Matthew W. Wilson

Matthew W. Wilson, PhD, is Chair and Professor of Geography at the University of Kentucky and Associate at the Center for Geographic Analysis at Harvard University. He directs Mapshop and serves as editor at cultural geographies journal. His research bridges GIScience and critical human geography with current projects examining digital mapping practices and community-based mapping.

Education:

• Ph.D. University of Washington, 2009
• M.A. University of Washington, 2005
• B.S. Northwest Missouri State University, 2002

Research interests focus on critical cartography & GIS, cultural geography, urban political geography, Science and Technology Studies, and disciplinary history of geography. His work examines contemporary and historical relationships between geographic technologies and society.

Publications demonstrate sustained focus on critical GIS, digital mapping, and spatial theory. Recent work examines temporal aspects of GIScience, critical mapping pedagogies, and digital geographic practices.

Awards and honors:

• Outstanding Teaching Award for Social Sciences (2020)
• cultural geographies Annual Lecture (2017)
• Best Dissertation Award (2010)
• Edward L. Ullman Awards (2009, 2005)
• Howard Martin Medalist (2007-2008)

Advises PhD students and directs research labs including Mapshop and the New Mappings Collaboratory. Secured grants from NSF and internal university programs supporting digital mapping and community engagement initiatives.