Geospatial Forum

Lecture

Speaker: Mr. Jason J. Roberts, Research Associate, Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab, Duke University

Hosted by: Dr. DelWayne Bohnenstiehl, Professor in the Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, and CGA Faculty Fellow

Summary: Species distribution models increasingly drive regulatory and policy decisions for the ocean by providing data needed to balance ecological and economic priorities. This trend will only accelerate as additional satellites and drones come online, providing new modes of remote sensing and ever-expanding coverage. In this Geospatial Forum talk, I’ll discuss my career transition from a software engineer focused on operating system development to a marine ecologist who specializes in modeling spatial distributions of marine megafauna. I’ll describe what I do, what I’ve learned on this journey so far, and how I think the field will continue to develop.

About the speaker: Originally a software engineer with a passion for scuba diving and other marine hobbies, I left Microsoft in 2003 to pursue a full time career in marine research and conservation. At the Duke Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab since 2006, I split my time between writing software tools and conducting scientific research. I’m interested in facilitating progress in marine ecology and conservation by developing, applying, and helping others apply advanced software tools, statistical methods, and modeling approaches. Currently, I spend most of my time developing species distribution models for the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale and other marine mammals that inhabit the western North Atlantic.

Lecture

Speaker: Dr. Eleni Bardaka, Associate Professor, Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering (CCEE), and CGA Faculty Fellow

Introduction by: Dr. Ashly Cabas, Associate Professor, Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering (CCEE), and CGA Faculty Fellow

Summary: Forthcoming.

About the speaker: Forthcoming.

Lecture

Speaker: Dr. Matt Dannenberg, Assistant Professor, Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences, University of Iowa

Hosted by: Dr. Chris Jones, Senior Research Staff and Faculty Fellow, Center for Geospatial Analytics, NC State

Summary: Forthcoming.

About the speaker: Forthcoming.

Lecture

Geospatial Analytics Ph.D. students will share current research in a series of short talks.

Hosted by: To be announced.

Speakers

> Randi Butler –Title forthcoming (advised by Natalie Nelson)

Abstract: Forthcoming.

> Rebecca Composto – Title forthcoming (advised by Mirela Tulbure)

Abstract: Forthcoming.

> Christina Perella – Title forthcoming (co-advised by Adam Terando and Jelena Vukomanovic)

Abstract: Forthcoming.

> Owen Smith – Title forthcoming (advised by Josh Gray)

Abstract: Forthcoming.

Lecture

Speaker: Nick Okafor, Founder and Executive Director @ trubel&co, and doctoral student at Stanford University 

Hosted by: Dr. Aaron Hipp, Professor of Community Health and Sustainability, Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, and Associate Director of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Geospatial Analytics

Summary: Technology holds immense potential to advance social outcomes and equity, yet without intentional design, it can also reinforce systemic inequalities. This session examines how critical GIS, guided by abolitionist strategies, can serve as a transformative tool to mitigate harm, amplify equity, and spark civic imagination. Drawing on examples of biased algorithms and data-driven solutions that fail to account for community needs, it highlights the risks of perpetuating harm when technology is developed without intention. Strategies in liberatory innovation can guide the creation of geospatial tools that center marginalized voices, enable collective repair, and prioritize community-led solutions.

About the speaker: Nick Okafor (he/him), a strategist and design researcher, is the founder of trubel&co, a tech-justice nonprofit that mobilizes the next generation to tackle complex societal challenges using equitable data analytics, responsible technology, and inclusive design. trubel&co builds youth power in the digital age by grounding career technical education with liberatory design and experiential learning, where its flagship program, Mapping Justice, teaches high school youth to design geospatial tools for social change. Nick is also a graduate student at Stanford University between the School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Education, where his research focuses on the practice and pedagogy of liberatory innovation. Previously, Nick was a Senior Associate at Sidewalk Labs (Google’s urban innovation arm), where he piloted and scaled emerging products that improve quality of life in cities. Nick holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering and sustainable development from Washington University in St. Louis. He is committed to ensuring the digital revolution can increase opportunity, mitigate harm, and create liberatory futures for all.

Symposium: Note this event is in Hunt Library’s Teaching and Visualization Lab, Room 4505, 3:00 – 4:15 p.m. ET.

The MGIST Digital Symposium is an opportunity for our graduating professional master’s students to present their Capstone projects to the geospatial community at NC State and beyond. This includes student peers, alumni, faculty and staff from across the university, and our community and industry partners. This is a tremendous professional development and networking opportunity for our students.

The technology in Hunt Library will allow students to present digital posters of their Capstone projects on a large, immersive projection screen in a social atmosphere with networking and open discussion. The event is capped off with an award to the winner of the poster competition!

Schedule: To be announced.