Hilary Hungerford, Ph.D.
Faculty Member Utah Valley University
- Orem UT
Hungerford is an expert in human geography, sustainability, climate change, urban geography, and the geography of Utah
Media
Biography
At Utah Valley University, Dr. Hungerford teaches courses in human geography, sustainability, climate change, urban geography, and the geography of Utah. Her teaching emphasizes applied, student-centered learning, encouraging students to explore real-world challenges, meaningful questions, and the connections between geographic concepts and everyday decisions. She is committed to helping students develop both a deeper understanding of the world and the skills to make a positive impact within it.
Dr. Hungerford also serves as director of the Integrated Studies program and has received both Fulbright-Hays and Fulbright Scholar awards in recognition of her international research. Her areas of expertise include sustainability, water resources, environmental change, and human–environment interactions.
She is passionate about working with students and believes that learning is a shared experience. Through her teaching, research, and mentorship, Dr. Hungerford encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and optimism about the future of communities and the planet.
Areas of Expertise
Accomplishments
Excellence in Service
College of Science, Utah Valley University
Faculty Excellence Award
Utah Valley University
Board of Trustee Award of Excellence
Utah Valley University
Higher Education Academy Fellow
Advance HEA
Active Citizen Award
Center for Social Impact, Utah Valley University
Global / Intercultural Dean's Award
Utah Valley University Global / Intercultural Initiative - May, 2022
Service Learning Superstar
Office of Engaged Learning, UVU - September, 2022
Education
University of Kansas
Ph.D.
Geography
2012
University of Kansas
M.A.
Geography
2007
University of Northern Colorado
B.A.
Geography
2001
Media Appearances
UVU Hosts First-Ever Utah County Sustainability Summit, Collaborates to Help Community
UVU News online
2022-05-23
“When we talk about environmental issues, it becomes politicized really quickly,” Hungerford said. “That didn't happen at all during the summit. It was a gathering of people who really care about their cities, care about their communities, and want to think about the reality of what we're facing now.”
UVU Professor Hilary Hungerford Named Fulbright Scholar
UVU News online
2023-04-05
Dr. Hilary Hungerford, associate professor of geography at Utah Valley University, has received the prestigious Fulbright Scholar Award. She and her family will live in Mongolia for the spring semester of 2024. Hungerford will teach graduate seminars in sustainability and geography at the National University of Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar.
Why is Utah Lake so gross? UVU receives grant to research ways to rejuvenate lake
ABC4.com online
2020-09-16
“There is such a negative stigma surrounding Utah Lake,” says Hilary Hungerford, one of the UVU professors involved in the project. “The lake has gone through a number of phases that (have deteriorated it). It takes a hit, and then takes another hit.”
Courses
Urban Geography
GEOG 3110
Topics in Integrated Studies
IS 3500R
Sustainability and Environment
GEOG 2000
Student Research in Geography
GEOG 4890R
Introduction to Human Geography
GEOG 1400G
Integrated Studies Capstone II
IS 4990
Articles
Extraction of humic acid from coal mine tailings and piles
International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization2026-02-12
This study focused on the isolation of humic acid and the comprehensive evaluation of its chemical and physical properties. Results indicated that the optimal pH for humic acid formation was 7.5, or slightly alkaline.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Interventions for COVID-19 and the Health of Vulnerable Populations in Sub-Saharan Africa
Chapter - Health Geography in Sub-Saharan Africa2023-08-23
From poor urban residents and migrant and refugee populations to women and girls, vulnerable populations face critical challenges that have been worsened by COVID-19. This chapter uses case studies from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Niger, and Uganda to identify the potential impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable and water insecure populations.
The Insta-Gaze: investigating the endurance of stereotypes of Africa
Social & Cultural Geography2023-11-26
Utilizing visual methodologies, we analyze popular images on Instagram that deal with the topic of everyday life in Africa to understand not only what gets represented but what resonates with viewers/consumers.
Young migrants’ views of their present and future in Niamey and Niger
SN Social Sciences2021-05-17
Migration often involves younger individuals departing home for another location to earn money. This study’s contribution is that it show how migrants, who are part of Niger’s youth majority, desire to be part of its economy.
Using Public, On-Campus Art in Teaching and Creating Community in Introductory Geography Courses
The Geography Teacher2021-05-14
This paper discusses the use of one campus art installation, Roots of Knowledge, in an introductory world regional geography course.
Place-Based Interdisciplinary Study Abroad in Senegal: Geography, Global Studies, and Francophone Studies
The Geography Teacher2021-11-02
This article outlines a faculty-led, interdisciplinary study abroad program to Dakar, Senegal, in 2014 and 2016 sponsored by South Dakota State University (SDSU) and hosted by the West African Research Center (WARC). This article highlights in particular the contributions of Geography, Global Studies, and Francophone Studies to program design and execution.
Coping with Floods in Pikine, Senegal: An Exploration of Household Impacts and Prevention Efforts
Urban Science2019-05-18
African cities are at increasing risk for disasters, including floods. Pikine, Senegal—located on the outskirts of the Dakar metropolitan region—has experienced regular floods since 2005 due to a rising water table, dense settlement, and inadequate drainage. The goal of this research was to assess household experiences of floods through in-depth qualitative interviews in one area of Pikine.
