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Message From the Chair
December 2025
We all know that together we are stronger: we have a louder voice, a bigger presence, a deeper influence. This is a message that has been passed down from times immemorial through folklore, religious teachings, political slogans – you name it. There are numerous converging lines of evidence in biological and psychological sciences, which show that humans have evolved as a social species that thrives on communion with others. We know we are more productive and happier when we feel like we “fit” and “belong” in the place where we spend a substantial part of our lives. We crave the sense of community in the workspace. So why is it so hard to build it then?
The reasons are plenty. Pick your personal top 5 favorite excuses, and I will probably agree that they are all valid. But ultimately, it really comes down to the fact that we all want to be supported by the community, but supporting other members of the community in return goes against our individualistic desires and preferences. It’s not that we are completely selfish and don’t support anyone; it’s just that we choose to support very few rather than many. Our graduate students support their lab mates but will not show up for others’ proposal or dissertation defenses. Our research faculty feel poorly integrated into the department but will avoid participating in shared governance or attending talks and events (unless organized by their own group). Our faculty lament the lack of a thriving community in GEOG but skip all seminars, events, or even their own PhD students' lightning talks. The community we have reflects the effort we are willing to contribute.
I would like GEOG to thrive. And that’s why I think we need to start nurturing our community to make us stronger and more resilient. This will take a collective and persistent effort from all of us. Can we try? Can each of us devote some time (whatever you feel you can afford) every week to supporting the larger GEOG community? Every week. No exceptions. I am open to all suggestions on what that would look like. We are an amazing department. But we could also be a warm and supportive community where we thrive. These are not mutually exclusive
Tatiana Loboda
GEOG Chair and Professor