My dad is a major history buff and we’d watch shows together and it drew me in,” says Jaylen. His initial interest in the […]

In Case You Missed It: Favorite Classes At Rowan

Rowan Blog recently wrapped up a series called “My Favorite Class” featuring first-person commentaries from Rowan students. Here, we share highlights from a few of those stories.  My Favorite Class: Earth, People and The Environment Ross Billig is a senior Geography major with a Planning minor from Marlton, NJ (Burlington County).  Tell us a little […]

My Favorite Class: Fundamentals of Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

Khrissy inside Engineering building

Khrissy Seay is a recent graduate and first-generation college student. While at Rowan, she was a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) major with minors in Geography and Planning. She is from Mays Landing (Atlantic County) and transferred from Atlantic Cape Community College. What was the name of your favorite class at Rowan?  This is not an easy question. […]

My Favorite Class: Earth, People, and the Environment

Ross sitting outside on steps

Ross Billig is a senior Geography major with a Planning minor. He is from Marlton, NJ (Burlington County) and transferred from Rowan College at Burlington County. What was the name of your favorite class at Rowan?  Earth, People, and the Environment What department was the class in? Department of Geography, Planning, and Sustainability (GPS) Who […]

#PROFspective: ESS Major, Athlete and Activist Ayanna Johnson

Today we speak with Ayanna Johnson, a junior Environmental & Sustainability Studies (ESS) major under the School of Earth and Environment. She comes from Ewing, NJ in Mercer County and is the captain of the Women’s Basketball Team. She also participates in We Are One Team, Social Justice Action, and OWL (Outstanding Women Leaders) Group. […]

From COVID-19 to the Neighborhood 15

Chris Tirri is a Rowan Global student in the master’s of science program for Urban and Regional Planning. The master’s program at Rowan is his third graduate program overall. Born and raised in the Mantua side of Sewell, NJ (Gloucester County) he currently resides off-campus in Mantua Township. His ideal career would be in historic […]

Leadership #PROFspective: Ayanna Johnson on Speaking Up as a Woman in Sports

Ayanna sits down and leans against a bench on campus.

Today, we speak with Ayanna Johnson, captain of the Women’s Basketball Team and an active member of We Are One Team, Social Justice Action Committee, and Rowan Athletics’ OWL (Outstanding Women Leaders) Group. Ayanna is an Environmental & Sustainability Studies (ESS) major from Ewing, NJ (Mercer County).  This story is part of a series spotlighting […]

Leadership #PROFspective: Tara Lonsdorf, Managing Editor Of The Whit

Fanned out back issues of The Whit.

Today we feature Tara Lonsdorf, a leader at Rowan University. Tara is the managing editor for The Whit. She is a senior Geology major with a minor in Geographic Information Systems from East Windsor, NJ (Mercer County). This story is part of a series spotlighting campus leaders during Women’s History Month.  What is your role […]

Eduardo Saba Shares Insight On Being A Geography Major

Eduardo standing outside.

Today we feature first-generation college senior Eduardo Saba, a Geography major with a minor in Environmental and Urban Planning. Eduardo is from the Dominican Republic and is a transfer student from Atlantic Cape Community College. How did you become interested in this major? I believe that the Dr. Zachary Christman, and Harold Thompson, played a […]

TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Environmental and Sustainability Studies JoAnna Contarino

JoAnna standing in between a a tree.

Today we feature first-generation college student and recent December 2020 graduate JoAnna Contarino from Elk Township, NJ (Burlington County). JoAnna is a Environmental & Sustainability Studies major and transfer from Rowan College of South Jersey. She has minors in Ethics, Planning, Political Science and a Certificate of Undergraduate Study in Environmental Policy & Economics. Tell […]

3 Environment and Sustainability Studies Majors Share What Excites Them About Their Major

Photo of trees.

Today, we speak to three Environment and Sustainability Studies majors from Rowan’s School of Earth and Environment about what gets them excited about their major. “I want to say that I am making a difference or at least attempting to. I am an environmental and sustainability major and there are a lot of issues revolving […]

6 Geology Majors Share Their Long-Term Career Goals

Kayla and her friend talking about a fossil.

Today, we ask six Geology majors about where they would like to see themselves long-term. “To be a paleontologist and either be a college professor or a museum curator. I want to focus on either paleoneurology or paleopathologies,” says junior Kayla Bagley, a Geology major with a concentration in Paleontology and a transfer from Ocean […]

Madison Hayes Shares Insight On Being A GIS And ESS Major

Madison sitting near a lake.

Today we feature senior Madison Hayes, a Geographical Information Systems and Environmental and Sustainability Studies major with a minor in planning. Madison is a first-generation college student from Hopewell, New Jersey (Mercer County) who transferred from Lebanon Valley College. How did you become interested in this major? After transferring home to be a commuter I […]

#PROFspective: Geology Major James Milward

James standing outside.

Today we feature James Milward, a junior Geology major with minors in Geographic Information Science and Geography from Pitman, NJ (Gloucester County). James is a first-generation college student and has a passion for climate change. Has there been a club or group that made you feel like Rowan was home? My freshman year I played […]

5 Geology Majors Share Their Short-Term Professional Goals

Kelsey and her friend talking about a fossil.

We spoke to five Geology majors about their short-term professional goals and plans. “I am currently working on applying for summer internships. The internships I am looking into are research-based and field-based, but all revolve around Paleontology. I am set to graduate with my BA in Geology in the fall of 2021, and will be […]

3 Geographical Information Systems Majors Share Their WOW Moment

USGS map courtesy of Unsplash.

Today, we speak to three Geographical Information Systems (GIS) majors and seniors from Rowan’s School of Earth and Environment about when they knew this was the right major for them. “I like [this] department as a whole because of the sense of community that it provides. Because we are a small department I have gotten […]

TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Geology Major Callie Stockton

Callie sitting on a wooden bench outside.

Meet Callie Stockton, a junior Geology major with minors in Astronomy and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). She is from Tabernacle, NJ (Burlington County) and transferred from Rowan College of Burlington County (RCBC). She’s also part of the Physics & Astronomy Club and the GEO Club. Here, Callie talks about her transition to Rowan. How has […]

#PROFspective: Javelin Thrower Daniel McAleavey

#PROFspective: Daniel McAleavey

Meet Daniel McAleavey, a junior community and environmental major from Howell, NJ (Monmouth County) who lived in Rowan Boulevard Apartments this past school year. Daniel throws javelin for men’s track and field. Take us to one typical day at Rowan for you: A typical Rowan day consists of me waking up in the morning to […]

#PROFspective: Senior Environmental and Sustainability Studies Major Taylor Melillo

Taylor Melillo in front of a sunset on the water.

Today we speak with Taylor Melillo, a senior Environmental and Sustainability Studies major within the School of Earth and Enviroment. She also has three minors in Geographical Information Science, Sustainable Built Environments, and Community & Environmental Planning at Rowan. Taylor is from Brick, NJ (Ocean County) and has lived on campus all four years. Taylor […]

Senior Reflects: Geographical Information Science Major Jonathan Sharp

An aerial view of land and water mass

Today we feature Jonathan Sharp, a Geographical Information Science major from Pilesgrove, NJ (Salem County). Jonathan transferred to Rowan from Anne Arundel Community College, and before social distancing in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, he commuted to campus.  Could you share your favorite social memory?  Socially the place to be in the department […]

Senior Reflects: Samantha Maynard Shares How Her Double Major Supports Her Aspirations

Students working on a disaster prepardness project.

Meet Samantha Maynard, a graduating senior who double majored in disaster preparedness and emergency management, and community health. Samantha lived on campus and is originally from West Milford (Passaic County.) Favorite Faculty Memory: My favorite moment with a faculty member is when Dr. Willis helped me plan my big trip to Europe. Thank you! Favorite […]

Meet #Rowan2024: Environmental & Sustainability Studies Major Aarushi Gupta

A headshot of Aarushi with a white background.

Today we feature incoming freshman Aarushi Gupta, an Environmental & Sustainability Studies major from Marlton, NJ (Burlington County) who plans to live on campus.  What are a few things you are looking forward to next year at Rowan?I’m looking forward to decorating my dorm room the most! I’m also very excited to meet new people […]

Rashaun Brown Shares Project on Pop Up Night Garden [VIDEO]

Rashaun Brown stands outside in the vacant lot.

In his Sensing Sustainable Cities class, Rowan University junior Rashaun Brown from North Brunswick, NJ (Middlesex County) examined the use of space for a project. The Community & Environmental Planning major (School of Earth & Environment) used a vacant lot to host an event for residents of the Glassboro area, while studying foot traffic through […]

Passing the Torch: Commuter Grad’s Advice to New Students

Cheyenne wears her graduation gown, posing with Rowan University diploma holder in front of owl statue

Commuter and first-generation college student (now graduate!) Cheyenne Rickabaugh of Cape May, NJ (Cape May County) says the best way to make friends at college is, “Show up to things! Talk in class! Not during lecture, though.” She also says that the best way to get the most out of your college experience is to, […]

Faculty PROFile: Dr. Mahbubur Meenar

Dr. Meenar and students sitting outside analyzing rocks and grass

Meet Dr. Mahbubur Meenar, Assistant Professor of Planning in the Department of Geography, Planning, and Sustainability & the Director of Community Planning and Visualization Lab at Rowan University. Dr. Meenar has a multi-disciplinary background in architecture (B.Arch.), urban planning (MUP), and geography (PhD).  What is your area of expertise? My academic training comes from multiple […]

Student’s Stream Clean-up Supports Future Career Path

Environmental studies major Meghin Rollins of Carney’s Point, NJ (Salem County) applies her passion about the environment any way she can. Meghin’s dedication to a clean environment goes far beyond the classroom. She planned and participated in Rowan’s Stream Clean-up, where students and faculty collected garbage from different locations on Rowan’s main campus from the stream that […]

#PROFspective: Environmental Studies Major Meghin Rollins

Today, we speak with Meghin Rollins, a senior environmental studies major from Carney’s Point, NJ (Salem County) who commutes. Meghin will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: Meghin Rollins Major: Environmental Studies […]

First Year Voices: Joshua Masucci

student in Rowan hoodie outside in front of fall leaves and trees

“Rowan has been very accepting, the people here are very open. It’s like a big campus, but feels small and everything is close together,” Joshua Masucci, environmental studies major, Nutley, NJ (Essex County). Like what you see? Come visit us! VISIT CAMPUS​​ Enter for a chance to win a Rowan t-shirt! Email RowanBlog [at] rowan.edu […]

Rowan Playa Bowls & Stunited: Student Businesses Create and Collaborate

Stunited bowl in Playa Bowls

On a spring day just before final exams, one of the newest student-managed businesses added to the Rowan Boulevard, Playa Bowls, and student-developed business Stunited joined together for a day of creation, collaboration and promotion. “I’m a huge fan of Playa Bowls and when I heard they were coming to Rowan, I thought this would be […]

Compare/Contrast Freshman Housing

Scott Timko is a resident assistant in Mullica Hall, wearing a yellow sweatshirt that says Glassboro State

Chatting with Rowan University on campus residents on a frigid, hectic morning just before finals (seriously, is it really spring yet?!), one thing was clear: the sense of community within their residence halls is what they love most. However, what “community” means in each residence hall is different. I learned that Evergreen is known for […]

Faculty PROFile: Jordan P. Howell, Environmental & Sustainability Studies

Professor Jordan Howell outside the Student Center

Jordan P. Howell, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Program Coordinator: Environmental & Sustainability Studies Department/College: Geography, Planning & Sustainability; in the School of Earth & Environment His website: users.rowan.edu/~howellj His Degrees: Ph.D., Geography – Michigan State University, 2013 M.S., Geography – Michigan State University, 2010 B.A., Anthropology – College of William & Mary, 2008 What is your […]

#PROFspective: Geography Major Shane Walsh

Shane looks up at the clouds outside of Robinson Hall

Today, we speak with Shane Walsh, a geography major from Gloucester County, NJ, who commutes. Shane will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be an adult learner at Rowan University and how he’s getting the most out of being a Rowan Prof. Name: Shane Canyon Walsh Major: Geography Minors and Concentrations: […]

#PROFspective: Environmental and Sustainability Studies Major Katie Elliott

Katie standing outside of the Rec Center

Today, we speak with Katie Elliot, a senior environmental and sustainability studies major from Hopewell (Mercer County), NJ, who rents an apartment off campus. Katie will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan […]

#PROFspective: Environmental and Sustainability Studies Major Ryan Hamblin

student stands on rowan football field holding a football

Today, we speak with Ryan Hamblin, a senior environmental and sustainability studies major from Hillsborough (Somerset County), NJ, who rents a house off campus. Ryan will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a Rowan […]

#PROFspective: Geographic Information Systems Major Tim Lemon

Today we speak with Tim Lemon, a senior Geographic Information Systems major from Glendora (Camden County), NJ, who commutes. He will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a Rowan Prof. Your Name: Tim Lemon Your Major: Geographic […]

2 Alumni Donate $25M to Expand Fossil Park

yellow sign unveiled for the Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park, as people clap

On Monday morning, October 17, 2016, Science Hall swarmed with curious students, faculty and media portending a big day in Rowan’s history. Two Rowan alumni, Jean and Ric Edelman, founders of Edelman Financial Services,  pledged $25 million to expand and transform the Rowan University Fossil Park into a world-class citizen science marvel and a global tourist destination.  […]