Shannon Belmont

Known for her dynamic teaching methods, Shannon Belmont is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of geospatial researchers and science communicators. Her commitment to mentoring undergraduate students is exemplified by her innovative approaches to hands-on learning, applying cutting-edge technologies to complex contemporary issues. In the classroom, Shannon’s enthusiasm encourages critical thinking and independence while providing a supportive framework for success, including a welcoming space for all students, even techno-phobes. Shannon guides students to develop individual research projects involving mapping and analyzing real-world phenomena. Working with faculty across the college as well as researchers in other disciplines across campus, she helps pipeline students into contemporary research and internship opportunities. Her impact transcends the classroom, leading a significant number of her students to change career paths, drawn towards the exciting possibilities that geospatial analysis offers in addressing societal challenges. As director of the undergraduate GIS Certificate program, Shannon is working to extend availability to statewide undergraduate students to expand workforce development opportunities. In 2023 she led an effort to create a new undergraduate certificate program in remote sensing and geospatial artificial intelligence to further prepare students for the growing number of jobs in this deep technology field. Shannon is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Environment and Society.