Megan Heckert

Megan Heckert
  • Professor
  • Department: Geography & Planning
  • Institution: West Chester University of Pennsylvania
  • Email: MHeckert@wcupa.edu

Education

  • Ph.D., Temple University, Urban Studies, 2012
  • M.A., Temple University, Geography, 2004
  • B.S., Brown University, Aquatic Biology, 2000

Research Interests

Urban geographyUrban sustainabilityGreenspaceGreen infrastructureGISSpatial analysisequity and social justice

Opportunities

Work Study Positions Available: No

Grant Funded Positions Available: No

Course-Credit Research Opportunities Available: Yes

I regularly mentor graduate students working on research as part of GEO 600.

Volunteer Research Positions Available: Yes

I have current research projects related to creating biophilic classrooms, studying the impact of green infrastructure on temperature at a microscale, and developing an app to support community-driven data collection and advocacy for planning.

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.

Contact Information

Phone: 610-436-1036

List of Publications

  • Tilson, A.B., M. Heckert, and E. Goodnough. 2023. Utilizing an equity index model to assess tree-planting need in Frederick County Maryland. The Middle States Geographer. 55: 15-24.
  • Bristowe, A. and M. Heckert. 2023. How the COVID-19 pandemic changed patterns of green infrastructure use: A scoping review. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 81: 127848. doi: 10.1016/j.ufug.2023.127848
  • Rosan, C.D., M. Heckert, R. Zerbo, and E. Benitez Mercado. 2022. Building a vision for more effective equity indices and planning tools. Frontiers in Sustainable Cities. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsc.2022.947452
  • 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. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413096

Links