095: We've Got a Planet to Take Care Of, and It's Not Just One Group of People Who Are Going to Save It

Dr. Stacy Nelson is a professor in the College of Natural Resource Center for Geospatial Analytics at NC State University. Prior to this, Stacy was a NASA Graduate Research Fellow at the John C Stennis Space Center and an Adjunct Professor for the Department of Math and Science at Lansing Community College. Stacy's research primarily focuses on the use of remote sensing and GIS technologies to address questions of land use and land cover change on aquatic systems. On today's show, Stacy demonstrates why he's so passionate about the field of work he is in, the promising and optimistic things he sees in our younger generation, and he also explains how there is tons of growth and opportunity in natural resources.   Key Takeaways: [:55] A message from Leadership Nature. [1:45] A quick intro about Stacy's background. [3:35] How did Stacy get into natural resources? [12:15] Stacy highlights the importance of having mentors in your life to help push you into new fields of interests. [15:45] Did Stacy have to overcome a lot of challenges while in the natural resource field? [19:55] How did Stacy discover GIS technology and become specialized in that? [21:55] As a man of color, Stacy believes we still have a long way to go when it comes to diversity. [26:45] What keeps young children motivated and engaged when Stacy comes in to talk about natural resources? [29:25] Stacy shares a quick story about what he does and how engaged people can get when it comes to a topic like fish! [37:25] What do natural resource professionals need to learn sooner about people and managing people? [40:45] What does Stacy think about the next generation that will be coming into natural resources? [44:35] We are seeing more and more women join graduate programs in natural resources, but we still need to be doing a better job. [48:15] There's so much room for opportunity and growth in natural resources/forestry that the field can cater to literally any passion you might have about nature.   Mentioned in This Episode: Cmast.ncsu.edu