Mark D Bjelland
- Dr. Mark D Bjelland
- Professor
Department Chair - Geology, Geography, and Environment, Urban Studies
- North Hall 083 (Map)
- (616) 526-6648
- mark.bjelland@calvin.edu
- Curriculum Vitae
Education
- Ph.D., Geography, University of Minnesota, 2000
- M.C.S., Ethics, Regent College-Vancouver, British Columbia, 1995
- M.S.C.E., Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, 1989
- B.C.E., Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota, 1986 (High Distinction)
Biography
- Hometowns: Minneapolis, MN; Seattle, WA; Vancouver, Canada
- Activities: bicycling, nordic skiing, kayaking, jazz and gospel music
- Favorite Authors: Sigrid Undset, Dostoyevsky, Austen, C.S. Lewis
Professional experience
- Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies, Gustavus Adolphus College
- Chair, City Planning Commission, Saint Peter, MN
- Engineering Project Manager, Golder Associates, Burnaby, B.C.
- Environmental Engineer, Barr Engineering, Minneapolis, MN
Academic interests
- urban geography
- sustainable communities
- geographic information systems
- environmental justice
- faith-based placemaking
- spatial demographic analysis
Research and scholarship
Current Projects
- Post-Industrial Spaces: The New Inner City and What Was Left Behind
- Local Elites, Philanthropy, and the Remaking of Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Placemaking and Community Development by Faith-Based Organizations
Publications
Recent Publications
Bjelland, M. and Vander Veen, M., forthcoming 2023. “Portland’s Post-Industrial Neighborhoods,” Yearbook of the Association of Pacific Coast Geographers.
Bjelland, M., Kaplan, D., and Malinowksi, J. 2021. Introduction to Geography, 16th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Bjelland, M. 2020. Good Places for All, Grand Rapids, MI: Calvin Press.
Bjelland, M. and Montello, D. 2020. Human Geography: Landscapes of Human Activities, 13th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Bjelland, M. 2019. “From Stewardship to Place-Making and Place-Keeping,” in Beyond Stewardship: New Approaches to Creation Care, D. Warners and M. Heun, eds. Grand Rapids, MI: Calvin Press.
Awards
- U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Commission, Cardiff University Scholar
- German-American Fulbright Commission, German Studies Award
In the news
Calvin student guides urban planning effort in Appleton
Second year student Noah Schumerth's committed to finding a solution to Appleton’s zoning code that would best meet the demands of its residents.
Prof edits book with Earth Day theme
"Living the Good Life on God's Good Earth" is edited by Calvin biology professor David Koetje and takes a close look at such everyday issues as housing, food, clothing, energy consumption and recreation.
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