Anne Chin, Ph.D., joined FSU’s faculty as the Department of Geography’s new chair and the Harrison V. Chase Distinguished Professor of Geography on July 22, 2024.
“After having anticipated coming to FSU for months it is great to be here at last,” Dr. Chin said. “I’m excited to join my colleagues to transform our department and accelerate our work toward meeting the many pressing social and environmental challenges of the world.”
Dr. Chin earned her B.A. in Geography with an emphasis on ecosystems analysis from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1983. She then completed her Ph.D. in Geography with a focus on fluvial geomorphology from Arizona State University in 1994.
Since earning her Ph.D., Dr. Chin has held appointments with the University of Southern California, Texas A&M University, the National Science Foundation, the University of Oregon, and the University of Colorado Denver.
Dr. Chin’s research interests include human-landscape interactions, rivers’ response to environmental change, and river management. She is a Fellow of the American Association of Geographers and the Geological Society of America.
Dr. Chin has also had several editorships with academic journals: she has been on the editorial board for Geography Compass and AAG Review of Books, an Editor for Earth-Science Reviews, and the Founding Editor-in-Chief for Anthropocene. Anthropocene is an international and interdisciplinary journal that advances research on human interactions with Earth systems.
Dr. Chin will bring this knowledge and experience to the Department of Geography and contribute to the important work the department does.
Her predecessor, Earl B. and Sophia H. Shaw Professor of Geography Mark Horner, Ph.D., served as chair for three years beginning in August 2021. These three years were characterized by many positive changes in the department.
“The environment in the Geography Department for research, teaching, and service is one that has become increasingly helpful to faculty and students over the last three years,” Dr. Horner said.
As chair, Dr. Horner worked to create an environment of transparent and collaborative governance. Between 2021 and 2024 the Department also supported several faculty members through promotions and tenure cases. Six junior and early-career scholars were hired and given the chance to move their careers forward at FSU as well.
As for students, geography class offerings were diversified and improved for both undergraduates and graduates.
“I wish to thank everyone for their support and contributions to the Department of Geography during my time as Chair. I am pleased to be returning to the Geography Faculty, and I am excited to see what the future holds for the Department as we aspire to new heights,” said Dr. Horner. “I wish incoming Chairperson Dr. Anne Chin great success as she assumes the leadership of this esteemed group of scholars!”
For more information on the Department of Geography, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/geography.