Welcome

“we all have an obligation to daydream. we have an obligation to imagine....

individuals make the future and they do it by imagining that things can be different.”

(Gaiman& Riddell, 2018)

Hello, I am Justine Blanford. 

My interest in geography started at an early age through my exposure to different environments around the world but also through a unique education in Kenya. While at a school (Tigoni Academy for Girls) with a very unique headmaster, who believed that you learned just as much, if not more outside of the classroom as you do inside, we were bundled into a cattle truck and exposed to all aspects of geography throughout Kenya. During our many field trips we learned about the flora and fauna within a variety of unique habitats ranging from warm tropical coral reefs along the coast to the lush highlands and cool high altitudes of Mt Kenya and Kilimanjaro. Along the way we climbed mountains and volcanoes in and around the rift valley; inched our way through caves deep in bat guano, learned about geothermal power, different forms of erosion and glaciation and cultures. Having experienced these diverse habitats helps me understand the environments I am continually analyzing and modelling through my work digitally.

Since my time of scrabbling over mountains and through bat guano I have accumulated considerable, and considerably varied research experiences as an active researcher and educator. In general I use GIS, big datasets and a variety of geospatial computational and analysis methods to address applied research questions across a range of topics as diverse as sinkholes and sky islands, tornadoes and turtles, and malaria and migration, among others (see Research, Education and Publications). At its core, however, my research has focused on broad issues related to human health, examining causes and consequences from local to global spatial and temporal scales and anywhere in between that is relevant to the system of study.

Over the years, my experiences have evolved into a rich tapestry of research and education through a geospatial lens and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). I have lead a wide array of applied research projects many tackling the global challenges we are facing today related to climate change, vector-borne diseases, food security to digital data structures and most importantly the transfer of knowledge and skills through education. Without education many of use would not be in the careers we are in today. 

As the quantity and availability of geospatially enabled data continues to increase dramatically, so do the concomitant challenges and opportunities associated with the appropriate gathering, analyzing and dissemination of the findings from these data.  Spatial Data and GIScience clearly plays a central role in addressing many real-world problems and from an educational perspective, I am interested in expanding and strengthening Spatial Data and GIScience education and also building scholarly communities and networks to foster multi-disciplinary Spatial Data and GIScience research and education.  As an academic who has taught in an online program geared towards working professionals, and who has also worked outside of academia, I can fully appreciate the many levels of education needed to help students and professionals develop skill sets that enable them to excel within the realm of the Spatial Data and GISciences across a wide range of disciplines and industries.

The message is clear. We CANNOT continue on the path we have been with over-consumption, biodiversity loss and climate change with rising temperatures pushing us beyond safe limits. GIScience plays a central role in addressing many pressing real-world issues. As Programme Director of a Master's programme my goal has been to enhance our education in this field by building scholarly communities that foster interdisciplinary research and education in Spatial Data and GIS/Earth Observation Science and create a geospatial learning hub that enables for deeper insights into the challenges while also considering solutions for creating a healthy sustainable and liveable planet. We need to cross boundaries and work together in the polycene era. We do this through education. Education is about investing in society and building community for the future. We need education more than ever during times of disruption and transformation. It is what brings us together, allows for open dialogues and different perspectives in safe spaces so that we can explore what is needed next and find the solutions for tomorrow.

justine blanford GIS Geography GIScience Health Disaster planetary health geohealth vaccination malaria geoAI  klass