TUCSON, Ariz. — As powerful geographic information systems and technologies are revolutionizing planning and operations in the military, the University of Arizona has launched a project to encourage ROTC students and student veterans to pursue careers as scientists and engineers with the U.S. Navy.
Led by the College of Education’s Sara Chavarria, the principal investigator, an interdisciplinary team has launched “NAVy Intelligence through Geospatial Applications and TEchnology,” or NAVIGATE. The three-year project has received more than $748,000 in funding from the Office of Naval Research.
The immersive science, engineering, technology and mathematics (STEM) training program will provide students with specialized training in geospatial technology while helping them to prepare for STEM careers with the Navy, other military branches or careers in law enforcement.
“Geospatial technology is becoming the common operating platform for what happens on the land and in the air,” said Karen Siderelis, co-principal investigator on the grant and a research scientist for the School of Natural Resources and the Environment.
Generally, geospatial thinking refers to the process of applying scientific and technological methods to chart and map reading, investigating spatial relationships and both identifying and interpreting spatial patterns. Such skills are important for the use of GIS, remote sensing and global positioning systems.
“Geospatial tools are necessary for any work that requires people to understand patterns, or to see big-picture-level issues, whether that be for a community or region or at the global level,” said Chavarria, the assistant dean of research development and outreach for the College of Education, where she is also assistant director of the STEM Learning Center.
Geared toward UA Naval ROTC and student veterans who are in their freshman and sophomore years, NAVIGATE includes field experiences through a highly participatory and practical two-sequence course.
