Nicholas Geron

Nicholas Geron serves as Assistant Professor of Geography and Sustainability at Salem State University, where he applies remote sensing, GIS, and drone technologies to advance urban forestry, climate resilience, and environmental justice. His community-centered research examines equitable urban tree distribution through collaborations with municipal agencies, non-profits, and residents across Massachusetts mid-sized cities.

His academic journey includes:

• Bachelor's in Environmental Policy and Analysis & French Literature from Boston University
• Master's in Science Education from Lehman College (CUNY)
• PhD in Geography from Clark University

Prior to Salem State, he taught high school Earth Science/French for five years and served as Visiting Instructor at The College of the Holy Cross.

Professor Geron's research integrates geospatial analysis with social equity frameworks, focusing on:

• Urban heat island mitigation through strategic tree planting
• Governance structures affecting tree program success
• Spatiotemporal analysis of canopy cover changes
• Drone-based assessment of urban ecosystems

He actively involves undergraduates in field data collection and co-authorship, emphasizing participatory approaches to climate solutions.

His 2019-2023 publications reveal consistent methodological evolution from historical canopy analysis to real-time heat wave response modeling, with increasing focus on intersectional justice dimensions in urban greening initiatives. Key collaborations with Rogan, Healy, and Martin demonstrate sustained interdisciplinary partnerships across Clark University and Massachusetts municipalities.

Teaching responsibilities include:

• GPH 115: Global Climate Change
• GPH 340: Geographic Information Systems
• GPH 343: Drone Applications
• GPH 344: Remote Sensing

His recent conference presentations address extreme heat vulnerability during July 2022 heat waves and reframing urban forest governance through Sierra Club engagements.