Science & Career
Tackling Ecological & Social Issues with Geospatial Science & Tech at Cal Poly Humboldt
In the face of the current ecological and socioeconomic turmoil affecting our world, scientists have recognized the close relationship between these two crises. As we grapple with challenges like deforestation, homelessness, and emergency preparedness, a new degree program at Cal Poly Humboldt is paving the way for innovative solutions. The Geospatial Science & Technology (GST) significantly equips students with the latest technologies to understand the intricate interplay between human and environmental factors, aiming to tackle complex issues head-on.
Cal Poly Humboldt, a distinguished institution renowned for its commitment to excellence, recognizes the dire problems plaguing our society. As housing costs rise and gentrification spreads, affordable housing is increasingly urgent. The lack of it pushes many to the brink of homelessness, especially students. Access to safe housing is vital for stable lives and thriving communities.
Student homelessness is a growing crisis, as many students don’t have stable housing, hindering their studies and prospects. To address this, governments, organizations, and communities must collaborate to implement effective strategies. This includes expanding affordable housing options, rental subsidies, and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness. Additionally, homeless students need support through on-campus housing, counseling, and financial aid programs. Prioritizing affordable housing and helping vulnerable populations will create a more equitable society where everyone has safe and stable housing. The university understands that traditional approaches alone are insufficient to alleviate these challenges.
The GST program at Cal Poly Humboldt offers hope by empowering students with the knowledge and skills to solve complex ecological and social problems. Built on interdisciplinary foundations, the degree program draws curriculum from various fields such as Geography, Forestry, Fire and rangeland Management, and Environmental Science and management. By intertwining these diverse disciplines, GST students gain a holistic perspective, enabling them to approach multifaceted issues with creativity and innovation.
Nicholas Perdue, a Geography professor and GST program coordinator, emphasizes the significance of geospatial understanding in finding solutions. Using cutting-edge technologies, students learn to analyze and represent spatial and geographic data. Geographic information systems, remote sensing, data visualization, and mapping tools become their allies in unraveling contemporary problems. With these skills, GST graduates are equipped to address urgent issues that impact our world on a large scale.
The GST program encourages students to delve into research topics that resonate with them, promoting community engagement and developing global awareness. By working closely with the community and leveraging resources such as the Dendroecology Research Lab and the Kosmos Lab, students gain hands-on experience that brings cartography and data visualization to life. They aim to make a meaningful impact at local and global levels, addressing challenges like sea level rise and demographic change.
The appeal of the GST degree lies not only in its ability to tackle ecological and social issues but also in the vast array of career opportunities it presents. With the demand for geospatial skills rising across industries such as forestry, finance, emergency management, healthcare, and energy, GST graduates find themselves well-positioned for success. From field technician positions to cartography, media, and geographic information systems careers, the possibilities are vast. Graduates can contribute their expertise in diverse sectors, be it at local, regional, or federal agencies or private and nonprofit organizations.
Andrew Peterson Santos, a freshman GST major, underscores the program’s versatility. The degree opens doors to countless fields, allowing students to tailor their paths to their interests. One of the areas of interest Peterson Santos highlights is the use of cartography to combat climate change. The power of mapping extends beyond environmental concerns, as it can aid businesses in finding suitable locations or tracking oil spills. Peterson Santos intends to complement his GST degree with Oceanography, envisioning a future where he can help map the seafloor and contribute to ecological sustainability through information visualization.
Cal Poly Humboldt’s Geospatial Science & Technology significance stands as a shining example of how higher education institutions can address the pressing ecological and social issues of our time. By fostering interdisciplinary skills and leveraging advanced technologies, students graduate equipped to tackle challenges head-on. With wide-ranging career opportunities and the potential to make a real difference, GST graduates are poised to become catalysts for positive change. As the world navigates the complexities of the global crisis, it is through programs like GST that we find hope for a more sustainable and harmonious future.
Originally published at https://www.newsbreak.com.
