معرفی
Shannon O'Lear is a KU Chancellors Club Teaching Professor of Geography and joint faculty in the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Kansas. She serves as interim Director of the Environmental Studies Program and holds leadership roles in national organizations including the National Science Foundation’s Environmental Science and Human Security Subcommittee and the American Association of Geographers (AAG). Her academic background includes a BA and MA in Geography from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a PhD from Syracuse University.
Dr. O’Lear’s research focuses on political geography, environmental geopolitics, and the South Caucasus region. Key themes include environmental security, climate science intersections with violence, and critical geographies of slow violence. She has authored influential books like Environmental Geopolitics (2018) and co-edited research agendas on environmental geopolitics and slow violence for Edward Elgar Publishing.
Her teaching emphasizes critical approaches to human geography, environmental policy, and political conflict. Awards include the Keeler Intra-University Professorship and recognition for graduate mentorship. O’Lear’s service extends to AAG committees on diversity and regional leadership. She actively engages in interdisciplinary initiatives such as the NSF-funded “Communicating Climate: Science, Art, and Society” project and AAG’s JEDI listening sessions.
- Educational Background: PhD in Geography (Syracuse University), MA/BA in Geography (University of Colorado, Boulder)
- Professional Roles: NSF Subcommittee Expert, AAG Diversity Council Member, Environmental Studies Program Director
- Research Themes: Environmental security, climate geopolitics, slow violence frameworks
- Recent Grants: NSF-funded climate communication project ($X awarded)
