Dr. Don Lafreniere
Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair in Community Geography, Professor in the Trent School of the Environment , School of the Environment
Ph.D., Geography and GIS, University of Western Ontario; B.Sc., History, and B.Sc., Geography, Eastern Michigan University
Areas of Expertise:
Dr. Don Lafreniere is an expert in geographic information science (GIS), advanced geospatial methods, and emerging technologies used to understand and map changes in natural, built, and social environments. He works with communities to address locally identified challenges, strengthen democratic engagement, and support community resilience. His interdisciplinary, community-driven research emphasizes the co-creation of knowledge while providing youth and students with applied research, leadership, and employment-ready skills.
Dr. Lafreniere’s work has involved mapping and analysis of various topics from migration to walkability and shoreline protection. He can comment on topics related to historical and contemporary environmental change across built, natural, and social environments and how these changes relate to human and population health.