Going South
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Article Regarding this Class Click to Read
From March 16-24, 2018, the spring 2018 geography 368 field seminar class from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Department of Geography and Anthropology traveled and experienced Cincinnati, OH, Chattanooga, TN, and Knoxville, TN. The class learned about gentrification, new urbanism, and tourism through an academic and spatial lens. This website details the places the class visited and the projects completed with data collected on the trip. Read the biographies below to learn about the class and then check out the other sections of this site to learn more about the trip itself.
From March 16-24, 2018, the spring 2018 geography 368 field seminar class from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Department of Geography and Anthropology traveled and experienced Cincinnati, OH, Chattanooga, TN, and Knoxville, TN. The class learned about gentrification, new urbanism, and tourism through an academic and spatial lens. This website details the places the class visited and the projects completed with data collected on the trip. Read the biographies below to learn about the class and then check out the other sections of this site to learn more about the trip itself.
Name: Lindsey Kurtz
Year: Senior Hometown: Shawano, WI Favorite Restaurant: The City Café Diner was by far my favorite place to eat. This restaurant is connected to a hotel so it’s easy to miss, but the food is phenomenal. The triple-layered cakes are a must (especially the death by chocolate cake)! Trip Highlight: My trip highlight was exploring the northern portion of Chattanooga, TN. In north Chattanooga there was both an urban park and a nature area. This experience showed me that the natural and urban environments can be blended into a single space. Most Memorable Learning Experience: The class project on gentrification was an eye-opening experience for me. I was shocked walking through part of Cincinnati and hearing testimonies from people who were in the process of being evicted. Besides learning what gentrification is, I now have the knowledge needed to speak out against this issue in the future. What Animal Would you be and why: I would be a meerkat because female meerkats are strong, independent women. |
Name: Shannon Rose
Year: Senior Hometown: Racine, WI Favorite Restaurant: Sugar's in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I love southern BBQ and Sugar's had the best BBQ I had on the trip. I recommend the BBQ pulled pork sandwich! Trip Highlight: My trip highlight was hiking in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. I am working on traveling to every national park in the U.S. and it was great to visit another one. There was an awesome waterfall at the end of the Abram Falls hike the class did and we walked on the Appalachian Trail a little too. Most Memorable Learning Experience: The class trip to the University of Tennessee- Knoxville was my most memorable learning experience. Our class met the president of the American Association of Geographers and got his take on why geography is important. We also got a presentation about applying to graduate school which was really helpful for people, like myself, considering graduate school. What Animal Would you be and why: I would be a river otter. They are always having fun and swimming, which are two things I like. They always make me laugh. |
Name: Ian Godin
Year: Senior
Hometown: Appleton, Wisconsin
Favorite Restaurant: My favorite restaurant was sugars BBQ in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I worked in a BBQ restaurant early in college and tend to be a tough critic, but the food and atmosphere here was great. The restaurant also had a small petting zoo with goats which were very funny, even when one tried to eat my sweatshirt.
Trip Highlight: The highlight of the trip for me was without a doubt visiting the Great Smokey Mountains national park. It was an awesome experience hiking through the park and knowing that all of the beauty we were seeing was only a small section of the park. I would love to visit other parts of the park some day.
Most Memorable Learning Experience: My most memorable learning experience was the gentrification exercise the class did in Cincinnati. With my geography degree I hope to pursue a career in city planning, which involves gentrification. This exercise helped me better understand the role planners have in not only developing and revitalizing cities, but also considering how redevelopment may displace existing residents and trying to develop the best plan possible for all involved.
What Animal Would you be and why: According to an online quiz I would be a bat. I am definitely not a morning person (unless I get coffee) and tend to be more active at night. Also, without my glasses I am literally "blind as a bat".
Year: Senior
Hometown: Appleton, Wisconsin
Favorite Restaurant: My favorite restaurant was sugars BBQ in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I worked in a BBQ restaurant early in college and tend to be a tough critic, but the food and atmosphere here was great. The restaurant also had a small petting zoo with goats which were very funny, even when one tried to eat my sweatshirt.
Trip Highlight: The highlight of the trip for me was without a doubt visiting the Great Smokey Mountains national park. It was an awesome experience hiking through the park and knowing that all of the beauty we were seeing was only a small section of the park. I would love to visit other parts of the park some day.
Most Memorable Learning Experience: My most memorable learning experience was the gentrification exercise the class did in Cincinnati. With my geography degree I hope to pursue a career in city planning, which involves gentrification. This exercise helped me better understand the role planners have in not only developing and revitalizing cities, but also considering how redevelopment may displace existing residents and trying to develop the best plan possible for all involved.
What Animal Would you be and why: According to an online quiz I would be a bat. I am definitely not a morning person (unless I get coffee) and tend to be more active at night. Also, without my glasses I am literally "blind as a bat".
Name: Dan Hamann
Year: Senior Hometown: Robbinsdale, MN Favorite Restaurant: Moerlein Lager House in Cincinnati: Beer Can Chicken Melt, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes w/ Se7en Hefeweizen Trip Highlight: The trip highlight for me was undoubtedly our day traveling through Great Smoky Mountain National Park. My only complaint from the day was that we didn't have more time to hike the endless terrain that is accessible within park boundaries. Most Memorable Learning Experience: In terms of applicability to my education, the entire experience at the Tennessee Valley Authority's Central Lab was indispensable. Their focus on LiDAR as a method for creating and managing their infrastructure gives insight into how I can utilize my education and interests in a real world scenario. What Animal Would you be and why: If my motivation on a given Sunday morning says anything, I would likely be a sloth. |
Name: Anthony Ducosin
Year: Senior Hometown: Maple Grove, MN Favorite Restaurant: Sugar's in Chattanooga had to be my favorite restaurant we visited on the trip. It is located on a hill that has a great view of the of the city, and outdoor seating on a deck with heaters for when it's chilly. Even without the view though, Sugar's was probably my favorite because of the fact that they had friendly goats and kitties outside to feed leftovers to. Overall, 10/10 would recommend to anyone who loves barbecue or goats and kitties. Trip Highlight: My trip highlight was visiting Smoky Mountain National Park. By the end of the trip we had done a lot of walking around urban areas and museums, so it was refreshing to end the trip by hiking around in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. I think just playing around in the snow up there was a grand old time. Most Memorable Learning Experience: Attending the Ed Johnson Memorial meeting was something that had a pretty real impact on me. Seeing how a community came together to create the documentary as well as the actual memorial itself was really special. What Animal Would you be and why: I would be the butterfly on my own face, because I feel like we had a real intimate bonding experience together. |
Name: Michael Lewis
Year: Junior
Hometown: Whitefish Bay, WI
Favorite Restaurant: Sugar's in Chattanooga. The half rack of ribs and mac n cheese almost put me to sleep. Best ribs I've ever had, Tennessee did not disappoint! Plus the goats and I had a connection that none of my classmate achieved, I'm a goat whisperer basically.
Trip Highlight: Cracking jokes with Ryan 1120 ft below the Earth at Ruby Falls. Ruby Falls was interesting but wouldn't have been half as fun without some solid puns and jokes.
Most Memorable Learning Experience: Being in the Underground Railroad Museum and reading some of the personal recounts of being on a slave ship. When I truly felt the gravity of a situation so drastic that death was the only relief, it was incredibly emotional.
What Animal Would You be and Why: I would be a moose. I'm just content with being me and living a quiet life, but if you want to start trouble, I'll be sure to end it.
Year: Junior
Hometown: Whitefish Bay, WI
Favorite Restaurant: Sugar's in Chattanooga. The half rack of ribs and mac n cheese almost put me to sleep. Best ribs I've ever had, Tennessee did not disappoint! Plus the goats and I had a connection that none of my classmate achieved, I'm a goat whisperer basically.
Trip Highlight: Cracking jokes with Ryan 1120 ft below the Earth at Ruby Falls. Ruby Falls was interesting but wouldn't have been half as fun without some solid puns and jokes.
Most Memorable Learning Experience: Being in the Underground Railroad Museum and reading some of the personal recounts of being on a slave ship. When I truly felt the gravity of a situation so drastic that death was the only relief, it was incredibly emotional.
What Animal Would You be and Why: I would be a moose. I'm just content with being me and living a quiet life, but if you want to start trouble, I'll be sure to end it.
Name: Seth Anderson-Lind
Year: Junior Hometown: Oshkosh, WI Favorite Restaurant: My favorite restaurant was a small diner that Dan and I went to for lunch in Cincinnati. The diner was hidden away down some hallways in a shopping outlet, and, aside from it looking like the most stereotypical diner ever, I got a really good grilled cheese there. Trip Highlight: My trip highlight was visiting the Lookout Mountain part of Chickamauga National Military Park, where the picture to the right was taken. From the top of the mountain, we had an incredible view of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River, and it was truly a sight to behold. Most Memorable Learning Experience: The most memorable learning activity we did was the day we spent with Jim Ogden learning about the Civil War history of Chattanooga and the surrounding area. The amount of detail that he could go into about any detail of the battles blew all of us away, and we could tell that we were barely scratching the surface of all the history that Jim had to tell us about. What Animal Would you be and why: I would be an albatross because I love going and seeing new places, and I've always loved the ocean. |
Name: Allison Bolin
Year: Senior Hometown: Cedarburg, WI Favorite Restaurant: Via Vite in Cincinnati // Goat Cheese & Leek Pizza with 'Truth' IPA by Rhinegeist brewing Trip Highlight: I've got to say that one of my favorite moments from the trip was the hike to Abram falls in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. After spending the last week studying our urban environments, it was nice to have a change of pace and be surrounded by trees rather than buildings. The waterfall was breathtaking, while the hiking to and from created the perfect setting for me to reflect on the entire trip. Most Memorable Learning Experience: There are two experiences that tie for having the most impact on me. The first was learning about gentrification in the Over the Rhine neighborhood in Cincinnati. There's such a difference between reading about something and picturing its influence vs actually seeing it firsthand. Additionally, attending the Ed Johnson memorial event is something I will always remember. Not only was it eye-opening to learn about Ed, but powerful to see how a small group can bring awareness and change to its community. What Animal Would You be and Why: I would definitely be a koala. They're just a relaxed creature, minding their own business, doing their own thing, and hanging out around trees. Me too. Who doesn't love some good eucalyptus, am I right? |
Name: Nicole Marcou
Year: Senior
Hometown: La Crosse, WI
Favorite Restaurant: My favorite restaurant was the Full Service BBQ in Knoxville. It was a smaller place that could easily be overlooked but the food was absolutely delicious and there was a lot for the money!
Trip Highlight: My favorite part of the trip was hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains. The views were breathtaking and it was a nice way to end the busy week by being completely surrounded by nature.
Most Memorable Learning Experience: My most memorable learning experience was seeing the effects of gentrification first hand in Cincinnati. It was really powerful to be able to learn about a concept in class and then see examples of it in the real world. It was a very impactful experience to be able to talk to people who lived in the "Over the Rhine" neighborhood who were currently being displaced due to the gentrification.
What Animal Would you be and why: I would be an elephant because I am compassionate and care greatly about my family and friends. I can be full of energy and spirit but I also value the calm moments of life.
Year: Senior
Hometown: La Crosse, WI
Favorite Restaurant: My favorite restaurant was the Full Service BBQ in Knoxville. It was a smaller place that could easily be overlooked but the food was absolutely delicious and there was a lot for the money!
Trip Highlight: My favorite part of the trip was hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains. The views were breathtaking and it was a nice way to end the busy week by being completely surrounded by nature.
Most Memorable Learning Experience: My most memorable learning experience was seeing the effects of gentrification first hand in Cincinnati. It was really powerful to be able to learn about a concept in class and then see examples of it in the real world. It was a very impactful experience to be able to talk to people who lived in the "Over the Rhine" neighborhood who were currently being displaced due to the gentrification.
What Animal Would you be and why: I would be an elephant because I am compassionate and care greatly about my family and friends. I can be full of energy and spirit but I also value the calm moments of life.
Name: Evan Kebus
Year: Junior
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
Favorite Restaurant: Champy's Chicken in Chattanooga, Tennessee famous for its fried chicken and fortys.
Trip Highlight: The trip highlight for me was our first day in Chattanooga when we went to the Chattanooga aquarium and the Hunter Art Museum. This was the first day where we really got to explore the city and walk around the down town area.
Most Memorable Learning Experience: The most memorable learning experience for me was the civil war day with Jim Ogden. Walking on the Chickamauga battlefield and hearing him give the historical accounts of the area that we were walking really gave me a new perspective on the civil war and how complex these battles really were.
What Animal Would you be and why: I would be a sea turtle because I love the ocean and I am calm and collected. I also like to go with the flow and see where things take me.
Year: Junior
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
Favorite Restaurant: Champy's Chicken in Chattanooga, Tennessee famous for its fried chicken and fortys.
Trip Highlight: The trip highlight for me was our first day in Chattanooga when we went to the Chattanooga aquarium and the Hunter Art Museum. This was the first day where we really got to explore the city and walk around the down town area.
Most Memorable Learning Experience: The most memorable learning experience for me was the civil war day with Jim Ogden. Walking on the Chickamauga battlefield and hearing him give the historical accounts of the area that we were walking really gave me a new perspective on the civil war and how complex these battles really were.
What Animal Would you be and why: I would be a sea turtle because I love the ocean and I am calm and collected. I also like to go with the flow and see where things take me.
Name: Sierra Garcia
Year: Junior Hometown: Fort Atkinson, WI Trip Highlight: My trip highlight was the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. This was my first national park and I am hoping to visit many more in the future. Favorite Restaurant: Stock and Barrel in Knoxville: Fried Free-Range Chicken Breast, Bourbon Onions, Havarti, Garlic Aioli, Greens, Tomato and a Smores Shake. Most Memorable Learning Experience: The most memorable learning experience I had on this trip was during our group project in Cincinnati, Ohio. We had read about the issues of gentrification in the Over-the-Rhine area but seeing gentrification first-hand was such an interesting and eye-opening experience. What Animal Would You Be and Why: I would be a giraffe because I am tall in stature and compassionate in my character. Like giraffes, I love the outdoors and consider my friendships to be very important. |
Name: Brenna Lindsey (yes, I have two first names, no its not pronounced Bree-Anna).
Year: I am a Senior at UW – Eau Claire, graduating in May of 2018 (just a few weeks away!) Hometown:I grew up on the river city of Winona, Minnesota and migrated to yet another river city (Eau Claire, WI) in 2014. Favorite Restaurant: Sugar’s Ribs Favorite Trip Highlight: On our class field trip to Tennessee, my favorite part was getting to explore Chattanooga, and not only as tourists, but really getting to experience the city first-hand. Most memorable learning experience:My most memorable learning experience from this trip was getting to experience the effects of gentrification in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Being able to look at one side of the street and see a brand-new apartment building next to a store for dog treats, then on the other side and see a dilapidated building really smacked me in the face with the impact that gentrification can have on a city. What animal you would be and why: I have no idea however, according to https://www.quizony.com/animalPersonality/result.html, I am a Beaver because “I am creative, practical and well-organized. If there is someone in need, you will not hesitate to offer a helping hand. Lucky are those who have you as a friend, life partner or parent.” |
Name: Colin Pitman
Year: Junior
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
Favorite Restaurant: Stock and Barrel in Knoxville. Southern Chicken and Waffles will never not hit the spot.
Trip Highlight: Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The first time I had ever been to a National Park, and the raw, natural beauty of the landscape was just breath-taking. Still angry I didn't see a bear but whatever.
Most Memorable Learning Experience: Exploring the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. I had spoken a lot about gentrification before this trip; however, it always felt like an abstract concept to me. Seeing the real, human effects of gentrification throughout the neighborhood was a humbling experience. Speaking with residents in the middle of being displaced put a face to the concept I had heard so much about.
What animal would you be and why: A Praying Mantis. I'm lanky and look like an insect so it just seems right.
Year: Junior
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
Favorite Restaurant: Stock and Barrel in Knoxville. Southern Chicken and Waffles will never not hit the spot.
Trip Highlight: Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The first time I had ever been to a National Park, and the raw, natural beauty of the landscape was just breath-taking. Still angry I didn't see a bear but whatever.
Most Memorable Learning Experience: Exploring the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. I had spoken a lot about gentrification before this trip; however, it always felt like an abstract concept to me. Seeing the real, human effects of gentrification throughout the neighborhood was a humbling experience. Speaking with residents in the middle of being displaced put a face to the concept I had heard so much about.
What animal would you be and why: A Praying Mantis. I'm lanky and look like an insect so it just seems right.
Name: Dillon Lloyd
Year: Senior
Hometown: Colfax, Wisconsin
Favorite restaurant: Blue Coast Grill, prime rib cheese steak. Knoxville, Tennessee
Trip highlight: The highlight of this trip for me was getting the opportunity to hike in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The landscape was amazing, and hike was made even more enjoyable after spending the last week in Cincinnati, Chattanooga, and Knoxville.
Most memorable learning experience: The most memorable learning experience for me was when we completed our street transect assignment on the Over the Rhine neighborhood in Cincinnati. We read about gentrification, and this neighborhood specifically, earlier in the semester so being able to experience it first hand was eye opening.
What animal would you be and why? According to the trusty internet, I would probably be a wolf. They are pretty quiet during the day, strong, loyal, and are content only being surrounded by their small packs.
Year: Senior
Hometown: Colfax, Wisconsin
Favorite restaurant: Blue Coast Grill, prime rib cheese steak. Knoxville, Tennessee
Trip highlight: The highlight of this trip for me was getting the opportunity to hike in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The landscape was amazing, and hike was made even more enjoyable after spending the last week in Cincinnati, Chattanooga, and Knoxville.
Most memorable learning experience: The most memorable learning experience for me was when we completed our street transect assignment on the Over the Rhine neighborhood in Cincinnati. We read about gentrification, and this neighborhood specifically, earlier in the semester so being able to experience it first hand was eye opening.
What animal would you be and why? According to the trusty internet, I would probably be a wolf. They are pretty quiet during the day, strong, loyal, and are content only being surrounded by their small packs.
Name: Kelly Becker
Year: Senior
Hometown: La Crosse
Trip Highlight: My trip highlight was the day we had to hike around in the Smokey Mountains. At the end of the week after working hard and learning a lot it was nice to relax in nature for a while and do some exploring.
Favorite Restaurant: Blue Coast Grill in Knoxville Tennessee. Not only was atmosphere great in the Market Square in Knoxville but the prime rib cheese steak sandwich and Cajun cheesy grits I had were amazing.
Most Memorable Learning Experience: I think I had the most impactful learning experience while conducting street transects in Cincinnati. Actually seeing the diversity and gentrification in progress had a very lasting impact on me. I had never really seen anything like that, so I’m really glad we got to explore the neighborhood and see it for ourselves.
Year: Senior
Hometown: La Crosse
Trip Highlight: My trip highlight was the day we had to hike around in the Smokey Mountains. At the end of the week after working hard and learning a lot it was nice to relax in nature for a while and do some exploring.
Favorite Restaurant: Blue Coast Grill in Knoxville Tennessee. Not only was atmosphere great in the Market Square in Knoxville but the prime rib cheese steak sandwich and Cajun cheesy grits I had were amazing.
Most Memorable Learning Experience: I think I had the most impactful learning experience while conducting street transects in Cincinnati. Actually seeing the diversity and gentrification in progress had a very lasting impact on me. I had never really seen anything like that, so I’m really glad we got to explore the neighborhood and see it for ourselves.
Name: Riley Prétat
Year in School: Senior
Hometown: Mequon, WI
Trip Highlight: The highlight of the entire trip, to me, was the Museum of East Tennessee History. Our tour guide George had an immense amount of energy and somewhat questionable facts. The museum was full of all sorts of interesting artifacts, including an exhibit dedicated to WWI. This exhibit was my favorite.
Most Memorable Learning Experience: The most memorable learning experience on the trip was our day touring the different Civil War battlefields. Jim Ogden, the park ranger leading the tour, had a never ending supply of historical knowledge of these battlefields and much of the surrounding area. We could have easily spent our entire week touring Chattanooga and the surrounding area if we had Jim as a guide the entire time.
Favorite Restaurant: Sugar’s Ribs, Chattanooga, TN
What Animal Would I be and Why: I would choose to be a snow leopard. They live in cold, mountainous regions. They are intelligent, self-sufficient, and enigmatic creatures. Additionally, they are hunters, persistent in obtaining what they need to succeed.
Year in School: Senior
Hometown: Mequon, WI
Trip Highlight: The highlight of the entire trip, to me, was the Museum of East Tennessee History. Our tour guide George had an immense amount of energy and somewhat questionable facts. The museum was full of all sorts of interesting artifacts, including an exhibit dedicated to WWI. This exhibit was my favorite.
Most Memorable Learning Experience: The most memorable learning experience on the trip was our day touring the different Civil War battlefields. Jim Ogden, the park ranger leading the tour, had a never ending supply of historical knowledge of these battlefields and much of the surrounding area. We could have easily spent our entire week touring Chattanooga and the surrounding area if we had Jim as a guide the entire time.
Favorite Restaurant: Sugar’s Ribs, Chattanooga, TN
What Animal Would I be and Why: I would choose to be a snow leopard. They live in cold, mountainous regions. They are intelligent, self-sufficient, and enigmatic creatures. Additionally, they are hunters, persistent in obtaining what they need to succeed.
Name: Dr. Ryan Weichelt (Fearless Leader of this 368 Voyage)
Year in School: 23rd Grade (Associate Professor)
Hometown: Marshfield, WI
Trip Highlight: Most powerful experience was certainly the Ed Johnson tribute, but overall I couldn't have asked for a better set of students during this field experience. Watching them work together, learn together, and grow together was by far the highlight of the trip for me.
Most Memorable Learning Experience: Our day with Jim Ogden certainly opened my eyes to the passion he had for the area, geography, and history of the Civil War. Jim highlighted the importance of the National Park Service and demonstrated the vital roll it plays in educating the public.
Favorite Restaurant: Sugar’s Ribs, Chattanooga,
Year in School: 23rd Grade (Associate Professor)
Hometown: Marshfield, WI
Trip Highlight: Most powerful experience was certainly the Ed Johnson tribute, but overall I couldn't have asked for a better set of students during this field experience. Watching them work together, learn together, and grow together was by far the highlight of the trip for me.
Most Memorable Learning Experience: Our day with Jim Ogden certainly opened my eyes to the passion he had for the area, geography, and history of the Civil War. Jim highlighted the importance of the National Park Service and demonstrated the vital roll it plays in educating the public.
Favorite Restaurant: Sugar’s Ribs, Chattanooga,
Name: Dr. Ezra Zeitler
Year in School: Über Senior (Associate Professor)
Hometown: Rosière, WI
Trip Highlight: Our tour of the University of Tennessee Department of Geography by Professor (and AAG President) Derek Alderman tops my list, but settling into Chattanooga for a few days and absorbing southeast Tennessee's sense of place is a close second.
Most Memorable Learning Experience: Hearing about the learning experiences of the students during the nightly debriefings and while driving.
Favorite Restaurant: Sugar’s Ribs, Chattanooga, TN
Year in School: Über Senior (Associate Professor)
Hometown: Rosière, WI
Trip Highlight: Our tour of the University of Tennessee Department of Geography by Professor (and AAG President) Derek Alderman tops my list, but settling into Chattanooga for a few days and absorbing southeast Tennessee's sense of place is a close second.
Most Memorable Learning Experience: Hearing about the learning experiences of the students during the nightly debriefings and while driving.
Favorite Restaurant: Sugar’s Ribs, Chattanooga, TN