UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Four Penn State Department of Geography faculty members — Lorraine Dowler, Joshua Inwood, Zhenlong Li and Emily Rosenman — have been named 2025 fellows of the American Association of Geographers (AAG).
The AAG Fellows program recognizes geographers who have made significant contributions to the discipline through research, teaching, mentorship and service. Fellows also play an active role in supporting AAG initiatives, advising on strategic directions and mentoring early-career scholars.
The distinction, conferred for life, highlights the outstanding achievements of Penn State’s honorees in their respective fields: feminist geography, critical race studies, GIScience and economic geography.
“While it is likely unprecedented to have four fellows selected from the same department in the same year, even a cursory review of their many accomplishments and service to the geographic discipline easily justify their selection,” said department head Brian King.
About the honorees
Lorraine Dowler, professor of geography and women's, gender and sexuality studies
Dowler has made substantial and sustained contributions to feminist geography, focusing on the intersections of gender, geopolitics and militarization. Her research explores how identities and power are shaped by gender and how public and private spaces intertwine in geopolitical contexts. Dowler has influenced the field not only through her scholarship but also by mentoring a generation of feminist geographers. At Penn State, she has led initiatives on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Within AAG, she has held leadership roles on the Council and Finance Committee and spearheaded the Task Force for a Harassment-Free AAG. Her innovative teaching methods, such as the Apocalyptic Geographies course, challenge students to address global justice issues through a geographic lens.
Joshua Inwood, professor of geography
Inwood is a leading scholar in critical race geography, examining how systemic racism and white supremacy are entrenched in geographic practices and institutions. His work bridges academic research and public discourse, showcasing geography’s role in addressing racial inequities and social justice. Inwood’s research also highlights the power of grassroots resistance movements in challenging oppressive systems and advocating for accountability. In addition to his research, Inwood organizes workshops and facilitates discussions to equip scholars with the tools to apply geographic perspectives to real-world challenges. His efforts emphasize the transformative potential of geography in creating equitable societies.
Zhenlong Li, associate professor of geography
Li, an expert in geospatial science, is advancing the field through innovative research in big data analytics, geospatial AI and spatial computing. His work addresses critical global challenges such as climate change, public health and population mobility. As the leader of the Geoinformation and Big Data Research Laboratory at Penn State, Li has guided numerous students into successful careers, integrating computational and spatial thinking into his teaching. With more than 100 publications and significant grant support from agencies like the U.S. National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, Li’s contributions are widely recognized. His leadership in professional organizations and editorial roles further underscore his influence in the field.
Emily Rosenman, assistant professor of geography
Rosenman is an economic geographer whose work delves into the intersections of urban political economy, humanitarian finance and public health crises. Her recent research on the opioid epidemic investigates the ways pharmaceutical companies exploit existing health disparities and explores policy solutions to prevent further harm. As the 2023-24 chair of the AAG Economic Geography Specialty Group, Rosenman has implemented programs to foster equity, diversity and inclusion, including mentorship initiatives for students of color and early-career researchers. Her scholarship not only critiques existing systems but also proposes new frameworks for economic geography to address pressing societal issues.
For more information about the AAG Fellows program and honorees, visit AAG’s website.