MSU’s Evans appointed interim director of Geosystems Research Institute; Cartwright named interim associate director
Contact: James Carskadon
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State researcher and educator Kristine Evans has been appointed interim director of the university’s Geosystems Research Institute.
A nationally recognized conservation scientist and geospatial researcher, Evans previously served as GRI associate director of agriculture and natural resources and is an associate professor of conservation biology in MSU’s Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture. With more than $30 million in external funding, she succeeds former GRI Director Robert Moorhead, who retired after leading the institute for more than 15 years.
Additionally, John Cartwright is joining the GRI’s senior leadership as interim associate director. Cartwright currently serves as institute associate Extension professor and director of the Geospatial Education and Outreach Project, or GeoProject. He also leads the development of key Geospatial Information Systems capabilities supporting MSU campus operations.
Established in 2000, the GRI is a collaborative of academic scientists, engineers and government and industry stakeholders working to advance knowledge of earth systems and improve policy and public awareness. Through geospatial technologies, remote sensing, high-performance computing and interdisciplinary research, the GRI addresses challenges in agriculture, water resources, conservation, wetlands, natural resources and related fields.
“Dr. Evans brings an outstanding record of research achievement, collaboration and leadership that will help the institute build upon its strong foundation while positioning it for future growth and impact,” said MSU Interim Vice President for Research and Economic Development Scott Willard.
Evans’ research and leadership accomplishments include projects supporting conservation planning, natural resource management, geospatial technologies and ecological modeling. She has received numerous regional, national and university awards for her work.
The Ohio native earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology and an environmental studies certificate from Ohio University before receiving both her master’s degree in wildlife and fisheries science and doctorate in forest resources from MSU.
“My goals are to continue the legacy of excellence shaped by our past leadership, with an eye toward developing strategic planning initiatives for our research team and uncrewed systems service centers, supporting the growth of our geospatial education team, and supporting interdisciplinary collaborations with other MSU researchers,” Evans said.
Cartwright begins serving as interim associate director while continuing his leadership of the GeoProject, a collaborative initiative that serves as Mississippi’s primary source of geospatial education and technical information. Through training, technical assistance and support in the use of geospatial technologies, the GeoProject provides valuable resources to communities, organizations and institutions across the state.
A Tupelo native, Cartwright earned an MSU doctorate in earth and atmospheric sciences and brings more than 25 years of experience to the position. His work has contributed to international collaborations with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization focused on digitally enabled extension, and the development of new university GIS capabilities. These efforts include an updated campus map that helps visitors navigate campus while providing integrated data to university operations.
“I look forward to supporting our talented research teams, strengthening collaborations with our internal and external partners, and building on our impactful research and outreach programs,” Cartwright said.
MSU’s Geosystems Research Institute has developed nationally recognized research programs and partnerships with organizations including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, U.S. Department of the Interior, National Academy of Sciences and Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. The institute’s mission is to better understand and predict Earth’s systems while developing geospatial technologies that promote stewardship, sustainability and prosperity.
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