Today in Geography - Celebrating National Drinking Water Week with Angelique Willis

Today, we welcomed Angelique Willis to the show. Angelique is a dual-major PhD student in the MSU Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences and the Environmental Science and Policy Program. Angelique is strongly committed to leveraging her expertise in Geography, Public Health, Epidemiology, Environmental Health, and GIS to enhance drinking water quality and safeguard human health. Her work focuses on the unique drinking water challenges faced by low-income communities and communities of color, where systemic inequities often exacerbate these issues. Through rigorous research and informed policy advocacy, Angelique aims to uncover and address these disparities, driving transformative changes. Her approach involves mapping drinking water quality issues and conducting studies to assess health impacts. Ultimately, she strives to create sustainable solutions that resonate both locally and nationally, advancing environmental justice and improving public health outcomes.

Angelique also discussed the importance of National Drinking Water Week, which takes place the first week of May. In 1988, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) brought Drinking Water Week to the attention of the U.S. government and formed a coalition along with the League of Women Voters, the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Rep. Robert Roe and Sen. Dennis DeConcini subsequently sponsored a resolution to name the first week of May as Drinking Water Week, and the week-long observance was declared in a joint congressional resolution signed by then-President Ronald Reagan. Recognizing Drinking Water Week is an easy way to educate the public, connect with the community, and promote employee morale. Too often, water utilities only receive negative publicity — a main break in the middle of rush hour or increasing rates. Recognizing Drinking Water Week provides an opportunity for positive communication.

For more information about Angelique’s work, visit her LinkedIn page. To learn more about National Drinking Water Week, visit the American Water Works Association website.

Our Sponsor: The MSU onGEO Professional GIS Certificate Program

Our sponsor for this episode is the onGEO Professional GIS Certificate Program at Michigan State University. Their online Geospatial Data Analytics & Visualization Certificate aims to advance the geospatial tools & technology skill-set of professionals currently working in fields that use geospatial technologies. It is also an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to revamp their current career, earn continuing-education or teaching credits, or simply learn new and marketable skills.

The online Geospatial Data Analytics & Visualization Certificate consists of four (core) fully online courses that are each delivered in 7-week sessions. These core courses cover topics ranging from map design, interactive and temporal mapping, geovisualization, spatial data analytics, spatial statistics, geoprocessing, geospatial analysis, and much more. In addition to content-based modules, each course features a series of online labs designed to give students hands-on experience using geospatial technologies and improve technical competency.

Ready to get started? Visit  ⁠ongeo.msu.edu to learn more.