Dr. Jordan Blekking
University of North Carolina at Charlotte

I am an assistant professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where I also serve as the department’s Undergraduate Program Coordinator for our bachelors’ programs in Geography and Environmental Studies. As an instructor I teach courses in geographical information sciences, community development, and social data science. My research focuses on human-environmental interactions and how social-spatial inequalities shape individual and community livelihood and wellbeing outcomes. Currently, I’m leading a research project that uses innovative geospatial data science methods to develop a nuanced and fine-scale understanding of healthy food availability across North and South Carolina. In general, my approach to teaching and research is very applied, community-oriented, and focused on real-world outcomes. Prior to coming to Charlotte, I earned my B.S. in Environmental Studies and Applications at Michigan State University, my M.S. and Ph.D. at Indiana University, and held a postdoctoral fellowship at Cornell University. My interest in community development and geography stems from serving as a US Peace Corps Volunteer for 3.5 years in Zambia.