Joseph Scarpaci
BLACKSBURG, Va., Nov. 29, 2007 – Joseph L. Scarpaci of Blacksburg, Va., geography professor in Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources, has been named to the editorial board of the Southeastern Geographer
“Serving on the editorial board speaks loudly to Professor Scarpaci’s qualifications and reputation as a professional geographer,” said co-editor Robert Brinkmann. “He was chosen to serve because of his expertise in the areas of urban, social and Latin America,” added the other Southeastern Geographer co-editor, Graham Tobin.
A member of Virginia Tech’s faculty since 1989, Joseph L. Scarpaci is internationally known as an expert in Latin American affairs. His research interests include Latin America, urban and social geography, comparative social policy, historic preservation, and international development.
Before President Bush issued an executive order prohibiting short-term study programs (less than 10 weeks) in Cuba in June 2004, Scarpaci had made 43 such trips in 14 years, many times accompanied by students and adults. Scarpaci is also involved in non-timber forest products research in Bolivia. In May 2006 he served as a senior Fulbright specialist studying urban and regional planning in Uruguay.
Scarpaci was a member of a panel that spoke on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on April 27, 2005, on Cuba Action Day. A panel of scholars and Congressional members spoke of the need for a relaxation of current travel restrictions to allow academic and cultural travel to Cuba.
Currently the book review editor of the Journal of Latin American Geography, Scarpaci has served as reviewer for numerous journals, publishing houses, and other outlets. He has also lectured worldwide on Latin American affairs.
Scarpaci received his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, a master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida.
The College of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech consistently ranks among the top five programs of its kind in the nation. Faculty members stress both the technical and human elements of natural resources and instill in students a sense of stewardship and land-use ethics. Areas of studies include environmental resource management, fisheries and wildlife sciences, forestry, geospatial and environmental analysis, natural resource recreation, urban forestry, wood science and forest products, geography, and international development. Virginia Tech, the most comprehensive university in Virginia, is dedicated to quality, innovation, and results to the commonwealth, the nation, and the world.