This story is part of a UToledo Faculty and Staff Spotlight series, where we feature uplifting stories of the remarkable achievements and contributions of hidden champions who call the University of Toledo home, fostering connections across campus. Cover graphic by Juice House. Image courtesy of Dr. Kevin Czajkowski.
Dr. Kevin Czajkowski is a professor at the University of Toledo in the Department of Geography and Planning. He teaches courses on weather and climate, physical geography and remote sensing. In 2019, he was awarded with the President’s Award for Excellence in Research. Over the course of his position he has received 67 grants, given hundreds of presentations and authored or co-authored 67 journal publications and book chapters. The JuicePress Team recently interviewed Czajkowski to learn more about his role and contribution to campus.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself. What is your job title here at the university, and how long have you worked at UToledo? Can you summarize what you do in your role?
A: This is my 28th year at UT. I was awarded the title of Distinguished University Professor three years ago. I teach three courses in the fall and two in the spring. Sometimes, I’m able to buy out one of my courses with research funding. As a professor, I teach courses, advise students and lead research grants to do research.
Q: What are your degrees in and where did you study?
A: I graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1989 from State University of New York at Oneonta earning a B.S. in Meteorology. I later earned my Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences from University of Michigan in 1995.
Q: What field or research area do you focus on? What initially sparked your interest?
A: I lead groups of students and staff in applied remote sensing and GIS research focusing on nutrient runoff into Lake Erie, air quality and urban heat islands. I also do a lot in educational outreach and do research on how students learn science.
Q: Tell us about your academic journey? What were some pivotal moments for you?
A: I had wanted to work for the National Weather Service when I was an undergrad, but I did an unpaid internship with the NWS before my senior year and learned I did not want to do that. A friend told me what a great thing graduate school was. I got into the University of Michigan. I planned on doing my Master’s, but everyone else was doing their Ph.D.s, so I did too. I got a postdoctoral research position at the University of Maryland in remote sensing, but I had only taken one course in remote sensing in graduate school. It was an important class, no doubt. I learned how to do research while at Maryland. I applied to sixty tenure track jobs. Out of ten meteorology professor positions, I got nine interviews but no offers. Out of fifty geography professor positions I applied to, I got one interview and job at the University of Toledo. I helped write a proposal to NASA for funding and was able to bring it to Toledo when I started the job.
Q: Who or what has been a significant influence on your professional journey?
A: My wife — she has been very supportive of me when I’ve worked late hours or had to travel. She didn’t complain, but stayed supportive of me.
Q: What excites you most about the future of your fields?
A: Artificial intelligence excites me about the future. Maybe it is overdiscussed, but I believe for remote sensing, GIS and programming, AI gives a great opportunity to complete research much faster and to analyze larger datasets.
Q: What advice would you give to students who are interested in pursuing a career in your field?
A: Make sure you take as many technology classes as possible. Also, make sure you take math classes so you can do any work necessary.
Q: Can you share about a project or research initiative you’re particularly proud of? Tell us about the work that you do.
A: I’m particularly proud of my work with teachers and students for authentic research. To some degree, I’m recognized by people around the world as an expert in working with teachers and students and engaging them in authentic science.
Q: What are some of your most significant achievements at the university?
A: I’ve brought about $34 million to the university through research grants, which is pretty hard to do since each individual grant is hard to get. Some research programs have success rates of 10%. Also, I’ve written about ten proposals a year for over 25 years.
Q: In what ways have you contributed to the broader university community?
A: I’ve helped the Research Office to host professional development for professors on how to write good proposals in hopes they can also receive funding.
Q: How do you support students outside of the classroom?
A: I fund many student researchers through grants. This is really helpful since many Ph.D. students take more than four years to finish their degree. Getting funding from my grants allows the students to finish. I am an advisor to students, as well.
Q: What is a meaningful or favorite memory you have of being an undergraduate or graduate student?
A: I was a member of the University of Michigan’s Solar Car team in 1990. I helped forecast the solar radiation that was incident on the car. We won the race in the U.S., and even though I was not on the race crew, I got to go to Australia to see the team compete.
Q: What do you enjoy about living in the Toledo area?
A: The Toledo area is a good place to live because it is very affordable. This allowed me to raise my family and do all kinds of fun things.
Q: What hobbies or interests do you pursue outside of work?
A: I am a soccer coach for Ida High School Varsity and JV teams. I helped start the program and have been invested in it for the eight years the programs have existed at Ida. I play pickup soccer, too, but I’m not very good.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: I enjoy ice skating and playing hockey.
Note: Responses from the interviewee were received by email and have been edited for grammar and clarity. Updated on Nov. 19, 2025 to reflect changes in count of publications.
