Join the Lab
The Van Berkel Lab works at the intersection of geospatial data science, climate adaptation, participatory GIS, GeoAI, urban change, conservation, and environmental decision-making.
Derek Van Berkel is on sabbatical in 2026 and is not currently considering or accepting new graduate students. Prospective master’s and PhD students should check this page again after the sabbatical period for updated information about advising opportunities.
Prospective students
Because of the current sabbatical, the lab is not reviewing inquiries from prospective master’s or PhD students at this time. Future opportunities will depend on research fit, project needs, and available funding.
Collaborators & community partners
We continue to welcome research collaborations with public agencies, community organizations, climate practitioners, and researchers working on applied geospatial and environmental decision-support questions.
Contact: dbvanber@umich.edu