Mara Hedrich

Mara N. Hedrich, M.S.
Adjunct Professor of Geography and the Environment
University of North Texas

Mara Hedrich earned her Master of Science in Applied Geography from the University of North Texas in 2012, with a Medical Minor in Epidemiology. Since 2016, she has been an Adjunct Professor at UNT, where she teaches a variety of courses that range from introductory to advanced levels, including Geology, Physical Geography, Global Societies, Culture, Environment, and Society, Geosystems, Environment, and Society, and the Geography Capstone. She has been recognized for her innovative teaching approaches, which emphasize inclusivity, cultural relevance, and engagement through interactive learning activities such as game-based reviews and reflective assignments.

Mara’s commitment to teaching excellence has been acknowledged with multiple awards and nominations. In addition to receiving the UNT Mean Green Faculty/Staff Spotlight Award in 2018, she was nominated for the prestigious UNT Adjunct Award for Teaching Excellence in both 2020 and 2024.

With nearly a decade of professional experience as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst, Mara’s expertise extends into water resources, utility modeling, and environmental conservation. Her research interests focus on urban sustainability, climate resilience, and public transportation systems, integrating GIS methodologies to address challenges in water resource management and urban infrastructure planning. Mara has contributed to studies involving water/wastewater utility master planning, asset management strategies, and the translation of site data into actionable GIS processes for local governments and private sector clients.

Mara also brings over a decade of experience in medical geography and epidemiology, with a particular focus on Health GIS and the study of vulnerable populations. She has presented dozens of research papers at conferences across the U.S. on topics including HIV/AIDS, other infectious diseases, and the intersection of health and geography. Her work emphasizes the critical role of spatial analysis in understanding the spread and impact of diseases, as well as how geographic inequalities contribute to health disparities. Through this research, Mara strives to develop solutions that address the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, promoting health equity and better access to resources for vulnerable populations.

Mara’s research also explores the intersection of environmental justice and climate resilience in urban areas, with a particular emphasis on how marginalized communities are impacted by flooding and extreme heat events. Through her work, she aims to promote equitable solutions for vulnerable populations, ensuring that environmental planning is both sustainable and socially responsible.

Through her extensive teaching, research, and professional experience, Mara continues to contribute meaningfully to both academia and applied geography. Her passion for fostering an inclusive, culturally relevant learning environment aligns with her dedication to addressing real-world challenges through spatial analysis and environmental justice. Whether in the classroom or the field, Mara remains committed to empowering her students and advancing geographic knowledge in ways that benefit both society and the environment.