Mara Hedrich

Mara Hedrich is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Geography and the Environment at the University of North Texas (UNT), where she teaches courses in Geology, Physical Geography, Global Societies, Culture and Environment, Geosystems, and the Geography Capstone. Her academic affiliation is within the College of Science at UNT, and she holds a Master of Science in Applied Geography from the same institution.

Research Interests: Mara's research spans interdisciplinary domains at the intersection of geography, public health, and urban sustainability. She specializes in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with applications in water resources, utility modeling, environmental conservation, and health geography. Her work emphasizes urban sustainability, climate resilience, and the spatial analysis of health disparities, particularly among vulnerable populations affected by infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS. She also investigates environmental justice issues related to flooding and extreme heat in urban areas.

Teaching & Awards: Recognized for her innovative and inclusive teaching methods, Mara has been nominated twice for the UNT Adjunct Award for Teaching Excellence (2020, 2024) and received the UNT Mean Green Faculty/Staff Spotlight Award in 2018. Her pedagogy includes game-based learning and reflective assignments designed to enhance student engagement.

Scientific Awards:

• UNT Mean Green Faculty/Staff Spotlight Award (2018)
• Nominee, UNT Adjunct Award for Teaching Excellence (2020)
• Nominee, UNT Adjunct Award for Teaching Excellence (2024)

Professional Experience & Grants: With nearly a decade of experience as a GIS Analyst and over a decade in medical geography and epidemiology, Mara has contributed to utility master planning, asset management, and GIS implementation for government and private clients. While specific grants are not listed, her applied research suggests involvement in community-focused, action-oriented projects addressing urban infrastructure and public health challenges.

Labs and Research Teams: Although specific labs or research teams are not mentioned in the text, her work implies collaboration with urban planning, public health, and environmental justice initiatives, likely involving interdisciplinary teams focused on spatial analytics and equitable solutions.