Gordon Evans

Western Michigan University Assistant Geography Professor Adam Matthews says students may not know what a geographer does. But, he adds, “I’ve seen some students show up and they know about drones and that drones can be used for mapping.”

Western Michigan University Geography Professor Jay Emerson says a drone that costs $1,000 can get pictures and video. However, he says analyzing that data and making maps from it is much more expensive.

Upjohn Institute for Employment Research Economist Evan Mast says a proposal for a large new apartment or condominium building could cause debate at a city council or a planning commission meeting. He says one argument from opponents may be “These units aren’t going to do anything for our housing problem, these are expensive.” But Mast says his research on housing shows that developments with above average prices can have “ripple effects” that help make housing affordable.

Upjohn Institute for Employment Research Economist Evan Mast says allowing more expensive housing construction in a city can have a “ripple effect” that eventually makes it more affordable for middle income and working class residents. In his working paper, The Effect of New Market Rate Construction on the Low-Income Housing Market, Mast says allowing new high priced developments sets off a chain. As people move out of units with cheaper rates, those open up to renters who can pay a little more than where they live now. 

Jamie Racklyeft says the three and four foot waves on Lake Michigan “looked like fun.” The Executive Director of the Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium says he had not heard of rip currents until the day he had to be rescued. Now Rackleyft says he wants others to know the dangers on the Great Lakes.