Geography, Environment, and Sustainability

Julia C. Greer

Posted on August 1, 2018

My perspective of higher education has always been to imagine a tool belt. One on which you can carry your many skills and experiences to meet any academic or career challenge in the future. My undergraduate degrees include a BA in Anthropology and a BA in Biology. Together these two fields provided me with a broader outlook on the relationship humans form with each other and their environment. These academic experiences lead to a nearly four year career with the National Park Service in conservation and archaeology.

My decision to enroll in the Graduate School at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro seemed like a natural transition. The study of Geography encompasses human interaction with their surroundings, the relationship of the physical world and the social realms of society. Throughout my graduate career I particularly enjoyed pairing studies of political geography, regional economic development and technology. I found it essential to equip my tool belt with understandings of geopolitical history, international development and analysis of geodatabases. The Department of Geography offers excellent resources and laboratory access to students, allowing each individual to develop their interests in the diverse course offerings.

During my graduate studies I was able to participate in several academic conferences in the Society for Economic Anthropology, the American Anthropological Association and Southeast Division of the Association American Geographers. This aspect of academic study is an essential and encouraged part of the graduate experience. Through these opportunities I was able to practice presentation skills while receiving input on my own research. The faculty of the Department

In 2015 I completed my MA in Applied Geography at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. That same year I embarked on a 27 month term as Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin, West Africa. As a Rural Community Health Advisor I lead regional campaigns in Lassa, Ebola and Malaria prevention. Developed and implemented public health training courses for rural community health care workers in maternal and child health, hygiene, nutrition and disease prevention. At the close of my service, my tool belt includes experience in community development in rural West Africa, communication skills in three foreign languages and most importantly a better perspective on how best to impact the world around me.

In the coming years, I would like to use my skills to pursue a doctorate. I know that there are many more additions that can be made to the dynamic education I have experienced both in and out of the classroom.