Rate My Professor Barbara MacLennan

Dr. Barbara MacLennan is an Assistant Professor of Geography in the Department of Behavioral Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, at Fairmont State University. She holds a PhD in Geology and Geography from West Virginia University and a Master of Science in Journalism from the Reed College of Media at West Virginia University. In her role, she teaches courses related to geographic information science and geospatial technologies. MacLennan maintains subject guides for the Fairmont State University Library on Geographic Information Science and has developed innovative resources such as geo-enabled LibGuides. She serves as Vice President of the Faculty Senate, Chair of the Title III HyFlex Committee, and contributes to various university initiatives including the STaR SURE Grant program and Open Education Resources convenings.

Dr. MacLennan's research interests encompass GIS, geospatial technologies, and the interconnections between human and physical geography. She co-hosts the VerySpatial podcast, which explores topics in geography and geospatial sciences, earning the 2022 American Association of Geographers Media Achievement Award and ranking among the top 15 geography podcasts worldwide. In 2023, she was selected as a judge for the 2nd Annual Signal Awards, recognizing excellence in podcasting. Her publications include 'Spatial Conversations: Opportunities to Share Geographic Knowledge' (2025), '3D Digital City Platforms as Collaborative and Decision-making Tools for Small Municipalities and Rural Areas' (2012), 'Digital City Initiatives for Small Municipalities and Rural Areas and Their Role in Solid Waste Management' (2010), and contributions to works such as 'Can in Hand: From Physical Waste Audits to Creating a Customizable Simple Waste Audit (SWA) Toolkit' (2010). She has created teaching modules on assessing the risk of invasive species using community science through Project EDDIE and led efforts in campus citizen science map-a-thons. MacLennan has organized National Geography Awareness Week events and supported Fairmont State's achievement as the first West Virginia institution with lifetime inductees to the National Geospatial Technology Honor Society. She received the Faculty Recognition Award for her contributions to the university community.