Listed here are some of Dr. Halls' current projects.
Assessment of Historical Grey and Red Fox Distributions in North Carolina
Ms. Erin Burgess, MS Geoscience (co -advised by Dr. Halls and Dr. Urbanek) is investigating the spatial patterns of grey and red fox in North Carolina. She is using historical records from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and land cover data to study patterns, clusters, changes through time, and the relationship with urban versus rural land cover.
Barrier Island Topography, Habitats, and Geomorphology Through Time
This project is investigating the changing landscape at several North Carolina barrier islands. Will Benfield (advised by Dr. Halls) is using WorldView-2/3 satellite imagery, Lidar topography, and field work to integrate and further develop two models, a habitat model and a geomorphology model, we have previously developed in order to create one model that utilizes the benefits of each model to create better maps of the islands. We will test the accuracy of these models and then develop simulations of future habitat and geomorphology.
Tidal Creek Habitat Change Through Time
This project is investigating the changing saltwater, brackish and freshwater wetland habitats in North Carolina tidal creeks. Jessica Magolan (advised by Dr. Halls) is mapping the habitats using NAIP aerial photography and computing change metrics through time.
Spatial Patterns in Stroke Patient Follow-up Care in NC
In collaboration with Dr. Barbara Lutz, UNCW College of Health and Human Services, School of Nursing, we are investigating the relationship between drive time accessibility and patient characteristics with respect to attendance at follow-up clinic visits.
Coastal Hydrology Parameters Derived from USGS NHD
Dr. Halls is using spatial modeling to derive hydrologic characteristics for the Atlantic coast of the United States using the USGS National Hydrography Dataset.
Parkinson's Disease in the United States: A Geographic Predictive Model and Analysis of Accessibility to Treatment Centers
Olsen, Steele*, Joanne Halls, and Barbara Lutz, “Investigating the relationship between Parkinson’s disease and environmental and socioeconomic variables” 2017. UNCW College of Health and Human Services Research and Innovation Day, Mar 27, 2017.