Summary
Professor Paul Starrs teaches cultural and historical geography at the University of Nevada, in Reno, where he works on a variety of topics associated with the geography of the so-called "New West."
His first book, Let the Cowboy Ride, was published by John Hopkins University Press in 1998. He has published some 90 articles, book chapters, and reviews on topics that include cyberspace, everyday landscapes, migration and the evolution of the Great Basin, urban geography, and a suite of resource-based issues.
Starrs also does research on the woodlands and people of Mediterranean Europe, and has coauthored the book, Black Rock, with his Nevada colleague, the photographer Peter Goin, about the Black Rock country of northwestern Nevada, home to the annual Burning Man event. He is currently engaged with several additional book-length projects. Though city born and raised, he maintains an enduring affection for the West's many rural places.
Research Areas of Interest
Cultural and historical geography, the American West, graphic representation, regional geography, natural resources and population
Career Recognition / Award
Foundation Professorship, 2007, title and award, Foundation Professor of Geography.
CASE-Carnegie Foundation Nevada Professor of the Year, 2005, National award for teaching excellence.
Regents Teaching Award, 2004; (Nevada System of Higher Education) system-wide award for excellence in teaching.
F. Donald Tibbitts University Outstanding Teacher Award, University of Nevada, University of Nevada, Reno, 2000-2001.
Mousel-Feltner Award for Outstanding Research, Recipient of College of Arts & Science outstanding researcher award, University of Nevada, Reno, 1998-1999.
Alan Bible Outstanding Teaching Award, College of Arts & Science, University of Nevada, Reno, 1997-1998.
Fulbright Scholar, Senior Fulbright Scholar: Quincentenary Postdoctoral Researcher in Spain.