DURHAM, N.C. – John Fay, an instructor in the Nicholas School of the Environment’s geospatial analysis program, is the recipient of the 2022 Lynn Maguire Award for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring Professional Students.

Fay was nominated by students for the award, which recognizes Nicholas School faculty members who excel as teachers in and out of the classroom and go above and beyond in their commitment to mentoring and advising.

The award is named in honor of Lynn Maguire, a founding faculty member of the school who retired in 2017 and whose dedication to teaching and mentoring professional graduate students was legendary.

Fay teaches “ENVIRON 761: Geospatial Analysis for Conservation Management,” which focuses on the use of spatial analysis and image processing technologies for habitat mapping, spatial analysis of animal movements and other applications critical to modern conservation.

He also teaches “ENVIRON 859: Advanced Geospatial Analysis,” which provides in-depth training in more advanced skills such as GIS database programming, modeling applications, spatial decision support systems and Internet map server technologies.

In nominating Fay for the 2022 award, students cited how over the past two years he has seamlessly adapted these technical courses to an online format and demonstrated incredible patience and understanding with students given the stress of living through a pandemic. They also cited the thoughtful advice and mentoring he so freely provides, and his willingness to continually improve his own knowledge and adjust course material accordingly.  

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