Dr. Mary Ann Cunningham teaches geography, geographic information systems (GIS), and environmental studies at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York.
In her research, GIS is used to evaluate landscape-level issues with biodiversity and conservation. She is particularly curious about the causes of fragmentation in grassland environments and how it affects the composition of bird communities. Working landscapes, resource use, remnant wildlife habitat, and aesthetic landscape concerns interact in a complex and fascinating way in the agricultural landscapes where she has been conducting research.
At the University of Oregon and the University of Minnesota, Mary Ann obtained an MA and a Ph.D. in geography, respectively.
