The Bloustein School has announced the passing of Lyna Wiggins, Associate Professor Emerita, on November 10, 2024. Lyna Wiggins was recognized for her contributions to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) since the early 1970s. Her work focused on the application and development of GIS technology, particularly within U.S. planning agencies. She was noted for pioneering efforts in using GIS for energy facilities siting applications.
Wiggins joined the Bloustein School in 1993 as an associate professor in the Department of Urban Studies and Community Health. She also served as a researcher at the Center for Urban Policy Research from 1993-1999 and was part of the graduate faculty at Rutgers' Department of Geography from 1997 until her retirement. From 1995 to 2005, she led programs at Rutgers’ Grant F. Walton Center for Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis.
Her academic journey began with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and city and regional planning from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She further earned a Master of Science in Statistics from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning from the University of California, Berkeley.
Before joining Rutgers, Wiggins taught at Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Department of Urban Studies and Planning between 1988-1993 and Stanford University's Resources Planning Program from 1981-1988.
Wiggins played a significant role as PhD Dissertation Chair to numerous candidates across prestigious urban planning programs in the United States. At MIT, she notably advised Clinton Andrews, who later joined Bloustein School as a Distinguished Professor of Urban Planning.
Her service extended beyond teaching; she was involved with several journals such as Journal of Regional Science and Environment and Planning A. Wiggins held professional memberships including URISA International where she served as president.
Throughout her career, Wiggins received several awards including the Bloustein School Jerome Rose Excellence in Teaching Award in 2010 and multiple honors from URISA.
In addition to her academic achievements, Wiggins was known for her dedication to students' interests. She served as Urban Planning program director at Bloustein School while being one of its first GIS experts.
Reflecting on her passion for GIS during a panel discussion in 2017, Wiggins recalled learning mapping techniques by hand before computers simplified processes in higher education during the 1980s.
Lyna Wiggins retired from teaching in May 2020 but continued to pursue personal interests like quilting and horse riding until her passing.
She is remembered fondly by those at Bloustein School who knew her well.
Her public obituary is available online: https://www.wrightfamily.com/obituary/lyna-wiggins-ph-d/
