About

Dr. Shannon McCarragher

Associate Professor of Geography
Department of Geography and Geographic Information Sciences
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Research Interests:  Biogeography, Geospatial Technology, and STEM Education. Projects that intersect interests are especially exciting, as they tend to create innovative, multidisciplinary research opportunities.

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The Biogeography realm primarily focuses on research topics within ecological, conservation, and urban biogeography.

    • Explores abiotic and biotic socio-ecological factors influencing vegetation communities in relation to:
      • Plant invasion dynamics,
      • Biodiversity conservation,
      • Urban sustainability,
      • Green infrastructure,
      • Restoration,
      • Plant physiology and productivity,
      • Plant-soil interactions,
      • Genetics relationships within and between populations, and
      • Human-environment interactions – emphasis on environmental justice.
    • Geographic regions of focus: Midwestern and Southeastern US.
    • Habitats of focus: wetlands, Midwestern oak savannas, and greenspaces in urban/human-dominated built environments.
    • This research is informed by urban ecology, dendroecology, invasion biology, landscape ecology, invasion genomics, landscape genetics, and phylogeography.

The Geospatial Technology realm covers research that includes:

    • Geospatial analyses,
    • Remote sensing, and/or
    • The design, use, and visual communication of geographic information (Cartography) using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (e.g., ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS StoryMaps).
    • Of particular interest are projects that assess the role of GIS technology in:
      • Increasing scientific literacy,
      • Facilitating place-making, and
      • Inspiring civic engagement.

The STEM Education realm concentrates on research related to (but not limited to):

    • Pedagogy and scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) – theory, practice, and effectiveness of teaching in STEM disciplines;
    • Gender, diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM disciplines; and
    • Scientific literacy (e.g., public science, public outreach, civic engagement, and K-12 STEM education).

Explore this site to learn more about geography, see what’s new in the McCarragher Biogeography Research Group, and find out how you can get involved with geography at SIUE.

All are welcome.