Johnathan Sugg

Dr. Johnathan Sugg is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography and Planning at Appalachian State University, specializing in climate science, cartography, and climate change communication. His research focuses on user-centered design of interactive web maps, spatial-temporal analysis of climate variability, and the communication of climate information through visualization techniques. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and dual B.S. and M.A. degrees from Appalachian State University.

Education:

• Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• M.A. and B.S., Appalachian State University

Research Interests:

Dr. Sugg's work bridges climate science, geography, and communication. He explores how maps and geovisualization tools can enhance public understanding of climate change, particularly in polarized contexts. Recent projects include mapping American climate beliefs using value-by-alpha techniques and analyzing hydroclimatic patterns in the Appalachian region. His methods often integrate self-organizing maps and satellite data to study drought, snow cover, and precipitation variability.

Teaching & Mentorship:

He teaches courses on cartographic design, climate change communication, web mapping, and the nature of climate change. Beyond academia, he mentors students and engages in freelance mapping projects, emphasizing practical applications of geographic information systems (GIS).

Awards & Grants:

No specific awards or grants are listed, though his research has been published in high-impact journals like Physical Geography and Weather, Climate, and Society.

Labs & Teams:

While no specific lab is mentioned, his collaborative projects involve interdisciplinary teams studying climate variability and communication strategies.