Uchenna Osia is a Ph.D. candidate in the Center of Geospatial Analytics at North Carolina State University. Throughout her studies, she has had the opportunity to collaborate with peers and faculty across different research teams and community-focused projects, both within and outside the university.
Osia is a GEM Full Fellow and a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Program Fellow. She has also participated in the Yale University Environmental Fellows Program and received the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation Stu Shea Endowed Scholarship.
In 2021, during her time as a student at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Osia was awarded a Fulbright grant to teach English at Bassischool DeWilge, an international school in Hilversum, North Holland. This had a major influence on her Ph.D. work and deepened her commitment to her research.
We recently spoke with Osia about her decision to study geospatial analytics, her favorite experiences at NC State, her career goals, and the advice she has for students entering her field, as well as the passions that inspire her outside the classroom. Check out the Q&A below to learn more.
Why did you choose to study geospatial analytics?
Uchenna Osia: I started out as a computer engineer working on robotics to aid people with disabilities, which was rewarding but often inaccessible to those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. After switching to computer science, I looked for a field that would let me use my skills to reach people who might not have access but still need support. I spent a summer doing research in a critical geographic information system (GIS) lab during undergraduate studies, and that’s when things really clicked. That experience led me to geospatial analytics, where I now study how data and place intersect to shape environmental outcomes and influence the decisions that impact communities.
What is your favorite memory or class from your time at NC State?
Osia: There are too many classes to choose from. Some of the highlights have been CE 610: Advanced Communication for Engineering Research with Meagan Kittle Autry, DSA 495: Predictive Analytics for Improving Services with Kristin Porter and ADN 592: DIY Cartography with Tania Allen and Sara Glee Queen. I love taking classes, so much so that my advisor once had to tell me to stop. I feel really fortunate to have taken such a wide range of courses across multiple colleges at NC State; each one has uniquely shaped my perspective.
What are your career goals?
Osia: I get restless, and I like having the freedom to jump between different projects. My advisor has been very patient with me about that. I’ve had an internship almost every summer since I started my Ph.D., which helped me realize how much I enjoy working across diverse topics. I’ll be graduating soon and have found a job that lets me do just that. What matters to me now is having a wide range of problems to tackle and being able to bring a unique perspective to each. Rather than committing to one problem area, I really value the opportunity to keep learning.
How has the College of Natural Resources prepared you for your future?
Osia: There’s such a wide array of work happening at the College of Natural Resources. The college has a collaborative spirit, and that culture has reinforced the importance of drawing on the expertise around you. I’ve also gained an incredible support system, not just from my advisor and lab, but from my cohort and other students across the college.
What advice would you give to students entering your major?
Osia: My advice to students would be to really take advantage of the interdisciplinary nature of the Center for Geospatial Analytics and make the effort to connect, not only with faculty and students but also with the professionals who come to speak or collaborate. Through the Geospatial Forum series, I’ve met people using geospatial analytics in creative ways across academia and industry, which really broadened my view of where this field can take you.
I would also encourage students to be open and flexible but to stay grounded in their “why.” If you end up doing work that doesn’t truly interest you or that you can’t fully stand behind, it’ll be hard to stay motivated. Treat your degree as more than milestones to meet; it’s also a time for growth and self-discovery.
Tell us about something you are passionate about outside of your academic studies.
Osia: I love to travel and am currently working toward my “30 before 30.” I’m on country number 29. It’s definitely an incredible privilege to step out of your routine and responsibilities to experience different ways of life. I always look forward to enjoying great food, seeing new sights, and maybe meeting new people. I don’t like planning much, but it’s nice to have something to work toward when school gets taxing. Some of the countries I’ll be visiting in the coming months are Ghana, Brazil, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore.
This post was originally published in College of Natural Resources News.
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