Geography professor gains honor for research

By Shaheen Gani

A UK professor recognized for “unusually effective teaching” will give a lecture to the public today before devoting a year to research in Malaysia.

Thomas Leinbach, a geography professor and 2006-07 College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor, will talk about his upcoming research in “A Geographer at Work in Southeast Asia,” which begins at 7 p.m. in the William T. Young Library Auditorium.

Leinbach will explain his new venture and three of his earlier projects. He is currently on sabbatical to conduct a joint research project with Universiti Sains Malaysia faculty and graduate students to analyze the practices of businesses in Penang, Malaysia.

“The project deals with the way information is shared and communicated between multinational companies,” Leinbach said. “We will also focus on supply-chain management and logistics.”

Leinbach said the other research topics he will address include “impact of accessibility, transmigration program in Indonesia, and air cargo services and impact on electronics industry in Southeast Asia.”

The tradition of recognizing the accomplishments of faculty began in 1944 with the Distinguished Professor Award, presented by the College of Arts and Science. The college presents the award to faculty who have conducted outstanding research, have shown unusually effective teaching and have displayed distinguished professional service.

In addition to the title, distinguished professors receive an opportunity to give a public lecture and to further their research for a year while on full salary.

Leinbach, who has received more than 25 grants and awards to fund his research, was also named a University Research Professor for the 2002-03 academic year.