Bridging Academia and Industry: How Dr. Victoria Fast is Empowering Students Through the National Geomatics Expo
As Canada’s National Geomatics Expo approaches, we’re excited to share insights from one of our key academic contributors, Dr. Victoria Fast. In this interview, she highlights her innovative approach to geospatial education at the University of Calgary and discusses how her students are actively engaging with real-world projects through the Expo. Dr. Fast’s integration of the Expo into her Geospatial Project Management class exemplifies the value of connecting academia with industry. This year’s Expo offers an incredible opportunity for students and professionals alike to network, learn, and experience the latest advancements in the geospatial field.
GoGeomatics: Can you tell us more about yourself and the GEOG 587 Geospatial Project Management class at the University of Calgary?
Victoria: I’m an associate professor and graduate program director for the Master of GIS program in the Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts, at the University of Calgary. My specialization is in urban GIS and accessibility mapping—which I’m presenting at the expo about this on Wednesday at 3 PM!—and I have a passion for integrating real-world projects and scenarios into academic learning.
The Geospatial Project Management capstone class is not just about applying the latest spatial analysis tools (which we do); we focus on developing and managing real-world projects. The students gain hands-on experience in both the technical and interpersonal aspects of geospatial project management by working together to create a 2024 GIS edition of the “State of Our City” report series by Sustainable Calgary.
GoGeomatics: How many students are expected to participate? Who are they?
Victoria: We have 17 students from our Geography and Urban Studies undergraduate programs, pursuing both BA and BSc degrees, some with a concentration in GIS. Our graduates often find themselves in roles such as applied data scientists, cartographers, GIS project managers, and various other positions within the geospatial, environmental, or urban fields.
GoGeomatics: What was their reaction when you gave the national geomatics expo as an assignment?
Victoria: They were all in! The opportunity to engage with industry professionals and learn about cutting-edge technologies and processes added a new dimension—and excitement—to their learning.
GoGeomatics: What motivated you to get your students involved in the GoGeomatics Expo this year?
Victoria: I wanted to expand the course learning outcomes to include enhancing interpersonal skills like professional communication, networking, and interviewing. The Expo is the perfect stage for students to develop these skills, build their networks, and engage with the broader geospatial community.
GoGeomatics: How do you think participating in events like this can shape their future careers in the geospatial industry?
Victoria: It opens their eyes to careers they didn’t know existed. Students learn about unique fields and career directions and discover the range of exciting jobs available. These insights broaden their understanding of the industry’s possibilities and shape their future career paths.
GoGeomatics: Could you share some examples of specific tasks or assignments that the students will be working on during the Expo?
Victoria: Students must engage in two of four tasks. The tasks are fun and include creating social media content, interviewing industry professionals, writing reflections on their experiences, and developing story maps based on what they encounter. These activities are all aimed at deepening their engagement at the Expo.
GoGeomatics: Can we share the assignment word doc with our readers as part of this interview?
Victoria: Yes, feel free! The assignment is worth 10% of their final grade and outlines all the activities they’ll be tackling and how these integrate with their learning objectives. Link to the Assignment
This is one of 12 diverse assignments in the course, each worth 10%. To accommodate different strengths, I consider the top 10 grades for the final assessment. Other assignments include presentations, peer support, editorial activities, engaging in an academic conference, and more.
GoGeomatics: What aspects of the Expo are you particularly excited for your students to experience, whether it’s networking, presentations, or hands-on demonstrations?
All of the above! Networking, presentations, hands-on demos—they’re all invaluable experiences you can’t replicate in the classroom.
GoGeomatics: In your opinion, how important is it for students to engage with industry professionals and current trends at events like the GoGeomatics Expo?
It’s vital. Engaging with industry pros and staying on top of trends bridges the gap between academia and the real world. It’s where learning gets real.
GoGeomatics: Finally, what message do you have for other “Geo” educators or industry professionals about the value of involving students in professional conferences like this?
Victoria:Students today are swamped with online content—they need more than lectures to get their attention. Conferences like the GoGeomatics Expo engage them fully, making learning tangible and, dare I say, exciting.
Many thanks to Jonathan Murphy, and the team at GoGeomatics, for supporting us in being part of the National Geomatics Expo.
I encourage fellow educators and industry professionals to create more opportunities for students to participate in such events.
GoGeomatics: Thank you, Dr. Fast, for sharing your time, passion, expertise and for your continued dedication to fostering the next generation of geospatial professionals. Your integration of the National Geomatics Expo into academic learning showcases the incredible value that events like these bring to students and the broader geospatial industry.
We encourage other academic programs and institutions to get involved in future Expos, providing students with hands-on experiences and opportunities to connect with industry professionals. If you’d like to explore participation for next year’s event, feel free to reach out to us at info@gogeomatics.ca —we’d love to help your students engage with the cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of geomatics.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Platinum
Gold
Silver
