Dr. Miles G. Logsdon
Spatial Analysis and Remote Sensing
School of Oceanography

I believe that advances in information technologies have provided an opportunity for a fundamental shift in earth science research and education. The metaphors of the past which portrayed university faculty as the librarians of information engaged in data gathering and assimilation before distributing knowledge prove inadequate and misleading as data and information have become more accessible. I feel we must turn our attention to the way in which information empowers all sides of public debate. I am certain that in the near
future, meaningful participation in public policy will require a much greater fluency in data interpretation, information management, and knowledge mapping than we currently provide to our citizens, our students, and our colleagues. A tangible glimpse of our knowledge-based economy is possible if we can make the effort to engage people in the transformation of data into information, information into knowledge, and knowledge into the wisdom in order to make decisions.

The Walters Professorship is made possible by a gift from the family of Mr. Gene Walters to the College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences.  The purpose of this endowment is to support the extension of the University into the lives of the community.  This four year award supports scholarship as well as community involvement of University of Washington Faculty.