Don Albert

Professor
Medical Geography and Geographic Education

Geospatial Applications and Medical Geography

I have always been interested in linking geospatial techniques and technologies with medical geography. This began with a comprehensive review and synthesis of hundreds of studies that employed spatial statistics, computer cartography, geographic information systems, and/or remote sensing to examine various topics related to medical geography, public health, health services research, and epidemiology. This investigation culminated in a volume titled Spatial Analysis, GIS, and Remote Sensing Applications in the Health Sciences published by Taylor & Francis.

Geography of Naturopathic Physicians

In recent years I have begun to specialize in the supply, distribution, diffusion, and licensing of naturopathic physicians. Naturopathic physicians are graduates of accredited naturopathic medical schools, board certified, and licensed professionals ascribing to holistic and natural approaches to health and medicine. In one particular study Dr. Butar and I used spatial autocorrelation statistics in tandem with the logistic curve to project the stage which U.S. states and Canadian provinces would adopt licensing of naturopathic physicians. With a rapidly expanding supply of naturopathic physicians and a growing number of licensed states and provinces this will continue to be a hot topic.

Geography and Education

I am also involved with geography education both from a standpoint of scholarship and curriculum development and evaluation. Over the years I have produced lesson plans, articles, and reviews for various publications of the National Council of Geographic Education. Recently I analyzed Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days from a geocentric point of view (see The Geography Teacher - March 2008). In this piece many interesting observations, omissions, and oddities were singled out for consideration. For example, did you know that Verne produced a faux pas by referring to the 'equinoxe hiver?'

Professional Recognition and Awards

Outstanding Thesis Award, Appalachian State University, 1990

Special Recognition Award in Appreciation for Outstanding Contributions to the College of Arts and Sciences, Sam Houston State University 2000-2001

In Appreciation – Police Executive Research Forum, January 2004

Founder and Co-editor and Chief – International Journal of Applied Geospatial Research

IGI Global 2013 InfoSci®-Journals Distinguished Fellowship

Nancy and Jim Tiller Award, 2014, 2016, 2020

EURECA Grant, Sam Houston State University, Summer 2022

Google Citations