Bridging Public Health and GIS: My Journey to the Vanguard Cabinet for the Geospatial Professional Network
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have transformed how we understand and address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from public health to environmental sustainability and disaster response. This article shares my journey as a young geospatial professional, driven by my passion for geography and mapping, which has guided me through years of study, hands-on projects, and impactful research, culminating in a unique opportunity to help shape the future of GIS as a member of the 2025-2027 URISA Vanguard Cabinet.
My name is Mathew Chidera Ugwuanyi, a dedicated GIS Technician, and a geospatial enthusiast working for Highlands County, Florida. My background is in geography from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. During my master’s at UW-Milwaukee I examined lung cancer mortality patterns in Wisconsin, using GIS to analyze geographic clusters and identify areas with limited access to screening facilities.
The Path to GIS and Public Health
The journey from my early studies in Geography to becoming a member of the 2025-2027 URISA Vanguard Cabinet has been filled with continuous growth and learning. My career in GIS began years ago while studying Geography at the University of Nigeria, where I first encountered the power of GIS in biodiversity conservation. Over time, I developed a deep passion for how GIS can address other pressing issues in public health and the environment. Today, I find myself at an exciting intersection in my career, with new emerging opportunities.
Driven by a desire to apply geospatial knowledge to real-world challenges, my exploration of GIS began during my undergraduate years, where I investigated the drivers of biodiversity loss. This initial focus evolved into a broader interest in the intricate relationships between geography, health, and the environment. My master’s research focused on lung cancer mortality and associated risk factors across Wisconsin, where I merged spatial analysis with public health to explore the geographic patterns of lung cancer mortality. At the annual South Florida GIS Conference, I presented on lung cancer mortality rates in Florida, exploring spatial patterns, clusters and travel time dynamics. This research and experience amplified my understanding of how GIS can be leveraged to map out health disparities and guide better decision-making and policies in healthcare.
Currently, I apply these experiences and insights into my current role as a GIS Technician II in Highlands County, Florida. Here, I support a variety of GIS projects, including those that touch on disaster preparedness, healthcare access, and infrastructure planning. My work has allowed me to deepen my technical skills while collaborating across departments and seeing how geospatial sciences can benefit communities.
Joining the URISA Vanguard Cabinet
Being selected as a member of URISA's Vanguard Cabinet for the 2025-2027 cohort is a great opportunity, marking an important milestone in my professional journey. The Vanguard Cabinet (VC) is designed for emerging geospatial professionals, and it provides a platform to contribute to the future of GIS, while also connecting with like-minded peers. I am honored to be part of this group, and I anticipate making impactful contributions.
My focus within the VC is to advance the use of GIS for public health initiatives and environmental sustainability. These are some of the areas where GIS continues to drive change. The Cabinet gives me the opportunity to mentor and support other emerging professionals, which in turn enriches my own understanding and skills.
The Transition of URISA to the Geospatial Professional Network
As I step into this new role on the VC, I do so during an exciting time for the organization. Recently, URISA rebranded itself as the Geospatial Professional Network (GPN), a name that better reflects the diverse range of professionals who contribute to the geospatial field. This transition marks a broader recognition of how interconnected our industry has become, encompassing not just traditional GIS work, but also innovations in remote sensing, data science, cartography, artificial intelligence and more.
For me, the GPN rebranding resonates with the diversity of the work I have been involved in, from biodiversity conservation to mapping healthcare accessibility and assisting disaster response efforts. This shift also opens more opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, as professionals from different geospatial domains come together to address complex challenges. I believe this inclusive approach will help drive innovation and encourage more comprehensive solutions to the issues we face today.
In the ever-changing world of geospatial sciences, the path forward is one of innovation and collaboration, of which data sharing with the aim of innovation has been geospatial professional’s forte. From my early studies in Geography to the opportunities provided through initiatives like the Vanguard Cabinet, this journey highlights the impactful role that GIS can play in addressing today's critical challenges.
As a member of the Geospatial Professional Network, I am excited to join a community that embraces diverse perspectives, all working toward creating relevant changes and advancing the geospatial field for future generations.
I hope this story inspires, excites, and motivates readers on their own journeys in GIS and beyond. Each step taken holds the potential to contribute to significant solutions and personal growth. I would love to hear how you are using GIS to make a difference in your communities. Please share your stories in the comments below.
Also, you can connect with me on LinkedIn.