Justin White

Degree, Program, and date of graduation: M.S. Geography, Spring 2013

Dates of working with the WGD Program: Spring 2012-Spring 2013

What work did you do with the WGD program?

"My research involves the human perceptions of raptors and land use/cover changes in rural populations of western Haiti. As a geographer, I feel it is important to discover the local knowledge of the regional environment. Aside from deforestation and land degradation, little is known about how the people in rural, less influenced by financial aid, Haiti view and interact with their surroundings. This is especially unique due to the high potential for biodiversity in these areas. Improving our understanding of these subjects of study is one way to bridge the gap between the Haitian culture and ours.

"Dr. Christie is on my thesis committee and has been an immense help in advising me on the human aspects of my research. She has really fine-tuned parts of my research enabling them to be successful.

"Collecting data through interviews can be very difficult and often information can be miscommunicated. I have also continued the ongoing learning process of working with other cultures through attending the WID Discussions."

Most exciting experience, interesting discovery, or connections made:

"The most fulfilling part of working with WID is the entire world which WID connects to. The program brings in many great speakers which present on incredibly fascinating subjects from around the world. I have especially enjoyed discussions on African cultures and would consider working there in the future."

After-graduation plans:

"I hope to continue on to further school and become a professor. The art of teaching has the potential to be very empowering to students."

How has the WGD program influenced your future?

"Most importantly, it provided me with the insight, education, and understanding of how genders interact in other cultures and the significance of it. The road to learning how to bridge cultural gaps is never ending."