GeoInspirations: Articles and Podcast Dialogues
Over the years, Directions Magazine has had the rare opportunity to collaborate with many of the thinkers and practitioners who have helped define the modern geospatial landscape. Their work—spanning education, research, technology, policy, and community engagement—has continually reshaped how geography is taught, understood, and applied. The GeoInspirations series was created to bring those stories forward and to share the motivations, ideas, and experiences behind lasting impact in the geospatial field.
The GeoInspirations initiative is led by Dr. Joseph Kerski, who sits down with individuals whose careers demonstrate the power of geographic thinking. Through in-depth interviews and written profiles, the series explores how geography influences decision-making, empowers communities, and opens pathways for learning and innovation. Each conversation is intended to encourage readers and listeners to apply geography in meaningful ways within their own regions and professional lives.
Featured GeoInspirations Articles and Podcasts
Below is a growing collection of GeoInspirations interviews and profiles, featuring contributors from around the world who are advancing geospatial education, research, technology, and outreach:
Andres Abeyta — Helping people learn geotechnologies online
Pakrad Balabanian — Championing geospatial education across the Middle East
Dr. Sarah Bednarz — Cultivating spatial habits of mind for a better world
Alastair Bonnett — Expanding the definition of geography beyond maps
Erik Bushland — Giving students opportunities to explore from above
Mark Bushman — Advancing ecology, education, and interdisciplinary thinking
Patricia Carbajales-Dale — Promoting GIS for social and environmental good
Allen Carroll — Environmental storytelling through maps and imagery
Jim Castagneri — Understanding the power of census geography
Letisha and Garet Couch — Strengthening GIS through collaboration and teamwork
Dr. Maria Luisa de Lázaro y Torres — Building digital atlases and improving distance learning
Susan DeMar — Leading by example and championing geography education
Karl Donert — Serving as a global ambassador for geography
Dorothy Drummond — A lifelong educator inspired by learning and travel
Jasmine Du — Helping shape the next generation of geospatial tools
Bob Dulli — A persistent advocate for geography education
Lesley-Ann Dupigny-Giroux — Taking geography into the atmosphere
Michelle Ellington — Making efficiency central to geospatial workflows
Bleys Focht — Encouraging openness to new ideas and perspectives
Ann Fritz — Building collaborations across disciplines and landscapes
Sona Guliyeva — A geospatial journey that opens global horizons
David Hansen — Making GIS understandable and accessible
Dr. Paulette Hasier — Preserving and curating cartographic heritage
Timothy Hawthorne — Expanding access to GIS for broader audiences
Raphael Heath — Teaching students to manage complex geographic risks
Nathan Heazlewood — Showing how GIS benefits the planet and careers
Dennis Hunink — Innovating at the intersection of education and development
Dr. Lawrence Joseph — Applying geographic insight to business strategy
Dr. Aikaterini Klonari — Exploring the roots and revival of geography
Erika Klose — Advancing education and science through technology
Michelle LeBlanc — Connecting libraries, communities, and geoeducation
Jenna Leveille — Finding opportunity and inspiration through geography
Brett Lucas — Balancing many roles with a clear geospatial focus
Stace Maples — Blending archaeology, librarianship, and GIS advocacy
Barry Martinez — Building a future in GIS through perseverance
Peggy McKillip — Creating environmental change one tree at a time
Judy Mraz — Supporting geography education across continents
David Neils — Connecting careers, conservation, and community
Luis Olivieri — Helping young people build futures with GIS
Simon Onywere — Advancing geospatial awareness in East Africa
Anita Palmer — Transforming the world through GIS education
Dr. Alex Philp — Envisioning GIS as a force in society
Denise Powell — Redefining the role of universities
René Pretorius — Raising the bar for geospatial excellence
James Rattling Leaf — Emphasizing responsibility and relevance in geography
Randy Raymond — Connecting schools and communities through GIS
Eva Reid — Empowering women and the geospatial community
Breece Robertson — Protecting landscapes through spatial insight
Robert Saveland — Educator, veteran, and lifelong learner
Kendis Scharenbroich — Leading GIS innovation as a CEO
Harold Schuch — Grounding GIS practice in geomatics
Lauri Sohl — Enabling smart cities and community engagement
Ken Smith — Applying geographic analysis to retail and market research
Stacey Stark — Inspiring the next generation
Dr. Josef Strobl — Advancing the frontiers of GIScience
Bill Strong — Keeping focus on what truly matters
Diana Ter-Ghazaryan — Integrating humanistic and cartographic perspectives
Grant Ian Thrall — Bridging geography, economics, and business
Beth Tulanowski — Breaking down GIS barriers from the university library
Madison Vorva — Using geography as a platform for change
Ashok & Ishu Wadwani — Combining passion for data, technology, and education
Shannon White — Building a career through spatial thinking
Dr. John Wilson — Leading spatial sciences in academia and beyond
Amy Work — Connecting people, place, and the environment
GeoInspirational Women
This dedicated collection highlights women who are making lasting contributions to geography, GIS, and spatial education, offering role models and perspectives that continue to strengthen and diversify the geospatial community.
