Kent State University is proud to welcome Assistant Professor Patrick Bitterman, Ph.D., who joined us as a new tenure-track faculty member in the Department of Geography at Kent State University this semester! Bitterman comes to us from the School of Global Integrative Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he worked as an assistant professor of geography since 2019 and as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Vermont (2017-2019).

“Patrick brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for geography,” Sarah Smiley, Ph.D., professor and interim chair of the Department of Geography, said.

A Vision for Urban and Suburban Resilience

Bitterman’s fascination with geography began in his childhood. The native of Independence, Iowa, recalls spending hours “drawing maps, reading every geography book I could find, and staying up way too late learning about political geography on the family computer.” This early enthusiasm laid the foundation for a career dedicated to understanding the complex interplay between human activities and the environment.

He hopes to make a meaningful impact in both academia and the Northeast Ohio community.

“One of my long-term goals is to help build regional expertise in spatial data science, informed by stakeholder engagement and close work with policymakers, to increase the resilience of social-ecological systems,” Bitterman said. “However, to build resilient systems, the solutions themselves must be resilient – a particularly difficult challenge to effective governance.”

His projects aim to address critical issues such as green infrastructure by investigating the effectiveness of best management practices (BMPs) in controlling runoff, reducing pollution, and mitigating flooding in urban and suburban areas. He’s also exploring conflicts between agricultural practices and urban expansion in Northeast Ohio, particularly how these land use changes affect water quality and the policy responses needed to balance development with environmental sustainability.

Before he went into academia, Bitterman worked in aerospace manufacturing and said that his work was inherently problem-focused. He decided to go back to school and focus on geography. He earned his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in geography from the University of Iowa.

“In my home state of Iowa, water quality is extremely poor, and it causes substantial environmental and human health problems,” Bitterman said.

A Perfect Fit for Kent State’s Online GISc Program

The fully online Master of Geographic Information Science program at Kent State allows students to advance their education without putting their careers on hold. Dr. Bitterman’s expertise aligns seamlessly with the program’s mission to prepare students for impactful careers in GIS across industries like urban planning, environmental science, public health, and disaster management.

Dr. Bitterman’s focus on urban and suburban challenges complements the program’s emphasis on practical, real-world applications. Students will benefit from his insights into using GIS tools to analyze complex spatial data and craft innovative solutions to modern problems.

Why Choose Kent State Online for GIS?

Kent State University’s online GIS program stands out for its focus on cutting-edge technology, expert faculty, and practical applications. Students engage with industry-standard tools like ArcGIS and QGIS while exploring topics such as spatial analysis, geospatial programming, and cartographic design.

With the addition of Dr. Bitterman, the program is further strengthened, offering students the opportunity to learn from a scholar whose work addresses some of the most pressing challenges in urban and suburban areas.

Prepare for a High-Demand Career in GIS

GIS professionals are in high demand, with career opportunities spanning government, nonprofit, and private sectors. Whether you’re looking to improve public transportation, analyze environmental impacts, or design sustainable urban spaces, Kent State’s GIS program equips you with the skills to succeed.

Ready to Advance Your Career?

Kent State’s 100% online Master of Geographic Information Science program is designed for professionals ready to make a difference in the world of geospatial technology. Learn more about the program and how faculty like Dr. Patrick Bitterman are preparing the next generation of GIS leaders.

Visit Kent State Online today to start your journey.