Bo Zhao (he/him)

I am currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Washington, where I also have the privilege of directing the Humanistic GIS Lab. My research lies at the intersection of GIScience, spatial misinformation, and the societal impacts of emerging geospatial technologies, with a particular focus on the experiences and needs of vulnerable populations.

At the heart of my work is the concept of Humanistic GIS—an approach that explores how geographic information systems intersect with lived human experiences, shaping societal structures, behaviors, and narratives. I am especially interested in how GIS can be leveraged to empower marginalized communities and critically examine how these technologies and the data they produce affect people’s lives.

Another key thread of my research is what I call “deep fake geography”—a deep investigation into synthetic or manipulated satellite imagery. This work raises awareness of the implications such technologies pose for national security, public trust, and geoprivacy, prompting essential dialogue among academics, policymakers, and the public.

My work has been recognized through a number of honors, including support from the National Science Foundation, National Geographic, and Samsung. I’ve also been part of interdisciplinary teams that received the University of Washington’s Population Health Initiative Awards in both 2020 and 2021.

The projects I’ve led span a wide spectrum—from dynamic visualizations of the COVID-19 pandemic that delivered timely, actionable insights, to studies on Black-owned restaurant patronage and the evolving geographies of homelessness. Across all of these efforts, I aim to demonstrate how GIS can help illuminate—and address—complex social challenges, while advancing ethical conversations around geospatial data and technology.

My laboratory is currently NOT seeking interns or volunteers.