Natalie Furness

GIS Specialist · she/her

About

I am a biogeographer interested in riparian zones and vegetation, forests, mountains, and agricultural areas. My research focuses on understanding the role of human interaction and climate change on physical landscapes and patterns. I use a variety of methods, mostly drawn from GIS, remote sensing, and ecology. 

Education

MA Environmental Studies, Western Washington University; BA Geography, Western Washington University

Research Interests

Climate and climate change, subalpine and alpine environments, forests, riparian zones and vegetation, biodiversity, and the Salish Sea.

Publications

  • Furness, N., & Flower, A. (2025). The Effects of Climatic and Cultural Changes on Grain Agriculture in Northwest Washington. Geographies, 5(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies5010010.
  • Flower, A., Wang, X., Furness, N., and Bradford, E.L. (2025). Climate Change in the Salish Sea Region: Historical and Projected Future Trends in Temperature and Precipitation. Emerging Issues in the Salish Sea, Issue 8, C.R. Elliser (Ed.). Salish Sea Institute, Western Washington University.

Teaching Schedule

Fall 2024
ENVS 418/518 - GIS II: Cartography

Winter 2025
ENVS 320/517 - GIS I: Introduction to GIS

Spring 2025
ENVS 428/528 - Biogeography
ENVS 418/518 - GIS II: Cartography