Her Story
About Melinda
Dr. Melinda Laituri is Professor Emerita at Colorado State University, where she has made significant contributions to geography, geospatial science, environmental sustainability, and community-based research. She retired from her full-time academic role in 2021 but remains actively engaged in mentoring students and young professionals, with a particular focus on building geospatial skills and expanding opportunities for women in STEM. She has worked extensively with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in academic and research settings since the late 1990s. Dr. Laituri earned her Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Arizona and previously served as a Jefferson Science Fellow with the U.S. Department of State.
As a Jefferson Science Fellow, Dr. Laituri contributed to the Secondary Cities project, an international initiative focused on using geospatial mapping to support emergency preparedness and human resilience across 16 cities worldwide. She later applied similar approaches to examine the second-order impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic through mapping and geospatial analysis. Her research has also emphasized environmental justice and participatory mapping, including projects involving water resource management in the Colorado River Basin, resource management in New Zealand, and invasive plant management in Ethiopia. Her work demonstrates how geospatial technologies can help communities understand and address complex environmental and social challenges.
Dr. Laituri is deeply committed to mentorship, STEM education, and expanding opportunities in geospatial fields. She is a member of the Union of Concerned Scientists and participates in 2030 STEM at Harvard University, where she mentors Ph.D. students and young women pursuing careers in geospatial science. Through mentoring, outreach events, and webinars, she continues to support the next generation of researchers and professionals. Her career reflects a lasting commitment to interdisciplinary research, environmental justice, education, and the use of geospatial tools to advance sustainability, resilience, and community well-being.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Melinda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the people who believed in me, gave me opportunities, opened doors, and trusted me to take on new challenges. I am also grateful for the strong network of women I developed throughout graduate school, including fellow graduate students and professors who provided encouragement, mentorship, and support. Their guidance and belief in my potential have played an important role in shaping my professional journey and success.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the technology industry is to be prepared to work hard, remain consistent, and stay committed to your goals. Women in technology have often had to work especially hard to earn a seat at the table, so it is important to believe in your abilities and persevere through challenges. Just as importantly, build a strong professional network and seek out supportive communities where you can learn, share experiences, and have trusted people to turn to for guidance and encouragement.
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