VITA - Building The Pride

CURRICULUM VITA Francis Koti, Ph.D; GISP Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Geography, University of North Alabama, Florence UNA Box 5228

Phone: (256) 765-4219 (Office)

Florence, AL 35632-0001 E-mail: [email protected]

website: http://www.buildingthepride.com/faculty/ftkoti/

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Academic Degrees: 

Ph.D.

Geography

West Virginia University

2004

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M.A.

Geography


2000

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B.Ed.

History; Geography

Kenyatta University

1991

Other relevant Credentials and Professional development: 

“Mastering Geography” Workshop by Pearson Publishers using a new online platform for lesson delivery - Spring 2013

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Geographic Information Systems Workshop

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Departmental Leadership Workshop

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Zoning Administrator 2 Certificate

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Geographic Information Systems Certificate

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Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP) GIS Certification Institute

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Professional Grant Writer Certificate

The Grant Institute, Troy University

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Zoning Administrator 1 Certificate

University of North Alabama

ESRI Inc.

Spring 2013

Association of American Geographers

Spring 2012

University of North Alabama ESRI Inc.

2011 2010 2008 2007 2006

Higher Education Teaching and/or Administrative Experience 


Department Chair, Geography

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President Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

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Established a study abroad program to Tanzania

2011-Present

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Director Africa Study Abroad Program

2011-Present

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Assistant Professor of Geography

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Indiana University of Pennsylvania Geography Instructor

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Indiana University of Pennsylvania Visiting Teaching Fellow, Frederick Douglass Fellowship

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Associate Professor of Geography President-Elect Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

Geography Instructor

Graduate Teaching Assistant (GGTA)

August 2012-Present 2012/13 2010-Present 2011/12

2004-2010 Summer 2004 Spring 2001; 2002; 2003 Summer 2002 1997-2004

Other Relevant Professional Experience 

President

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Member of Technical Committee Florence City Planning Commission

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Commissioner

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Executive Secretary

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Co-Editor

University of North Alabama Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Florence City Planning Commission Kenya Scholars and Studies Association Kenya Studies Review Journal

2012/13 2010-Present 2008-Present 2007-Present 2009-Presnet

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

Newsletter Editor

Kenya Scholars and Studies Association

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Undergraduate Academic Advisor

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Graduate Research Assistant

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West Virginia State GIS Technical Center

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The Aga Khan High School

2009-Present Spring 2004 Fall 2001; 2002

GIS Technician

Summer 1999; 2000

Teacher

1991-1996

Primary Teaching Responsibilities at UNA Undergraduate courses

Times taught

Graduate courses

Times taught

GE102 – World Regional Geography

5

GE520 – Urban and Regional Planning

3

GE111- Physical Geography 1- Weather and Climate

41

GE600 – Geographic Thought

3

GE310/420 – Urban and Regional Planning

9

GE350 – Geography of Africa

6

GE384 – Geographic Information Systems

3

GE390 – Urban Geography

8

GE601 -Physical Geography for Teachers

5

Other courses taught at UNA GE303 – Geography of the South

1

GE304 – Geography of the US and Canada

1

GE413 – Geography of the Far East

1

Selected Honors/Awards Received for Academic and/or Professional Achievement 

Appointment as Chair, UNA Department of Geography



University of North Alabama Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi President



Phi Kappa Phi National Bicentennial Convention – Participated as a voting delegate, St. Louis, Missouri, August 9-10, 2012.




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University of North Alabama Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

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Phi Kappa Phi Teaching Excellence Award

2008

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Executive Founder Member

2008

August 1, 2012-Present

Executive Secretary and Newsletter Editor Member

2012-2013

2012 2008-Present

INTELLECTUAL, LITERARY, AND ARTISTIC CONTRIBUTIONS Recent Peer Reviewed Scholarly, Literary, and/or Artistic Publications 

Koti, F. 2010. Confronting Socio-Spatial Exclusion on the Fringe of Africa’s Cities Using Participatory GIS: Lessons from Athi River Town, Kenya. Africa Today 56 (3):62-82.

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Smiley, S and F. Koti. 2010. Introduction: Africa’s Spaces of Exclusion. Africa Today 56(3) v-ix.

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Smiley, S and F. Koti. 2010. Guest Editors. Africa Today Vol 56 (3) Special Edition. Theme: Africa’s Spaces of Exclusion.

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Koti, F and D. Weiner. 2006. (Re)Defining Peri-Urban Residential Space Using Participatory GIS in Kenya. Electronic Journal on Information Systems in Developing Countries 25 (8): 1-12. URL: http://www.ejisdc.org

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Other Scholarly, Literary, and/or Artistic Publications 

Kenya Scholars and Studies Association Newsletter



Koti, F. and D, Weiner. 2008. Understanding African Peri-Urban Landscapes Using Participatory GIS. Proceedings of the

May 2013, April 2012, May 2009

Global Dialogues on Emerging Science and Technology in Africa Conference, March 17-18, 2008, Cape Town, South Africa. 

Koti, F. 2007. Developed a chapter-by-chapter PowerPoint based Classroom Response System (CRS) questions for the th

Physical Geography Course Text: McKnight, T. and D. Hess 2007. Physical Geography (9 Edition). Upper Saddle River (NJ): Prentice Hall. The CRS is a polling system that enables instructors to pose questions to students, record results, and display the results instantly in the classroom. This was published in the form of a DVD by Prentice Hall and is being used nationwide th

along with the 2007 (9 ) edition of the text. Presentations to Scholarly, Literary, and/or Artistic Meetings since 2010 

Koti, F. 2013. Techno Cities: Africa’s Urban Future or a New Form of Urban Exclusion? Paper presented at the 6th annual conference of the Kenya Scholars and Studies Association at Bowling Green State University, OH, 09, 6-7, 2013.

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Koti, F. 2013. Sprawl Effects in Small Rural Towns in the U.S: A Critical Perspective. Paper presented at the annual conference of the Association of American Geographers, in Los Angeles, CA, April 9-12, 2013.

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Koti, F. 2012. Participatory GIS or just Another GIS? Examining Participatory GIS Practice in a Non-Western Context. Paper presented at the Geographic Information Systems and Technology (GIST) Awareness Day, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, November 15, 2012.

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Koti, F. 2012. Conducting Study Abroad Programs: What’s there for me? What works? What does not? Panel Session at the 5th annual conference of the Kenya Scholars and Studies Association at Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, September 7-8, 2012. (Organizer and Panelist).

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Koti, F. 2012. The African Remittance Market: Understanding the framework. Paper presented at the 5 annual conference of the Kenya Scholars and Studies Association at Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, September 7-8, 2012.

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Koti, F. 2012. Diaspora Contribution to Africa's Development: A Critical Perspective. Paper presented at the annual conference of the Association of American Geographers, in New York City, NY, February 24-29, 2012.

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Koti, F. 2011. Kenya Diaspora Success in America: Helping/Positioning Self to Help Kenya – What it takes. Panel session at the first Kenyan Diaspora Conference in Washington DC on October 7-9, 2011. (Session moderator).

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Koti, F. 2011. Research Funding in Kenya: Opportunities and Possibilities. Panel Session at the 4 annual conference of the Kenya Scholars and Studies Association at Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, September 16-17, 2011.

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Gathua, W. and F. Koti. 2011. Research Funding in Kenya: Opportunities and Possibilities. Panel Session at the 4 annual conference of KESSA at Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, September 16-17, 2011. (Organizer).

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Koti, F. 2011. Understanding Urban Sprawl in Small Rural Towns in the US. Paper presented at the annual conference of the Association of American Geographers, in Seattle, WA, April 11-16, 2011.

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Koti, F. 2010. Can Telecommunication Technologies Close the Gap? Expanding Research Networks and Opportunities for rd

African-Based Geospatial Scientists and the Diaspora. Paper presented at the 3 annual conference of the Kenya Scholars and Studies Association at Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, September 17-18, 2010. 

Maina, F; P. Kamina; F. Koti and W. Wamwara-Mbugua. : Landing an Academic Job in the US and Keeping It: Working Strategies. A joint career preparation workshop for Kenyan graduate students in terminal degree programs in the US and

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Kenyan junior faculty members in American universities conducted at the 3 annual conference of the Kenya Scholars and Studies Association (KESSA at Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, September 17-18, 2010. 

Koti. F. 2010. Decentralizing GIS Practice in Kenya: Opportunities and Constraints. Paper presented at the annual conference of the Association of American Geographers in Washing DC, April 14-18, 2010.

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I have mentored undergraduate and graduate students to present their research at national conferences: Mathew Trousdale, 2008 AAG; Lauren Kimbrell and Kelli Cole, 2010 AAG; William Walker 2011 AAG; Regan Doyle – 2011 and 2012 AAG; Lindsey Warren, 2011 AAG; 2011 and 2012 KESSA Conference; Robert Nall, 2012 AAG; Loic Dimithe, 2012 KESSA.

Grants and Contracts Received – since last promotion 

Summer 2012. Received $1500 travel funds from the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi headquarters to attend the National Bicentennial Convention, St. Louis MO. (External)

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Fall 2009 –2012 - Part of the research team for a $499,500 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In this research project, we explored ways to improve NOAA’s capabilities in weather forecasting and also disaster recovery using GIS tools. (External)

SERVICE Service to the Department, College, and/or University- since 2010 

Department Chair Department of Geography, August 2012- Present

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President of Phi Kappa Phi at UNA, 2012-2013 – President over the Fall Convocation and two initiation ceremonies

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Member of President’s Strategic Planning Committee for 2013-2018 Strategic Plan

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Member of the review board of UNA’s Honors program.

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Spring 2012-Chaired a national Search for Registrar for the University

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Serving as a members of the Advisory Council of Office of Diversity and Institutional Equity

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Spring 2013Mentored two students, LaQuanda Simpson (undergraduate) and Stephanie Cruse (graduate) to prepare and submit proposals for the Freddie Wood Geography Research and Travel Grant.

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Currently Chair of a MS Thesis committee for Stephanie Cruse. Previously served as a committee member for MS Thesis research for three graduates at University of North Alabama’s master’s program in Geospatial Science in the Department of Geography. (Zeb Wallace (2012), William Walker (2012), and Cayla Buttram (2013).

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I have directed Capstone Projects for over 12 undergraduate students in the last four years. Notably: Lauren Kimbrell, Kelli Cole; Regan Doyle; Rebecca Harber; Zach Bishop, Lacey Jones, Cassandra McKinney.

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Summer 2013 – Dr. Koti organized and facilitated a one-day Geography faculty retreat where they developed a framework for a departmental strategic plan for 2013-2018.

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Summer 2011; 2012 (and 2014) – Dr. Koti (with Dr. Greg Gaston) designed and conducted a study abroad program to Tanzania. 2014 trip has been announced. .

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Fall 2012 - Dr. Koti and Dr. David Brommer represented and manned a booth for the Department of Geography at UNA’s Preview Day.

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Fall 2011 – Dr. Koti initiated and subsequently took leadership in a major departmental curriculum change process which among other things: changed Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing from three to four-credit hour courses with a lab; renumbered GIS from GE424 to GE384; renumbered Urban and Regional Planning course from GE310 to GE420/520; researched and reworded the course description for GE384 (GIS); GE390 (Urban Geography); GE420/520

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(Urban and Regional Planning) and GE454 (Remote Sensing). In addition to doing the necessary paperwork and (UNA catalogue) course description edits for the proposed changes, Dr. Koti also represented the Department at the undergraduate curriculum review committee meeting where all these changes were formally presented (by Dr. Koti), and deliberated and implemented by the undergraduate curriculum committee. 

Dr. Koti organized Geography majors and set up a booth for the Department of Geography for Spring and Fall 2010 Shoals Career Day for 11th Graders held on November, 2, 2010 at the Cress Point Church of Christ, Florence, Al and Spring 2011 Shoals Career Day for 8th Graders held at the Florence Middle School, Florence, Al.

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Spring 2011 – Dr. Koti spoke at the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) Florence Chapter about a proposed UNA Geography summer program to Tanzania in East Africa.

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Spring 2010 – Designed and developed a faculty and staff diversity survey for the Office of Diversity and Institutional Equity.

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I have been invited by my colleagues: Dr. Bill Strong, Dr. Sim, Dr. Mike Pretes, Mr. Rae Atencio to speak in their classes about various topics. UNA Honors group has also invited me to speak at their forums.

Service to the Profession 

In 2010, with a colleague Sarah Smiley, Dr. Koti guest edited Volume 56(3) of Africa Today Special Edition. Theme of the edition: Africa’s Spaces of Exclusion.

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In the last four years, I have organized three and chaired four sessions at the annual Conference of the Association of American Geographers. One of these sessions has translated into a peer-reviewed publication.

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Co-editor of the Kenya Studies Review Journal of KESSA

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Peer reviewer of the following journals: Africa Today Journal; the Southeastern Geographer; Professional Geographer; African Geographical Review and; the Electronic Journal on Information Systems in Developing Countries.

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Dr. Koti is a grant reviewer for the National Science Foundation (NSF).

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As the Executive Secretary of the Kenya Scholars and Studies Association (KESSA), Dr. Koti has six annual conferences for the organization in the last six years.

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Spring-Fall 2013 – Dr. Koti is serving as a member of a MS Thesis committee for a graduate student at the University of Alabama (student: Filiberto Asare-Akuffo; Progress as of May 2013: Proposal presentation)

Service to the Community/Society 

Dr. Koti is a commissioner with the City of Florence Planning Commission – a position he has held by appointment by the Florence Mayor since 2008.

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Dr. Koti is also a member of the technical committee of the Florence City Planning Commission. This committee of four (Attorney, Engineer, City Planner, Planning Professor) conducts research and advises the Florence City Planning commission on technical aspects of planning as need arises.

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Dr. Koti has made over 10 presentations of his work in the last four years to: local schools, libraries, Learning in Retirement groups, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club and so on.

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While not related to research, I also volunteer as a soccer Coach and also match announcer for the Florence High School Soccer team.

Signed________________________________ This Day ________________________

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