Rachel E. McGinnis

I teach conflict analysis and resolution from an environmental security approach at the graduate level military aeronautical school (ERAU), oversea the PCS program in Kosovo that requires similar courses for undergrads, and I work in refugee or conflict zones each summer, e.g. Lebanon, Turk-Syrian border, Greece, etc. Last, but not least I continue to work on and develop a mobile phone app that assist displaced individuals during crisis - primarily due to conflict, but also environmental issues also.

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

At RIT Kosovo we are currently organizing a Zoom Env Security Panel to be hosted mid-April. This will focus on environmental security issues around the globe presented by students discussing the impact of solving a multitude of issues, e.g. conflict due to climate change, eco-terrorism, etc.

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

Most of the conflicts that we see globally have an environmental component - people are forced to be part of mass migration due to loss of water supply, individuals join terrorist organizations to compensate for crop scarcity, etc.

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

Absolutely. I identified a gap between field studies, research, and application. I was able to step back and via critical thinking & analysis identify a real time application tool to assist the population I was working with. I created a mobile phone app that addresses different issues within a community in real time.

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

Critical thinking is often at the foundation of what we do in refugee camps and/or conflict zones. It makes the difference in terms of services for the forcibly displaced, community issues, and/or even nation-state policy/community implementation.

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

Historically critical analysis was considered optional - part of the umbrella of social science narratives. The understanding of the imperatives of this discipline is evolving. As a society, humans are facing greater challenges often in a very limited time construct and even few resources. Our ability to support and develop young scholars who have the ability to critically analyze a situation are imperative to the future.