Geologist heads to Macedonia as Fulbright Scholar

BOWLING GREEN, O.—Dr. Peter Gorsevski, an assistant professor of geology at Bowling Green State University, will travel to Macedonia this month as a Fulbright Scholar.

A specialist in geospatial sciences, Gorsevski uses satellite technology and other data to interpret natural processes. The information, he said, can help humans “hopefully interact and manage things like forests, water resources and other natural resources in both an economically and environmentally sustainable way.”

Macedonia, which borders Greece and Bulgaira, isn't foreign to Gorsevski. He is a native of the country and in 1992 received his bachelor's degree in forestry at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University there. He received a master's degree in forest engineering from Oregon State University in 1996 and a doctorate from the University of Idaho in 2002.

The geologist said he wanted to return to Macedonia because he knows the language and has “expertise in precisely the data and land-management strategies that a developing nation like Macedonia can really benefit from.

“I like to work on research that will help Macedonia adapt to its transition toward a market economy, with all the related challenges that brings for Macedonia's rich natural environment.”

He plans to share his findings with other researchers and faculty, as well as with students and the Macedonian government.

“I'd like to develop a strong network of researchers and others who are interested in bringing Macedonia into the 21st century in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner,” he said.

Gorsevski, who teaches in BGSU's new School of Earth, Environment and Society, said receiving the Fulbright is “truly an honor.”

“When I was working on the grant, I knew the odds were small because the competition is so great. I will endeavor to do the best research and teaching work I can, to live up to the Fulbright standard.”

His research interests include GIScience and remote sensing, grid modeling, multicriteria decision analysis, and terrain and watershed analysis.  

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(Posted January 07, 2008)