Prof. Dr. Theano S. Terkenli | Geography – Professor at University of the Aegean , Greece
Professor Theano S. Terkenli is a distinguished academic in Geography at the University of the Aegean, Greece. A founding member of the institution’s Department of Geography, she has shaped the department since its inception in 1994. With a rich educational background, including a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Minnesota, an M.Sc. in Landscape Architecture from the University of Wisconsin, and a Bachelor’s in Forestry and Environmental Sciences from Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, her expertise spans cultural and landscape geography and tourism. Her research has contributed to both national and international scholarly communities. She has organized and contributed to multiple conferences and serves as the chair of the Landscape Research Group. Her work includes significant publications and books, marking her as a leading figure in her field. Professor Terkenli has mentored graduate students and played an essential role in various programs focused on sustainable tourism and cultural heritage.
Professional Profile:
Orcid
Education:
Professor Theano S. Terkenli has a rich and diverse academic background that spans across environmental sciences, landscape architecture, and geography. She earned her Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, USA (1986-1993), where she specialized in cultural geography and landscape studies. Prior to that, she obtained an M.Sc. in Landscape Architecture from the University of Wisconsin—Madison, USA (1983-1986), which provided her with a deep understanding of how human societies interact with and shape landscapes. Her undergraduate studies in Forestry and Environmental Sciences were completed at the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, Greece (1978-1983). This diverse academic training has enabled Professor Terkenli to approach her research from an interdisciplinary perspective, integrating geography, landscape design, and environmental sustainability. Her educational journey has been instrumental in her influential role in shaping academic programs related to tourism, cultural heritage, and environmental conservation.
Professor Terkenli has been a professor at the University of the Aegean since 1994, where she was instrumental in establishing the first Department of Geography in Greece. Her teaching experience spans various graduate programs, including the Interdepartmental Graduate Program in “Tourism Planning, Administration, and Policy” (University of the Aegean) from 1999 to 2020. Since 2018, she has been involved with the International Interdepartmental M.Sc. in “Sustainable Tourism Development: Cultural Heritage, Environment, Society,” a joint program with Harokopeion University, University of the Aegean, and Université-Paris I. Throughout her career, she has published numerous articles and books in her areas of expertise. She is also involved in organizing international conferences and serves as a board member for multiple academic associations. Additionally, Professor Terkenli chairs the Landscape Research Group, fostering international collaboration in landscape geography.
Research Interests:
Professor Terkenli’s research interests lie at the intersection of cultural geography, landscape geography, and tourism. She has extensively studied the connections between mobilities, urban prospects, and environmental threats, particularly in the Mediterranean region. Her work examines the impact of tourism on cultural landscapes and the ways in which cultural geography influences local identities and environmental sustainability. Her expertise in landscape architecture also informs her approach to understanding the relationship between people and their physical environments, especially in the context of cultural heritage and sustainable tourism development. She has also focused on critical perspectives of tourism, looking at its effects on local societies and landscapes. Professor Terkenli’s research seeks to address the challenges posed by environmental changes, cultural mobilities, and the growing demand for sustainable tourism, with the aim of promoting the preservation of cultural and natural landscapes.
Awards:
Throughout her distinguished career, Professor Terkenli has received numerous awards and honors. Her research has significantly impacted the field of geography and tourism studies, earning recognition from both national and international institutions. As the chair of the UK-based Landscape Research Group, she has made vital contributions to advancing landscape geography. Her academic excellence has been recognized by several Greek and international organizations, where she continues to influence critical perspectives on tourism and cultural landscapes. Professor Terkenli has also been honored for her role in fostering interdisciplinary research in the Mediterranean region, particularly in understanding environmental threats and cultural transitions. Her published works and leadership in conference organizing have further solidified her status in her field. Although her specific honors aren’t listed in the biography, her extensive academic involvement and leadership demonstrate the high regard in which she is held.
Publications:
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Cultural Tourism in the Cyclades Before and After the Pandemic: A Stakeholders’ Perspective
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David Lowenthal’s Archipelagic and Transatlantic Landscapes: His Public and Scholarly Heritage
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Journal of Historical Geography (Review)
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Landscape Perspectives on Tourism Geographies
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Towards landscape conscience: a geographical perspective
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Landscape and justice: the case of Greeks, space and law
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Local Perspectives on Cultural Tourism and Cultural Sustainability
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Prospects and Constraints of Low-Intensity Farming in Marginal Peri-Urban Areas: The Case of Lesvos, Greece.
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Research Advances in Tourism-Landscape Interrelations: An Editorial
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Landscape and Tourism: European Expert Views on an Intricate Relationship
Conclusion:
Professor Terkenli is a distinguished academic and researcher whose work spans several interdisciplinary fields, including Cultural Geography, Landscape Geography, and Tourism Studies. As a founding member of the University of the Aegean’s Department of Geography and a faculty member of several graduate programs, she has not only contributed to advancing these fields through her research but also helped shape future generations of scholars and practitioners.Professor Theano S. Terkenli’s multidisciplinary approach, outstanding research contributions, and leadership in both academia and the broader international academic community make her a top contender for the Best Researcher Award. Her research has not only contributed to the academic world but also influenced the practical application of tourism policies, landscape management, and cultural preservation. She has demonstrated exceptional academic rigor and innovation, making her highly deserving of this prestigious recognition.