Carol L. Hanchette

Carol L. Hanchette, Associate Professor of Geography at the University of Louisville, died unexpectedly on a hiking adventure in the mountains of Wyoming on October 9, 2017.  Hanchette received her Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in 1998 after having worked in a variety of fields including archeology and as a land surveyor for Billings, MT. She joined the University of Louisville in 2002. Hanchette’s work as an applied medical geographer cut across a wide-range of topics which included the links between ovarian cancer and pulp and paper manufacturing in the U.S., and the effects of coal ash on children. Her 1992 study on prostate cancer and ultraviolet radiation, cited over 700 times, was considered an important contribution to the field. More recently, Professor Hanchette had taken an interest in social and environmental justice and the uses of Qualitative GIS. Her work was funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the NIH.

Hanchette was particularly active in the development of the applied master’s program at U. of L. Her vision and passion structured that program from the ground up. Her leadership and popularity with students is well reflected in the many recognitions she received including the Faculty Favorite Award, the Distinguished Service Award and the Community Engagement Faculty Award. Carol was a long-time member and local leader of the Sierra Club. In addition, she loved hiking, ice skating, kayaking and almost any activity outdoors. Her collegiality, professionalism and dedication to geography will be missed by all of the lives she impacted.