Giselle Pickering

Current position/affiliation: Scientist for the Queensland Department of Environment & Science working in water planning sciences

The Meaning of Geography to Me

To me, geography is an inquisitive exploration of the natural and socio-cultural structures
and systems that contextualise our world. Geographic study and approaches allow us to
examine phenomena within their spatial and temporal context to better understand why
they exist and how we can work with them to improve the existence of life (people,
animals, systems) within environment. I appreciate that geography has allowed me to keep
a broad, holistic perspective when approaching scientific challenges, where other disciplines
may have preferred follow a more focused or narrow approach that risks over-simplifying
complex social, cultural and environmental interactions.

Impact of iGeo Preparation on my Life

Being selected for the Australian team and participating in the iGeo competition
encouraged me to consider the breadth of geography in a global context and how much we
can gain from understanding societies and landscapes beyond national borders. I’d always
been interested in geography at school but being part of the iGeo inspired me to continue
studying university-level geography and pursue a career relating to geographical science.

Ideas for Promoting Geography

When promoting geography to high school & university students in Australia I’ve found it
can be really helpful to highlight the wide range of areas and careers that can benefit from
an understanding of geography. The broad applicability of geography is it’s greatest
strength but also sometimes its weakness since it isn’t as visible as disciplines like engineering, mathematics, medicine but could easily be used in all of them. I quite like
visualising the world overlain with a multitude of invisible threads weaving together
interactions between people and their environments. Studying geography helps us to see
the threads and to learn how to use them to exchange ideas, goods, services and support
within and across borders.