Katayoun Mobasher

Dr. Katayoun Mobasher enjoys interdisciplinary studies where she can combine her background and knowledge of geology, GIS, and remote sensing technologies in health-related fields.

She received her Ph.D. degree in chemistry with a concentration in structural geology from Georgia State University; a master's degree in petrology from Azad University, Iran; and a bachelor's degree in geology from Shahid Beheshti University, Iran.

As a professor of geology within the Institute for Environmental and Spatial Analysis (IESA) at the University of North Georgia (UNG), Mobasher teaches various courses such as physical geology and lab, historical geology and lab, Earths materials and lab, environmental geology and lab, Geographic Information Science (GIS), data acquisition and management, seminar in geospatial technology, and special topic courses. She is a certified GIS Professional (GISP) from the internationally recognized GIS Certification Institute (GISCI).

She has served as department coordinator of Earth and Environmental Science, academic adviser for the ESA, adviser for Geoscience Association Club, faculty sponsor for UNG's student chapter of the American Institute for Professional Geologists (AIPG), state coordinator for ESRI’s K-12 ArcGIS Online competition, and the UNG representative for the Georgia Geoscience Advisory Board and other university committees.

"Geology is an inseparable part of our life experiences," she said. "Every day we hear about some aspect of geology in the news, such as earthquake activities, volcanic eruptions, oil supplies, threats from landslides, and water supply contaminations. We visually observe geology through earth's varied landscapes, too."

She enjoys expanding her knowledge through research opportunities when she can thoroughly explore topics that interest her. By attending conferences, presenting research, volunteering with the Science Olympiad, serving on committees, and advising, Mobasher develops new approaches for teaching, creates networks and remains current with events and research in the field of geology.

"What inspires me the most is as an educator, I'm in a great position to communicate these new findings to my students," she said.

Mobasher has had several highlights in her career at UNG. For example, she has received several Presidential Incentive Awards, an Affordable Learning Georgia (ALG) Grant, FUSE grants, and a mini-CURCA grant.

Through one particular grant, she developed the first virtual Geology Field Guide for Georgia. The field guide and its associated geological database allow students the opportunity to understand how concepts they study in the classroom translate to actual geologic features found in nature.  

Another rewarding challenge and highlight were when she taught the concepts of topographic maps in a physical geology course to a visually impaired student by using unique tactile topographic maps that she produced with Carol Kraemer and Derek Robertson.

She also engages students in various research opportunities.

"Nothing makes me more satisfied than seeing my student researchers present their research results in national and local conferences; being accepted for graduate studies at top universities; and/or join a workforce and continue to excel," Mobasher said.

She also enjoys serving the community. Mobasher has given talks, conducted field trips in Georgia, and involved the public in citizen science, areas such as K-12, Elachee Nature Science Center, USGS, and more.

Mobasher hopes her students gain an appreciation of geology around them and learn how earth processes and materials affect our daily lives.

"I want them to know that through human interaction with the environment and ongoing involvement in the planet's processes, that we must be responsible for the earth and its continuous growth and sustainability," she said. "I also want to encourage students to ask as many questions as possible. I want to establish in them a habit of questioning things around them to promote critical thinking."