David Lawrence
Ph.D. Student
Year entered program: 2023
Department: Geography
Mentor: Maria Lane, Ph.D.
Interests: Cultural/Human GeographyRaised in the small town of Leona Valley, David Lawrence was captivated early on by the area's diverse landscapes—far more varied than desert landscapes. This natural backdrop fueled his fascination for the regional distribution of reptiles and birds.
Beginning his academic journey at Los Angeles Pierce College, Lawrence earned an Associate of Arts in Geography and STEM Studies. He then transferred to California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where he majored in Geography. During his time at CSUN, he chose to specialize in historical geography, a decision that shaped his undergraduate thesis—a comprehensive study examining the historical geography of Antelope Valley.
After acquiring his Bachelor of Arts, Lawrence continued his educational pursuit in CSUN's graduate geography program. He refined his research focus to highlight the historical geography of science and museum studies. Lawrence completed a master's thesis that scrutinized the evolution of dinosaur exhibits over time and space. Lawrence synthesized archival documents with fossil specimens to support his findings, offering a multi-dimensional look at the subject.
Lawrence is directing his research towards the historical geography of the dinosaurian origin of birds, seeking to understand how this particular theory has geographically evolved.
Department: Geography
Mentor: Maria Lane, Ph.D.
Interests: Cultural/Human Geography
Bio
Beginning his academic journey at Los Angeles Pierce College, Lawrence earned an Associate of Arts in Geography and STEM Studies. He then transferred to California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where he majored in Geography. During his time at CSUN, he chose to specialize in historical geography, a decision that shaped his undergraduate thesis—a comprehensive study examining the historical geography of Antelope Valley.
After acquiring his Bachelor of Arts, Lawrence continued his educational pursuit in CSUN's graduate geography program. He refined his research focus to highlight the historical geography of science and museum studies. Lawrence completed a master's thesis that scrutinized the evolution of dinosaur exhibits over time and space. Lawrence synthesized archival documents with fossil specimens to support his findings, offering a multi-dimensional look at the subject.
Lawrence is directing his research towards the historical geography of the dinosaurian origin of birds, seeking to understand how this particular theory has geographically evolved.
