I am the Program Director for the General Social Sciences Program and a Senior Lecturer and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Geography. I also co-teach CAS 417: Career Readiness, the class for students in the College of Arts & Sciences to translate their college experiences to career and personal lifelong success.  As an academic advisor in Geography, students would ask me “What can I do with a degree in Geography?” My standard answers (Urban Planner, Hydrologist, Community Organizer, etc) were not the entry-level jobs that our students were prepared for, so I developed a course on career readiness for students in Geography. A few years later, I was asked to collaborate with the University Career Center to develop CAS 417, which launched in 2022. I also teach a wide variety of courses at UO and at Lane Community College, including introductions to biophysical geography and human geography, food systems, urban systems, and more. I enjoy teaching and helping students to learn about the world through different perspectives and showing how even an introductory class can help them develop lifelong skills.  Outside of work, I have two daughters, a dog, and a cat who keep me busy! My younger daughter has intellectual disabilities and working with and for her has given me a deep perspective on the visible and invisible challenges that many people struggle with. I grew up outside of Seattle and have lived in Hawaii, North Carolina, and Tanzania. I enjoy being outside in (almost) any weather, feeling the rain or the sun, and watching my kids grow and learn about the world and themselves.  

Email: lmclees@uoregon.edu

Hi everyone! My name is Lucy and I’m so excited to be your FIG assistant this fall! I’m from Portland, Oregon, and am a third-generation Duck. I grew up frequently visiting UO for football games and events like the Oregon Country Fair. 

I will be a second-year Environmental Studies student this year and am considering a minor in Political Science. Growing up in Oregon, I’ve always loved the outdoors and spend much of my free time traveling, hiking, backpacking, and running. This is a large aspect of what drew me to Environmental Studies here at UO and has deepened my care and concern for environmental issues. In addition to spending time outdoors, I enjoy reading, throwing on the wheel in our ceramics studio, and crocheting. 

I’m so excited to work with all of you in the fall! If you have any questions about our FIG or UO, need advice on Freshman year, or even want to introduce yourself, feel free to reach out! I’d love to hear from you all and can’t wait to meet you in the Fall!

Want to connect with your FA? Email figs@uoregon.edu to get connected!