Longtime School of Public Policy professor earned an elite honor within the academic community earlier this year, as she was elected to the Nominating Committee for the nationally-known American Association of Geographers (AAG). 

Dr. Clark serves Georgia Tech both as the director of the Center for Urban Innovation and also as the Associate Professor in the School of Public Policy. In addition to having written more than 30 articles and book chapters in her career, Clark has authored or co-authored three books – one of which won the Best Book Award from the Regional Studies Association in 2009. 

For her latest success with the AAG, though, Dr. Clark fully values what it means to contribute to such an important group. 

“It is an honor to be part of the leadership of the AAG both by serving on the Nominating Committee and by serving as the Chair of the Economic Geography Specialty Group,” Clark said. “In these roles I can support the work of the Association as it advances the broad scientific study of geography ranging from physical to human geography.”

The AAG currently claims over 10,000 active members from dozens of countries while actively aiming at advancing the understanding, study, and importance of geography and related fields. Clark understands how her new added role with the AAG contributes to the national profile of Georgia Tech. 

“For Georgia Tech and the School of Public Policy, it is important to have faculty and students take on academic and policy leadership roles in the disciplines and fields relevant to our research and teaching,” Clark said. “Such roles allow us to build the reputation of the School of Public Policy, to connect with national and global research networks, to provide opportunities for our students, and to participate in shaping the future of the field.” 

Dr. Clark has been a member of the AAG since 2004, and on staff as a professor here at the School of Public Policy since 2005. The AAG’s annual meeting convenes in Boston April 5-9. Dr. Clark will be presenting her Smart Cities paper on April 6, while also speaking on a panel regarding urban and regional development’s past, present, and future on April 7.