UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Robert Crane, professor of geography in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, is the faculty recipient of the 2013 W. LaMarr Kopp International Achievement Award.
Established in 1995, the award recognizes faculty and staff members who have contributed significantly to the advancement of the international mission of the University. It is named for the late deputy vice president for international programs.
A faculty member since 1985, Crane has long been involved in myriad key University committees related to internationalization, including serving as interim director, global engagement, University Office of Global Programs (current); member, Global Policies Task Force (2011); interim director, global relations and programs, University Office of Global Programs (2010-11); chair, University Strategic Planning Council Task Force on Internationalization (2008-09), and chair, International Council Executive Committee (2004-05).
He developed and implemented the Center for Advanced Undergraduate Study and Experience, a two-semester, problem-based, collaborative learning course that investigates a unique theme. CAUSE students have traveled to Egypt, Japan, South Africa and New Zealand to conduct research.
For the past five years, Crane has been directing the College of Earth and Mineral Science’s Alliance for Education, Science, Engineering and Development in Africa. He has facilitated exchanges of faculty, initiated collaborative research projects and developed courses with a service learning component. One nominator said, “Rob builds collaborations between people from Penn State and people from other countries wherein there is a genuine two-way sharing of experience and expertise.”
Crane holds a master’s and a doctoral degree from the University of Colorado and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Reading, England.