Marla R. Emery, Geographer

Geography includes many different things like geographic information systems (GIS) and maps. However, one important focus of geography is the relationship between people and nature – how human beings and their activities affect nature and how nature affects human beings.

• Listen carefully and respectfully to people from diverse cultures
• Thorough record-keeping and organization
• Attention to detail
• Critical thinking

How do people use wild plants and mushrooms?

Audio recording equipment is very important to my research because interviews with people who use wild plants and mushrooms are my most important source of data. Software that helps me analyze interview data in a thorough, rigorous fashion is also essential for my work.

Even today, people gather a lot of wild plants and mushrooms! Gathering creates deep connections between people and nature and can play an important role in human health and wellbeing.

In the late 1980s, I worked on a United Nations project to reduce damage and deaths from natural disasters. I was captivated by the power of science to analyze a problem and suggest solutions that would make a positive difference in the world.