Giving Thanks: Scholarship Helps Geography Major Reach Dream of Working on Sustainability in Urban Spaces

This November, members of our Fulbright College Family are sharing expressions of gratitude, letters of thanks and their appreciation for those who have helped make their educational journey possible. 

Meet Michaelmary Chukwu, who thanks to the Malcom K. Cleaveland Endowment in Geosciences, is one step closer to his dream of being a research geographer working on sustainability in urban spaces.

Malcom K. Cleaveland Endowment in Geosciences Recipient Michaelmary Chukwu

Name: Michaelmary Chukwu
Hometown: Nigeria
Graduation: 2026
Major(s)/Minor(s): Geography major 

Activities/Interests: I believe that life is an incredible journey, and I am passionate about exploring various facets of it. Here are some of the activities and interests that make my life fulfilling:

• Traveling and adventure: I have a deep love for adventure and exploring new places. Whether it’s hiking through breathtaking mountains, biking several miles, or immersing myself in different cultures, I find great joy in discovering the wonders of our world. I enjoy this in a group and sometimes alone where and when possible.
• Fitness and Wellness: Taking care of my physical and mental well-being is of utmost importance to me. I enjoy staying active through activities like running, cycling, playing soccer, and strength training. Engaging in regular exercise not only keeps me fit but also boosts my energy and helps me maintain a positive mindset.
• Volunteering and Social Impact: Making a positive difference in the lives of others is a value close to my heart. I actively seek out volunteer opportunities to contribute to causes that align with my values, such as education, environmental conservation, and community development. Since joining University of Arkansas, I have volunteered in some capacities like membership of the Association of Women Geosciences in the Department of Geosciences, International Student Organization executive, and African Student Organization council, just to mention a few.

Career Aspirations: As a passionate individual with a deep appreciation for the intricacies of our planet, one of my primary goals is to work as a research geographer, conducting in-depth studies and investigations on various geographical phenomena. I am fascinated by the interconnectedness of physical and human systems, and I strive to unravel the underlying patterns and processes that shape our environment. Through rigorous research, data analysis, and spatial modeling, I aim to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of geography and provide valuable insights for informed decision-making.

Particularly, recognizing the importance of sustainability in human developmental efforts, I am passionate about green space in cities to guarantee accessibility, availability, and adequacy for all citizens. I wish to research more into green space provision to assist urban planners in planning, designing and implementation of green strategic plans.

To achieve this, I’m committed to utilize geospatial technology and big data analytics to facilitate monitoring, mapping, and visualization of these spaces in real-time. Also, I started to explore the new domain in AI science such as computer vision, machine learning, and deep learning models to predict complex dynamic human behaviors to promote a better future for all.

In his own words:

Dear Dr. Cleaveland,

Thank you for supporting me. I was recently honored at the Department of Geosciences banquet as the recipient of the 2024 Malcolm K. Cleaveland Endowment in Geosciences, and I am extremely grateful for the recognition and the support. I consider it an honor to represent this named award and thank you for your vote of confidence.

I’m a graduate international student from Nigeria, I joined the department in the spring of 2023 to pursue a master’s in Geography with specialization in big data analytics, green space, GIS and remote sensing. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from the Prestigious University of Ilorin in Nigeria with a First-Class Honors. In the recent concluded spring semester, I amassed a GPA of 4.0/4.0. I plan to continue in this excellence to complete my program. Meanwhile, for the future, I aspire to contribute to research and practice towards sustainable cities through urban planning, GIScience, and community engagement.

This scholarship holds tremendous significance for my journey through graduate school, offering invaluable support in both financial and academic aspects. Its impact will be particularly profound as I undertake my thesis, which revolves around the critical exploration of human mobility data’s potential for assessing accessibility to urban parks in the 10 most densely populated cities in the United States.

Undoubtedly, this research stands at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field, where the fusion of technology, data analysis, and urban planning offers unprecedented opportunities. By harnessing the power of mobile devices, social media platforms, and navigation services, I aim to delve deep into the complex dynamics of urban environments and their impact on park accessibility. The implications of this study extend far beyond the academic realm, directly influencing the lives of individuals residing in densely populated areas.

Finally, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to my benefactor, the Malcolm K. Cleaveland Endowment, and to the Department of Geosciences, my advisor Xiao Huang, and the University of Arkansas for this great opportunity. Thank you and God bless.

Sincerely,

Michaelmary Chukwu

For more information about the Malcom K. Cleaveland Endowment in Geosciences or to make a year-end gift to support the college’s students, faculty, or staff, please contact Fulbright College’s Office of Development and External Relations at 479-575-3712 or fulbright@uark.edu.