I hold a PhD in Geography from Penn State, where I conducted my dissertation research on designing tactile maps for blind and low vision users. In a professional capacity, I have created maps for a diverse range of clients and venues, including books published by Stanford University Press and The University of Chicago press, academic research articles, conference presentations, grant applications, and compliance reports.

Topical interests include biogeography, movement ecology, ornithology, logistics, virtual and augmented reality, mixed media maps, early digital cartography, and geospatial visualization in landscape architecture.

I began my career in geography at Ohio University (a small state school located in Athens, OH) as a math major. During the summer between my junior and senior years, I took an elective course in physical geography. During the first day's lecture, the professor described "human" and "physical" as the two spheres of geography. He then added a side-bar comment that geographers also make maps. I was intrigued. After talking with the department's cartography professor later that day, I switched majors to geography - specializing in cartography. After graduation, I worked for the US Geological Survey (USGS) as a Cartographic Technician creating maps and illustrations for various USGS publications.

Marcela Suárez is an instructor for GEOG 586: Geographic Information Analysis, GEOG 486: Cartography and Visualization, and GEOG 583: Geospatial System Analysis and Design. She is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Geography and the John A. Dutton Institute for Teaching and Learning Excellence within the College of Earth & Mineral Sciences. Marcela's research interests lie at the intersection of Geographic Information Science, Cartography, and Emergency Management.

Hi everyone, my name is Cary Anderson and I am the instructor for this course. I am a graduate of Penn State myself – I completed my M.S. degree in Geography here in the resident program at University Park. My research interests are in how the design of maps and other visual graphics alters readers’ thoughts, behaviors, and decision-making processes. As you might imagine, I’m excited to be teaching this cartography and visualization course!