Right after finishing my bachelor’s degree many years ago, I traveled through Central America and Mexico. Observing amazing natural beauty, warm people, struggles with poverty, vibrant yet chaotic cities, and remnants of civil conflict, I specifically remember wishing I had taken a class that examines the social, economic, and environmental characteristics of the region. Little did I know that geography is exactly what I needed!

Geography not only helps me understand the world around me, it includes cool technologies like digital mapping (known as geographic information systems) and satellite remote sensing images. It’s the perfect mix of a really interesting social science and cutting-edge technology! My studies in geography led me to research how neighborhoods and cities evolve, and I ultimately ended up focusing on Latin America.