News & Events

In MEMORIAM: A Tribute to GW Geography Professor Emeritus Dorn C. McGrath, Jr (1930-2021)

It is with great sadness that the Department of Geography announces the death of Professor Emeritus Dorn C. McGrath, Jr. on January 25, 2021. Professor McGrath taught for 35 years at GWU, first in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning and later in the Department of Geography. He chaired the Department of Geography from 1996 to 2003. Read the full Dorn McGrath Tribute from the Department of Geography.

Geography Department Student of the Month

During the semester the Department would like to recgonize students for their excellence and commitment to making our Department and GW a better community.

Student of the Month Jan/Feb 2021

Congratulations to our Jan/Feb student of the month, Grace Donovan!

Department Newsletter

Exclusively for alumni, the Department of Geography newsletter features alumni and department updates, as well as event information. If you are one of our alumni, update your contact information with the GW Office of Alumni Relations to start receiving this and other exclusive alumni benefits.

Latest Issues:
2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 (PDF), 2013 (PDF), 2012 (PDF)

Special Events

2017 many Mapathon participants coding around a table

Hosted by a student group, Mapathons are held at least once each semester to contribute to international aid efforts. Using open-source mapping software, participants help map areas that are identified as at risk for or have recently experienced disasters. All members of the GW community are invited to join a Mapathon event — no experience required.

Learn More About Mapathons

A group of GW and other students holding a trophy at the 2019 Geography Bowl

The American Association of Geographers hosts the annual World Geography Bowl, a quiz tournament featuring teams of undergraduate and graduate students from schools across the Mid-Atlantic region. The winning team and individuals win prizes, and all participants receive a travel stipend to offset expenses.

Visit the Department of Geography Facebook page to see upcoming events and read recaps of past competitions and prizes. Contact the department to participate.

Geography Department News

GW Geography Alumna Named George J. Mitchell Scholar

Former geography major Maura Welch, B.A. ’13, plans to study comparative social change at Ireland’s Trinity College Dublin after receiving a prestigious scholarship for American students to pursue graduate studies.

Michael Mann sitting in front of a computer screen showing mapping software

Researchers Follow Social Distancing’s Path

Associate Professor of Geography Michael Mann is using GPS data to create a block-by-block map of the Washington, D.C., region, pinpointing social distancing behavior. Once completed, the model will be able to detect patterns by comparing real-time information to social distancing metrics.