Nelson, Stacy
Stacy Nelson
Dr. Stacy Nelson is a prominent figure in geospatial analytics, renowned for his invaluable contributions to the field and his unwavering commitment to environmental education. As a Professor in the College of Natural Resources’s Center for Geospatial Analytics at North Carolina State University and the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, his career is marked by innovation and a passion for preserving the natural world. Dr. Nelson worked as a NASA Graduate Research Fellow at the John C. Stennis Space Center and is a North Carolina Wildlife Federation board member.
“Everyone has to be involved and educated about how our environment is changing.” - Dr. Stacy Nelson, 2018
Caldwell, P. V., Kennen, J. G., Sun, G., Kiang, J. E., Butcher, J. B., Eddy, M. C., … & McNulty, S. G. (2015). A comparison of hydrologic models for ecological flows and water availability. Ecohydrology, 8(8), 1525-1546.
Khorram, S., Koch, F. H., Van der Wiele, C. F., & Nelson, S. A. (2012). Remote sensing. Springer Science & Business Media.
Cakir, H. I., Khorram, S., & Nelson, S. A. (2006). Correspondence analysis for detecting land cover change. Remote Sensing of Environment, 102(3-4), 306-317.
Nelson, S. A., Cheruvelil, K. S., & Soranno, P. A. (2006). Satellite remote sensing of freshwater macrophytes and the influence of water clarity. Aquatic Botany, 85(4), 289-298.
Nelson, S. A., Soranno, P. A., Cheruvelil, K. S., Batzli, S. A., & Skole, D. L. (2003). Regional assessment of lake water clarity using satellite remote sensing. Journal of Limnology, 62(1s), 27-32.
Dr. Stacy Nelson, born in 1968, spent his formative years in the vibrant Jackson, Mississippi. He grew up in the ‘70s and ‘80s in an urban environment with limited exposure to nature. However, nature documentaries played a pivotal role in shaping his perspective and profound curiosity about the outdoors. Through the captivating lens of the documentaries, Dr. Nelson discovered a connection with the natural world. They sparked his imagination and inspired him to explore the vast possibilities of engaging with and understanding the earth’s precious natural resources. This early interest laid the foundation for his remarkable journey as an advocate and scholar in environmental science and geospatial analytics.
Dr. Nelson attended college at Jackson State University, where his fascination with the natural world grew. In the summer, he interned with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for several weeks in the Gulf of Mexico, conducting fisheries research. He also did summer internships at the Duke University Marine Lab in Beaufort, North Carolina and the College of William and Mary’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). This foundational experience laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1990.
Dr. Nelson, motivated by an avid curiosity and an interest in making a difference, pursued a Master of Arts from the College of William and Mary’s VIMS in 1995. His connections and relationships helped him to attend and succeed at VIMS. This advanced degree allowed him to delve into marine ecosystems and broaden his horizons within the environmental realm. He was a NASA Graduate Research Fellow at the John C. Stennis Space Center, contributing to cutting-edge land change research. This experience allowed him to combine his passion for science with his love for technology, setting the stage for his future work.
His commitment to advancing knowledge led him to Michigan State University, where he achieved his Ph.D. in Fisheries in 2002. During this time, Dr. Nelson honed his remote sensing and GIS technologies expertise, which would later become central to his pioneering research.
Dr. Nelson’s career path is full of diverse experiences that have enriched his expertise. He is dedicated to education and has held many influential roles. After earning his Ph.D., Dr. Nelson was an instructor at Southern University in New Orleans and an Adjunct Professor at Lansing Community College’s Department of Math and Science. He inspired and mentored future generations of scientists through these positions, instilling in them the importance of understanding our environment.
Dr. Nelson now teaches at North Carolina (NC) State University. He has made significant strides in geospatial analytics at NC State University’s Center for Geospatial Analytics. His primary focus is utilizing remote sensing and GIS technologies to investigate land use and land cover changes and their impact on aquatic systems. His groundbreaking research has far-reaching implications for understanding and mitigating the effects of human activities on our planet’s ecosystems.
His career path had its fair share of challenges. Transitioning from Jackson State to a larger institution presented him with hurdles regarding readiness, building community, and finding a sense of belonging. Nevertheless, he skillfully managed these aspects and stayed unwaveringly focused on the broader perspective. Additionally, he was fortunate to have a support network of individuals with whom he regularly shared his experiences and sought guidance.
In addition to his research, Dr. Nelson is a passionate advocate for environmental education. He firmly believes educating and engaging the public is crucial in addressing environmental challenges. On various platforms, including a recent appearance on a radio show, he has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to raising awareness about the changing environment and inspiring the next generation of natural resource professionals. Dr. Nelson firmly believes that “everyone has to be involved and educated about how our environment is changing” (2023).
Dr. Nelson is a member of NC State’s Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, where he researches land cover changes and the impacts on wetlands and coastal ecosystems using GIS and remote sensing.
In 2020, Dr. Nelson was named a board member of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, a nonprofit founded in 1945 dedicated to conserving and preserving wildlife habitats across North Carolina. He believes that it is essential that we expand our capacity to be more inclusive and reflective of every individual who can contribute to sharing and preserving our fisheries, wildlife, and natural environments.
Dr. Nelson had a lot of mentors who encouraged him along the way, and he believes it is imperative to have people who believe in you. Throughout his journey, Dr. Nelson often found himself as one of the few, if not the only, individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in the programs he participated in. Fortunately, he was fortunate to have dedicated mentors and champions who recognized his potential and guided him along the path to success.
A notable mentor in his journey, Dr. Vernon Archer from Jackson State, pushed Dr. Nelson to participate in programs outside of Jackson State. Dr. Archer believed that was how Dr. Nelson could receive a more profound and comprehensive understanding of the environmental field.
In turn, Dr. Nelson has made it his mission to pay it forward by actively working to create opportunities for others from underrepresented backgrounds. He is committed to ensuring that individuals facing similar challenges receive the support and guidance they need to navigate their paths toward achievement and excellence.
Dr. Nelson’s approach to mentoring draws inspiration from Dr. William (Bill) Taylor, who served as the department chair at Michigan State University during his Ph.D. studies. Dr. Taylor’s unwavering support prevented him from giving up when faced with challenges. Dr. Nelson emphasizes the joy he finds in lifting others up, particularly individuals from marginalized backgrounds, especially those venturing into the sciences field. Dr. Nelson considers his family, friends, church, and faith as mentors and role models who have played essential roles in supporting and shaping his career.
Dr. Nelson emphasizes the importance of maximizing every opportunity, especially for those from backgrounds with limited resources. As students hailing from low-income and minority backgrounds, it is crucial to approach chances and opportunities with a strategic mindset. Believe in your abilities, have confidence that you can make a meaningful impact, and always strive to make the most of every opportunity.
Dr. Nelson offers valuable guidance to the younger generations, emphasizing the importance of curiosity. While older individuals may be prone to accepting the status quo, the youth bring a fiery passion for change. He advises harnessing that enthusiasm by continuously asking questions, exploring diverse ideas, and refusing to settle for existing norms.
Furthermore, he encourages the practice of networking. Dr. Nelson stresses the value of proactively building and expanding one’s network, emphasizing the significance of connecting with every individual one encounters.
Leadership Nature. (2018, July 18). Season 5 | Professionals of Color in Forestry and Natural Resources | Episode 6. Retrieved September 14, 2023 from http://leadershipnature.com/podcasts/s5e6-stacy-nelson-weve-got-a-planet….
NCSU. 2023. Stacy Nelson. Retrieved September 14, 2023 from https://cmast.ncsu.edu/people/sanelso2/.
NCSU. (2020, December 11). Professor Stacy Nelson Named to Board of North Carolina Wildlife Federation. https://cnr.ncsu.edu/news/2020/12/professor-stacy-nelson-named-to-board-….
Survey and interviews conducted by Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Sustainability Initiative staff. 2022-2023. Yale University-School of the Environment. New Haven, Connecticut.