Anthony Vodacek

I love remote sensing because I love how it helps me explore the world.

1. How Do You Teach Applied Critical Thinking in the Context of Disaster?

Imaging and remote sensing are perhaps best taught from a systems perspective. Critical thinking, whether it is spatial or mathematical, requires one to understand complex systems and the connections among them.

2. Why Do You Think Applied Critical Thinking is Important in Your Domain?

Remote sensing is an important tool, but the best use of remote sensing has to take into consideration not only the technology but how information gathered by the technology can be transformed into useful information which people can act on.

3. Can You Share a Story Where Quality Applied Critical Thinking Was Key to Your Success?

My most cited paper came about when I was able to intuit the implication of the interaction of two dynamic systems in the environment; hydrodynamics and radiative transfer.

4. How Do I Use Critical Thinking in Other Areas of Your Life Outside of RIT?

I'm in the beginning stages of thinking of pathways to create a remote sensing laboratory for the African Great Lakes. This long-term project will require multinational coordination, funding, and expertise and I hope my critical thinking experience will help drive this concept forward. About 60 million people live in the African Great Lakes basin and rely on these dynamic and beautiful lakes for their livelihoods.

5. Any Last Critical Thoughts You Wish to Share About What We Are Experiencing Now or What You Have Learned in Past Work?

I look at the John Hopkins University COVID-19 tracking map nearly every day. I am fascinated by how different countries have different trajectories and think about how each country has its own healthcare infrastructure and political system leading to their particular outcome.