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The College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) is proud to announce that Dr. Timothy Hawthorne, full professor and chair of the Department of Geosciences, has been selected as a 2025 Fellow of the American Association of Geographers (AAG). This prestigious honor, awarded to fewer than 0.2% of AAG members annually, recognizes sustained excellence in research, teaching, and service.
Reflecting on the recognition, Dr. Hawthorne shared, “For me, this fellowship is about the partnerships and experiences I’ve had throughout my career. It’s a recognition of the community-engaged scholarship that has defined my work—whether it’s conducting fieldwork along the coasts, collaborating with students on their first research experiences, or engaging with communities in Belize. This honor is as much about those interactions as it is about me.”
Dr. Hawthorne credits his journey in geography to a serendipitous college experience as an undergraduate with his mentor, Dr. John Krygier, at Ohio Wesleyan University. “I enrolled in a geography class purely by chance—it fit my schedule as a college golfer. But within weeks, Dr. Krygier opened my eyes to the power of geography. He later invited me to participate in a summer research project, and that experience set me on this path. I owe my career to that seemingly random decision and to Dr. Krygier’s mentorship, which remains a guiding force in my life.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Hawthorne has championed innovative approaches to community geography, including the Citizen Science GIS program and the development of mobile science labs like GeoBus in Florida and the soon to launch Geo Explorer Auburn. “The mobile labs introduce geography and geosciences as a pathway in science and technology, reaching students and teachers who may have never considered the disciplines before,” he said.
Dr. Patricia Solís of Arizona State University praised the mobile lab initiatives, stating, “Few geographers have reached the level of public engagement as Dr. Hawthorne. The most innovative example of his impact in this domain has to be the GeoBus and mobile labs he has designed and implemented, which demonstrate an exceptional level of creativity.”
Dr. Hawthorne’s leadership has also been transformative in providing opportunities for students, particularly through NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs. “Over 125 undergraduates have conducted fieldwork in locations like Belize through these programs, many of them experiencing research for the first time,” he said. “This has been particularly impactful for students from financially challenged backgrounds.”
Dr. Pablo Bose of the University of Vermont noted, “The highly successful REU program based in Hopkins Village in Belize that he has built is the perfect embodiment of and experiment for community-based research; he has established a long-standing training and investigatory site that has simultaneously provided significant benefits for the location.”
As Auburn’s Department of Geosciences prepares to relocate to the state-of-the-art STEM+Ag Complex in 2026, Dr. Hawthorne is excited about the future. The new complex will feature advanced research labs and collaborative spaces that promise to elevate Auburn’s contributions to geosciences.
Dr. Hawthorne’s nomination for the AAG fellowship is bolstered by endorsements from colleagues like Dr. Lain Graham, Esri’s National Government Sciences Solution Engineer Team Lead, who has worked with him on multiple projects. Dr. Graham praised his participatory approach to GIS, leadership in NSF-funded programs, and commitment to mentoring students and advancing geographic education through initiatives like Citizen Science GIS and mobile STEAM labs.
Dr. Mei-Po Kwan of the Chinese University of Hong Kong added, “Dr. Hawthorne’s efforts in advancing diversity and inclusion in the discipline are truly outstanding. His work has made original and groundbreaking contributions to community GIS, geographic education, and citizen science. He is among the most innovative, energetic, and recognized community geographers worldwide.”
COSAM Dean Edward Thomas summarized the significance of this honor, stating, “Dr. Hawthorne’s innovative work and dedication to public engagement reflect the very best of Auburn. His achievements bring pride to our college and underscore the vital role of geography in addressing global challenges.”
Being named an AAG Fellow is a lifetime appointment. Dr. Hawthorne looks forward to continuing his advocacy for geography and the geosciences at Auburn and beyond. “This honor not only highlights the impactful work we’re doing here but also raises Auburn’s profile within the global geography community. It’s an opportunity to further champion the field I love and inspire the next generation of geographers and geoscientists, just as Dr. Krygier inspired me.”
Article by Steven Dixon, Communications and Marketing, College of Sciences and Mathematics.