Dr. John Derek Morgan stands as a distinguished Associate Professor within the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of West Florida (UWF). Located in Building 13, Room 315 on the UWF campus, John Derek Morgan is a key figure in the university’s academic landscape, particularly renowned for his leadership in the online GIS Master’s program. His office is always open to students, and he can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 850.474.2224. For further insights into his professional activities, his personal UWF website is a valuable resource: Personal UWF Website.
Academic Journey and Professional Background of John Derek Morgan
John Derek Morgan’s academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Geography from Florida State University, marking him as an expert in the field. His educational foundation also includes a Master of Science in Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, both from the University of Central Florida. This diverse academic background enriches his approach to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and environmental studies.
Before joining UWF, John Derek Morgan amassed over fifteen years of professional experience in information technology, with a significant focus on GIS applications. His prior role as an Applied Research Software Designer at the National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center at the University of North Carolina at Asheville for four years provided him with invaluable experience in applied research and software development within the environmental sector. This blend of academic rigor and practical experience positions John Derek Morgan as a leading educator and researcher in his field.
Research Focus: Urban Environments and Spatial Methodologies
Dr. John Derek Morgan’s research interests are centered around urban environmental geography. He leverages cutting-edge geospatial methodologies to investigate the intricate ways humans interact with and navigate their evolving environments, especially within public spaces. His scholarly work is characterized by three interconnected areas of focus:
- Developing Spatial Tools for Safer Communities: John Derek Morgan is actively involved in creating and refining spatial tools designed to enhance community safety. This research likely involves analyzing spatial patterns of incidents, environmental factors, and social dynamics to develop data-driven strategies for safer urban environments.
- Participatory Mapping of Ecosystem Services: Recognizing the importance of local knowledge and cultural perspectives, John Derek Morgan explores participatory mapping techniques to understand ecosystem services. This approach considers how communities perceive and value their local environments, integrating cultural attachment to place into ecosystem service assessments.
- Innovative Spatial Modeling for Informed Decision-Making: John Derek Morgan’s research extends to innovative spatial modeling that supports better land use planning, risk assessment, and overall decision-making processes. By developing advanced spatial models, his work contributes to creating more resilient and sustainable urban and regional plans.
Courses Taught by John Derek Morgan
John Derek Morgan is dedicated to shaping the next generation of GIS professionals through his teaching at UWF. He is the primary faculty member for the online GIS Master’s program, demonstrating his commitment to accessible and high-quality online education. Among the courses he currently teaches are:
- GIS Management
- Communicating GIS
Furthermore, the breadth of his teaching experience is evident in the diverse range of classes he has taught, including:
- Cartographic Skills
- GIS Programming
- Advanced Topics in GIS
- Applications in GIS
These courses reflect John Derek Morgan’s expertise across various facets of GIS, from fundamental cartographic principles to advanced programming and management strategies.
Selected Publications and Presentations by John Derek Morgan
Dr. John Derek Morgan’s scholarly contributions are reflected in his publications and presentations. Here are a few examples that highlight his recent work:
Publications:
- Douthat, T. H., Morgan, J. D., Alibasic, H. & Grant, A. (2019). Passive Building Characteristics, and Summertime Residential Energy Use: A Spatial Analysis of Energy Efficiency in Gainesville, FL Building and Environment. This publication showcases his application of spatial analysis to understand energy efficiency in urban settings.
- Morgan, J. D. (2019). Review of Free the Beaches: The Story of Ned Coll and the Battle for America’s Most Exclusive Shoreline by Andrew W. Kahrl published the Journal of Historical Geography. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhg.2019.04.005. This review demonstrates his engagement with broader geographical and social issues.
- Morgan, J. D. (2016). A User-centered Design for the Addition of Interactive Masking Capability within an existing Web GIS. Transactions in GIS. This article reflects his technical expertise in web GIS development and user-centered design.
Presentations:
- Morgan, J. D., Evans, J., Evans, S. Z., & Snyder, J.A. “Mapping Perceptions of Safety in City Parks”. North American Cartographic Information Society (NACIS), Montreal, Canada. This presentation exemplifies his research on community safety and public space perception.
- Morgan, J. D. Coffey, J. W. & Eddy, B. P. “Concept mapping Web GIS”. Northwest Florida GIS Users Group Spring 2017 Meeting, Destin, FL. This presentation highlights his work in innovative GIS applications and knowledge modeling.
In conclusion, John Derek Morgan is a highly accomplished Associate Professor at the University of West Florida, making significant contributions to the field of Geographic Information Systems through his teaching, research, and scholarly activities. His expertise in urban environmental geography and spatial methodologies positions him as a valuable resource for students and the wider academic community interested in GIS and environmental studies.
