Jun.-Prof. Dr. René Westerholt
Profile
»Coming from a background in geoinformatics, my research focuses on statistical methods for the analysis of spatiotemporal and place-based information. Using a wide range of approaches, my focus is on measures of spatial autocorrelation, hotspot statistics, spatial filtering, and spatial regression. In addition to this statistical focus, my research is also dedicated to the understanding and analysis of place-based information, such as representations of how people perceive, live, and conceptualise their everyday geographies. In addition to my methodological research, I am likewise interested in quantitative geographical studies that add an empirical dimension to my work. The latter enables me to apply my methodological expertise and innovations in a wide interdisciplinary and collaborative context.«
Curriculum Vitæ
Research Experience
Since 10/2019 | Juniorprofessor; TU Dortmund University, Germany Department of Spatial Planning |
Since 2018 | Affiliated Research Associate; Heidelberg University, Germany GIScience Research Group, Institute of Geography |
2018 – 2019 | Assistant Professor; University of Warwick, UK Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies |
2013 – 2018 | Research Assistant, Research Associate; Heidelberg University, Germany GIScience Research Group, Institute of Geography |
2013 | Visiting Scholar; Harvard University, USA Center for Geographical Analysis, Institute for Quantitative Social Science |
2011 – 2012 | Research Assistant; STAGU Osnabrück, Germany Steinbeis Transfer Centre for Applied Geosciences and Environmental Research |
Education
2013 – 2018 | Dr. rer. nat. (Ph.D.) in Geography; Heidelberg University, Germany |
2010 – 2012 | M.Sc. Geoinformatics; Osnabrück University, Germany |
2007 – 2010 | B.Sc. Geoinformatics; Osnabrück University, Germany |
Practical Experience
2011 – 2017 | Software Developer; Osnabrück University, Germany Botanical Garden |
2010 – 2011 | Software Developer; Martin Luther University of Halle–Wittenberg, Germany Institute of Geography |
Awards and Honours
03/2019 | Dissertation Award Geoinformatics 2019 Runder Tisch GIS e.V., Technical University of Munich, Germany |
04/2018 | First Prize, CDRC Data Challenge GISRUK’18 Conference, Leicester, UK |
03/2014 | Young Researchers Award 2013 North-German Society for Geoinformatics (GiN), Germany |
03/2014 | International Mobility Grant Funding German Universities Excellence Initiative II, Germany |
01/2013 | PhD Scholarship State of Baden–Württemberg, Germany |
Research
My research interests cover a broad spectrum, which revolves around both spatial and place-related quantitative methods. Spatial analysis is my main focus, with a special emphasis on the analysis of user-generated geographical information. A second focus is place-based research, where I am particularly interested in the formalisation and methodological processing of place-based and place-related information. A third focus of my research interests is on empirical geographical studies. All these emphases are reflected in the research themes of the Lab and in the current research projects.
Please find my publications here!
Teaching
Office hours for Summer Term 2023 (term time): Fridays, 2 pm – 3 pm CEST. Please email me for an appointment.
My teaching portfolio comprises a wide range of modules, including GIS, spatial analysis, urban analytics, and computer science. I have taught these modules both in a national and international context, in German and English, and at undergraduate and postgraduate level. A complete portfolio of my teaching activities can be found on my personal website.
I am currently teaching the following modules at TU Dortmund University:
Contact
Jun.-Prof. Dr René Westerholt
TU Dortmund University
Department of Spatial Planning
Room GBIII/318
August-Schmidt-Straße 10
44227 Dortmund
Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)231 7552287
Email: rene.westerholttu-dortmundde