Esri YPN Introduction - GIS in Food Systems Research

Question

Hi everyone! My name is Sydney Turpin, I am a graduate student at the University of Alabama getting my master's in Geography. My research focuses on power imbalances in the agri-food system of Alabama, measuring power through economic and spatial relationships. This includes creating the first ever comprehensive map of Alabama's agri-food system! Generally, I am interested in researching food access/food insecurity, small-scale agriculture, and sustainable agriculture.

I've recently joined Esri's YPN and am working towards becoming a community ambassador. In joining this community, I hope to learn more about the world of GIS and all it has to offer.

I am currently in the process of deciding if I would like to continue to a PhD or enter the workforce once I graduate, so any advice or guidance on that dilemma is appreciated. I've already seen so many wonderful resources and great posts on here, I am excited to see what the future holds!

Please reach out if you have any questions or would like to connect! Here is my LinkedIn- give me a shout!

austinhollisflint · Answer

Hi, Sydney! I did my Master's in GIS and while completing it, had the same conundrum about possibly pursuing a PhD or entering the workforce. My path ended up getting a job and I have been employed in GIS for about five years now, but PhD is still something that I could see myself pursuing in the future.

I am also in Alabama, and have lived all around the Southeast, growing up in agriculture and am deeply interested in the application of GIS with agriculture. I do a lot of gardening and volunteering with groups that seek to address food insecurity outside of work, and sustainable agriculture is an interest of mine. Welcome to the community. I know I'm typing this up five months afterward (lol), and you probably already made your decision, but I wish you luck on whatever you ended up doing.

RemaalRaaj · Answer

Welcome Sydney! Your work sounds impactful—mapping agri-food systems is a great use of GIS. Whether you choose a PhD or jump into the workforce, there’s so much potential ahead. Happy to connect!

RonBurnsGISP-E · Answer

Welcome, Sydney. Your research sounds incredibly important and impactful. Mapping Alabama’s agri-food system is a huge step toward understanding and addressing food access and sustainability. I really admire your focus and the way you’re using GIS to support that work. I recently finished my bachelor's in Geospatial Sciences and can relate to the decision between pursuing a PhD or jumping into the workforce. If you ever want to talk through that or just exchange ideas about GIS and food systems, I’d be happy to connect. Here’s my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldgburns/. Wishing you all the best on your journey.