Name: Dr. Daniel Kpienbaareh
Title: Assistant Professor
Unit: Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment
Years at Illinois State: 4 (tenure-track assistant professor since August 2022)
Tell us about your teaching and research in the College of Arts and Sciences.
“My research focuses on using interdisciplinary approaches to assess the impact of human-environment interactions on socio-ecological systems. I employ a diverse range of methods, including geospatial and participatory/qualitative techniques, as well as statistical methods, to investigate various themes related to sustainable agriculture, food insecurity, and the dynamics of ecosystem service change. I strive to integrate local knowledge of communities to co-create knowledge and share simple strategies that farmers can apply to address these issues. In my research, knowledge co-creation involves building the capacity of local people and engaging them in formulating context-specific strategies tailored to their needs. My teaching and research are closely intertwined, enabling me to effectively integrate research findings into lessons. For instance, I utilize some of the spatial data from my field research in teaching my GEO 303/403 (Introduction to GIS) course to demonstrate to students the practical applications of what they are learning.”
What are your proudest accomplishments during your time at Illinois State?
“My proudest accomplishments have been preparing new courses that address 21st-century challenges and revamping existing courses to provide students with experiential learning opportunities that prepare them for the workforce. Watching and guiding students dedicating time to learning these courses and transitioning to the workforce makes my work worthwhile and fills me with tremendous joy and pride. As an international scholar, I am also proud to contribute to ISU’s International Strategic Plan through my research and global network of collaborators.”
What’s your favorite thing about Illinois State or the College of Arts and Sciences?
“My favorite aspect of ISU and the College of Arts and Sciences is the collegial environment that has been created to promote faculty and student success. ISU’s commitment to student success and quality education is a trait highly valued by both students and faculty. More importantly, there are several funding opportunities that both students and faculty could potentially acquire for research. Hopefully, these opportunities will persist.”
Dr. Eric Peterson, chair of the Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment on Kpienbaareh:
“Dr. Kpienbaareh plays a vital role in the Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment by bridging topics in physical geography, social geography, and environmental science. Examining the impacts of agroecological innovations and the driving factors behind changes in these systems, he has developed an impressive and extensive interdisciplinary research agenda. He successfully integrates his research into teaching through direct student mentoring and by incorporating research outcomes into his courses. In 2025, Dr. Kpienbaareh received a Research Initiative Award in recognition of his well-established research program, which includes more than 30 peer-reviewed publications. We are deeply honored and grateful for his commitment to our department and to Illinois State University and the broader global community of scholars and students.”
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