Mark D. Bjelland is a professor of geography and environmental studies at Calvin College in Michigan. He is the co-author of two geography textbooks and has published his research in geography and environmental science journals. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in civil engineering from the University of Minnesota and University of Washington, respectively. He worked as a professional engineer on transportation systems, environmental cleanups, and urban redevelopments before earning a Ph.D. in geography from the University of Minnesota. He has been awarded two Fulbright grants, one to Germany and one to Wales. He has led university field courses to the US Midwest, Pacific Northwest, Western Canada, Hawaii, and the United Kingdom.