Business & Public Management

Dr. Megan L. Heckert

Biography

Megan Heckert is a Professor in the Department of Geography and Planning. An urban geographer, she focuses on the use of geographic information systems and spatial analysis to explore urban social issues. She is interested in urban sustainability and neighborhood revitalization, with a particular focus on how sustainability initiatives contribute to urban revitalization efforts. In addition to her academic work, Heckert has served as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer, worked for a national environmental nonprofit helping K-12 teachers to facilitate community-based service learning projects, and has worked as business development manager and GIS analyst for Azavea, a geospatial software development company. She holds a bachelor of science in Aquatic Biology from Brown University and a master of arts in Geography and doctorate in Urban Studies from Temple University.

Education and Professional Credentials

• Ph.D., Temple University, Urban Studies, 2012
• M.A., Temple University, Geography, 2004
• B.S., Brown University, Aquatic Biology, 2000                   
• GIS Professional Certification, GIS Certification Institute, 2015
• Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education, Temple University, 2012
• Certificate in Geographic Information Systems, Pennsylvania State University, 2008

Area of Expertise

• Urban geography
• Urban sustainability
• Greenspace
• Green infrastructure
• GIS
• Spatial analysis

Relevant Professional/Applied Experience

• Business Development Manager and GIS Analyst, Azavea, 2006-2009
• US Peace Corps Volunteer, Peace Corps Jamaica, 2000-2002

Research Programs/Grants/Interests

• SCC-PG: Planning for Resilience and Equity through Accessible Community Technology: Developing a Community-Led Planning Tool for Climate Readiness. National Science Foundation. 2022.
• Heat-Reduction Capacity Analysis of Green Infrastructure Assets. The Mayor’s Fund for Philadelphia. 2021.

Recent Publications/Journals/Books

• Heckert, M., and A. Bristowe. 2021. Parks and the Pandemic: A Scoping Review of Research on Green Infrastructure Use and Health Outcomes during COVID-19. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 18(24), 13096.
• Conway T.M., C. Ordóñez, L. A. Roman, A. Yuan, H. Pearsall, M. Heckert, S. Dickinson, and C. Rosan. 2021. Resident Knowledge of and Engagement with Green Infrastructure in Toronto and Philadelphia. Environmental Management. doi: 10.1007/s00267-021-01515-5. Epub ahead of print. 
• Rosan, C.D., R. Zerbo, and M. Heckert. 2021. From Struggle Space to an Inclusive and Climate-Ready Philadelphia: Policy Proposals for a More Equitable Green Future. PPL Public Policy Briefs. Temple University Public Policy Lab. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jVWywZASKZDQP1MWZtptDfC5IZ-ujWE7/view
• Rosan, C.D., and M. Heckert. 2020. Can an Equity Index Promoting an Environmentally ‘Just’ City Help Us Beat Pandemics, Address Injustice, and Prepare Us for Climate Change? PPL COVID-19 Policy Briefs. Temple University Public Policy Lab.
• Heckert, M. and C. D. Rosan. 2018. Creating GIS-Based Planning Tools to Promote Equity Through Green Infrastructure. Frontiers in the Built Environment. 4:27. doi: 10.3389/fbuil.2018.00027
• Heckert, M. and M. Kondo. 2018. Can “Cleaned and Greened” Lots Take on the Role of Public Greenspace? Journal of Planning Education and Research. 38(2): 211-221.

Professional and Community Engagement

• Co-Chair, Committee for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT)
• Chair, CBPM International Programs Committee
• CBPM Teaching Excellence Committee
• CBPM Departmental Academic Advising Committee
• CBPM Student Success Committee

Classes Regularly Taught

• GEO 324: Introduction to GIS
• GEO 328: Computer Cartography
• GEO 400: Senior Seminar in Geography
• GEO 404: Senior Project
• GEO 424: GIS Applications
• GEO 503: Seminar in Modern Geography
• GEO 534: Geographic Information Systems
• GEO 584: GIS Applications

Faculty Directory