Supervisor Name:
Catherine Sckerl
Email address:
Position Title:
Graduate Research Fellow
Course Title:
n/a
Number of Positions Available:
1
Application Deadline:
Aug 14, 2026
Position Description:
Research exploring urbanization processes in Latin America tends to focus on the rapid urbanization of the region's megacities, overlooking the developmental patterns of mid-sized urban centers. This research project aims to document, analyze, and compare the urban morphology of selected intermediate UNESCO cities in México, including Oaxaca de Juárez, Santiago de Querétaro, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Puebla, Morelia, Mérida, Campeche, and Zacatecas. The project combines historical research methods, visual interpretation, and spatial analysis to trace the distinctive morphological evolution of these mid-sized Mexican cities. The project aims to contribute to recent scholarly efforts that de-center the megacity as a site of analysis.
To trace urban growth over time, the project will georeference historical city maps into a contemporary geographic information system (GIS) model, then use this information to delineate horizontal urban expansion and densification patterns as well as persistent physical features or patterns (topography, mountains, rivers, built landmarks, roads, railroads, etc.). Data will be collected from a variety of sources. The base map will be generated using the most recent shape files and population data from the Instituto Nacional Estadística y Geografía (INEGI). Digital historical maps and aerial photography of Mexican cities will be sourced from the Historic Maps Collection located at the Mapoteca Manuel Orozco y Berra, the Perry Casteñada Library, local archives, and INEGI. Historical population data will be sourced from urban histories and other texts. While the historical maps typically begin to document areas of these cities beginning in the 17th century, the analysis will primarily rely on maps produced since the 1850s. If available, the analysis will also incorporate contemporary, high-resolution satellite images, from which we may infer informal growth or densification of the city. As appropriate, additional layers may be incorporated into the base file, such as UNESCO/conservation zones, special districts, watershed, or other relevant information.
Expected Duties:
Prof. Sckerl will instruct the graduate research fellow on the data collection workflow as well as GIS-based workflows. The GRF will be tasked with systematically searching for and downloading high-resolution, digital, historical city maps and contemporary satellite images and filing them under a standard title within the research folder. The GRF will be tasked with downloading and assembling shape files an population data from INEGI to build base GIS models for each city. Next, the GRF will work alongside with Prof. Sckerl to georeference the historical city maps into the appropriate base model and interpret the historical edges of the city to generate shapefile layers; using population data commensurate with the historic maps, the GRF will run basic calculations for population density and urbanization rates. The GRF will work with Prof. Sckerl to develop a legible graphic language for representing urban morphology, and then will work to implement these standards consistently across GIS base files.
The successful candidate will be self-motivated and interested in learning about historical research methods, spatial research methods, and Latin American urbanization. The candidate will demonstrate competency in GIS and GIS-based data analysis, as well as proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and InDesign. A familiarity with Spanish language (advanced/intermediate reading skills) will be useful for navigating online archives and interpreting historical maps and contemporary datasets.
Proposed Schedule:
Weekly coordination meeting + flexible hours up to 12 per week
Position location:
In-person/On-campus (Uptown)
Student Preferences:
Graduate Student
Application Materials:
Resume
Cover Letter
Work Sample/Portfolio
Class Schedule
