As we come close to the end of the Fall semester, we are excited to spotlight one of our soon-to-be graduates! Olamiposi "Caleb" Fagunloye is a second-year M.S. student concentrating in geography who will be graduating at the end of this semester. Learn more about Caleb and his graduate research in our Q&A below!
Where are you from originally?
I am originally from Nigeria.
Where did you go to school before coming to GSU?
Before coming to GSU, I attended Federal University of Technology, Akure, in Nigeria, where I earned my B.Tech in Remote Sensing and GIS.
What year in school are you?
I am currently in my second year, in my final semester in graduate school.
What’s your major/concentration?
I am completing an M.S. in Geosciences with a Geography concentration, and I’m also working toward a Professional Certification in GIS.
Which class has been your favorite to take in the Department of Geosciences?
My favorite classes have been Digital Cartography and Global Climate Change taught by Dr. Shelton and Professor Diem. Digital Cartography helped me develop critical skills in map-making and data visualization, which are fundamental for presenting geospatial data effectively. On the other hand, Global Climate Change gave me a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges we face and how geospatial data can be used to track and mitigate climate-related changes.
What is your favorite thing about being a GEOS major at GSU?
What I enjoy most about being a GEOS major at GSU is the interdisciplinary approach and collaborative environment. The faculty are deeply invested in student growth, and the hands-on opportunities for research and development are truly empowering. Being able to connect with cutting-edge research in geospatial technologies has not only expanded my knowledge but also helped me make meaningful contributions to the field. Additionally, the support and encouragement I’ve received from faculty members, including yourself, has been instrumental in my academic and professional journey.
Tell us a bit about your research and what you’ve been working on while you’ve been here at GSU…
During my time at GSU, I’ve been conducting research on urbanization's impact on rainfall in Atlanta. The study focuses on understanding how urban expansion affects local precipitation patterns and contributes to environmental changes in metropolitan areas. This research has allowed me to dive deep into geospatial analysis, using tools like GIS and remote sensing to analyze spatial data and its relationship with atmospheric conditions. Additionally, I had the privilege of presenting some of this work at NACIS, NABG and other conferences. Earlier in October, I attended the GIS-Pro Conference, where I was also honored with the URISA GIS Young Professional Scholarship Award and inducted into the Vanguard Cabinet. These experiences have reinforced my passion for exploring geospatial technologies to address urban challenges for community wellbeing.
What are you planning to do after GSU and how do you think your GEOS degree has prepared you for that?
After completing my degree at GSU, I plan to continue advancing my career in the field of geospatial systems, particularly focusing on disaster response and recovery, public infrastructures, smart cities, and climate change mitigation strategies. My experience in the program, combined with the hands-on research opportunities and involvement in professional organizations like URISA, has equipped me with the technical skills and leadership experience to drive innovative solutions in geospatial technology. I aim to continue my work in integrating AI & ML into geospatial platforms to enhance data-driven decision-making for urban development and environmental sustainability. Serving on the Vanguard Cabinet for URISA has given me invaluable insights into global trends and challenges, and I am eager to bring these perspectives into future roles.