Hi! My name is Charlotte Klein (She/Her) and I’m a recent graduate from the University of Oregon’s Robert D. Clark Honors College where I double majored in Spatial Data Science & Technology and Environmental Science. During undergrad, I discovered my passion for exploring socioecological systems across spatiotemporal scales using geographic data science. My research has encompassed the mapping of waterway zinc pollution and the geospatial assessment of prison labor within fire suppression schemes in Oregon.

The course, Data Driven Cartography, was the culminating cartography course in my undergraduate degree and it helped me critically examine the role I have in representing reality as a scientist and cartographer. Maps, as representations of spatial data, can be extremely valuable in conveying information visually. However, as the principles of feminist cartography emphasize, maps are not objective and neutral representation of the world. Every cartographer makes decisions in design and data choice which influence the way maps and the data within are perceived by viewers. This course helped me build intention into my map design practice, on current and future projects, to dismantle systems of power and oppression, bias, and prejudice that have long been built into maps and passed on to map readers.

Please enjoy the works I have created this term!