Hear from
the professors

“My speciality is geospatial intelligence or GeoINT—a field that blends satellite imagery, mapping, and big data to solve real-world problems. I like to tell my students: every time you open Google Maps to find the fastest route to Kyle Field on game day, you’re relying on geospatial intelligence. The same methods that guide you through traffic also guide military missions, track the spread of disease, and help first responders find safe landing zones during disasters.

It’s about taking location-based information and turning it into insight. I’m thrilled that our department recently launched new coursework and a certificate in geospatial intelligence. This skill set is in high demand across government, defence, business, and emergency management. My role is to bring my real-world experience to the classroom, so students leave knowing both the opportunities and responsibilities of the field.

In class, we analyse how GEOINT shaped major events like the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Ebola outbreak in Africa, and the Iraq War. Sometimes it was the key to success; other times, its limitations taught us invaluable lessons. My primary goal is to help students think critically and use these tools responsibly.  

What excites me most about geospatial intelligence today is how technology is transforming the field. I remember spending a year manually counting fishing boats in Haiti, only to finish with inconclusive results. Now, artificial intelligence can do in a day what once took me a year—that frees analysts to spend more time thinking critically and making connections. AI won’t replace human insight, but it makes us even more effective.  

Ultimately, my greatest hope is to spark curiosity and confidence in my students. I want them to see geospatial intelligence not just as maps and data, but as a powerful tool to make better decisions — for their communities, careers, and the world.” 

“Our graduates leave this programme with a disciplined approach to data quality, equipped not only with the technical skills but also the mindset to implement and sustain high standards in any organisation.  

They understand that a well-designed data management plan is the backbone of producing valuable data and avoiding costly business risks, and they appreciate the importance of regularly evaluating data models, architectures, and workflows to ensure data remains accessible and of the highest quality throughout its lifecycle. By integrating data management with governance, our graduates are prepared to guarantee data integrity and usability for all stakeholders.  

They know that data governance is more than just rules — it is the driving force behind an organisation’s commitment to trustworthy data. With this foundation, our graduates are empowered to take initiative, drive meaningful improvements, and help organisations establish and advance their data governance maturity, making them valuable assets to any employer."