Indiana State University Newsroom

Qihao Weng, Indiana State University professor of geography, recently received the Outstanding Contributions Award during the American Association of Geographers annual conference in Seattle.

This award, funded by the AAG Remote Sensing Specialty Group, recognizes outstanding contributions made in the field of remote sensing through education, research and outreach.

A member of AAG for 14 years, Weng was excited to receive his first award from the society.

"It is a major milestone in my professional development," Weng said. "This is one of the most prestigious awards in remote sensing in the United States."

The award was announced at the AAG award luncheon, and AAG President Kenneth Foote, was present to congratulate Weng. Weng was also able to meet one of his role models, Waldo Tobler, one of the most famous geographers in the world who invented the first law of geography.

"It was a surprise when our eyes met and we started to chat," Weng said.

Weng has received other awards for his research in the past. From 2005-2009, Weng led a study in Indianapolis to examine the role land use and building construction play in how urban areas retain heat. After publishing this research, Weng was awarded the 2010 Erdas first place award from the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing and was also awarded a senior fellowship by NASA in 2009.

Photos: http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/photos/i-JBF3kHr/0/L/i-JBF3kHr-L.jpg
Qihao Weng receives his award from AAG President Kenneth Foote. Courtesy photo.

http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/photos/i-tdg4jmp/0/L/i-tdg4jmp-L.jpg
Qihao Weng with one of his role models, Waldo Tobler. Courtesy photo.

Contact: Qihao Weng, Indiana State University, professor of geography, at 812-237-8029 or qweng@indstate.edu

Writer: Britany Dean, Indiana State University, media relations assistant, at 812-237-3773 or bdean7@indstate.edu