riley roder, undergraduate student

As we welcome the first signs of spring and with spring break just around the corner, we’re excited to highlight another exceptional student making an impact in the Department of Geography and the Environment here at UNT. Meet Riley Roder, an undergraduate student whose passion for understanding the planet’s ecosystems has shaped his academic journey in incredible ways.

Originally an ecology major, Riley found his true calling in geography after a transformative encounter with Dr. Fry. This moment sparked a shift in his focus, leading him to change his major and dive into the dynamic field of human-environment interactions.

Throughout his time at UNT, Riley has been inspired by professors like Dr. Rice and Professor Ferring, whose guidance has shaped his growing interest in physical geography. One of his standout experiences was working on a tree cataloging project in Dr. Nagaoka’s Applied Biogeography class. This hands-on project allowed him to hone his skills in field measurements and ArcGIS Field Maps—tools he’s eager to apply in future research.

Looking ahead, Riley is excited to pursue a master’s degree in GIS, with the goal of addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change and its impact on fragile ecosystems. His passion for conservation is especially strong when it comes to regions like Australia and New Zealand, where the rates of extinction and ecosystem collapse are alarmingly high.

What Riley appreciates most about UNT is the strong sense of community within the geography department. “There’s a personal touch to how our department does things,” he says, highlighting the strong connections between students and faculty that make UNT feel like a supportive, collaborative environment.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Riley is a proud member of the National Speleological Society and spends much of his free time surveying caves. He also taps into his creative side as a DJ, blending his love for music with his extracurricular activities. His favorite classes—Biogeography, Remote Sensing, and Oceanography—have deepened his understanding of the natural world and ignited his passion for the field.

After graduation, Riley envisions using his GIS expertise to help mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable wilderness and wildlife, contributing to global conservation efforts and protecting the planet’s most precious ecosystems.

We are incredibly proud of Riley and all he’s accomplished, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact he’ll make in the world of geography and conservation. Riley is a true reflection of the talent, dedication, and passion found within UNT’s Geography Department.