Building the Spatial University

Steven Manson combines environmental research, social science approaches, and spatial information science to understand complex human-environment systems. He is particularly interested in spatial science for understanding decision making and institutions in coupled population-environmental dynamics. He has developed innovative statistical and computer modeling approaches and leads or participates in several large research projects that continue to develop big human-environmental data that is used by thousands of researchers, policy makers, students, and members of the public.Len Kne, GISP, brings extensive experience with GIS and Information Technologies in higher education, construction, government, and non-profit organizations to his work at U-Spatial, a center at the University of Minnesota providing support for spatial research. He is a member of the faculty of the Master of Geographic Information Science program and is driven to promote spatial thinking across campus.Brittany Krzyzanowski uses big data and interdisciplinary approaches to examine geographical, environmental, and societal influences on human health and well-being. Beyond her interests in GISc and population health, at the University of Minnesota, she worked with U-spatial and several interdisciplinary teams on advancing GIS as a tool for teaching and learning across campus. While completing her doctoral studies there, she developed innovative approaches to advance public health research methods and promote transparency in the use and application of complex geospatial techniques.Jane Lindelof brings a broad history as a science communicator and editor across non-profit, private, and higher education sectors. A humanities person, she has spent her career in the sciences, focusing primarily on issues of climate change, renewable energy, and conservation. This background, as well as her experience in community engagement and organizing, led her to a position at U-Spatial, where she is particularly interested in the storytelling potential of spatial research to bring about transformational change.