Tom Schafer

Dr. Tom Schafer is an Associate Professor of Geosciences and Geography at Fort Hays State University (FHSU), located in Tomanek Hall. He holds a Ph.D. from Kansas State University (2000), an A.B.D. from the same institution (1998), an M.A. from the University of Nebraska-Omaha (1990), and a B.S. from the University of Nebraska-Omaha (1983). His research focuses on GIS applications in disaster response, bioterrorism mitigation, medical geography, and agricultural systems.

Dr. Schafer has served in numerous professional roles including Project Manager for the Kansas Adjutant General's Geospatial Homeland Security Working Group, Operations Coordinator for the KDOT-FHSU Subsidence Research Project, and State Geography Bee Coordinator. He has authored publications on topics ranging from sinkhole subsidence analysis to public health GIS applications. His awards include the Kansas Academy of Science Dehner Award (1998) and multiple teaching recognitions.

He teaches courses such as Advanced Geographic Information Systems, Cartography, and Medical Geography. Current research interests include plume modeling for bioterrorism scenarios and disaster planning strategies. Dr. Schafer has collaborated extensively with state agencies and maintains active involvement in geospatial policy initiatives through roles on the Kansas State GIS Policy Board and Mid-American GIS Consortium.