Name: Ross Dobrusky
Major: Geography
Hometown: Lincoln, NE
Year at UNL: Senior
Favorite book and why: I’m a chess fan and casual player, so I’ll shout out the classic “60 memorable games" by Bobby Fischer. So many interesting aspects and games. I've had the book for awhile, and it's always fun to jump into a time machine and play out these games on my own board. I particularly like game 23, a short and aggressive game between Tal and Fischer featuring the French Defense, and exemplifying both of their tactical prowess.
Favorite movie and why: While not technically a movie, I really enjoyed Scavengers Reign, a short animated sci-fi/drama series. The sci-fi nature scapes explored through the beautiful animation, and excellent soundtrack make this media a memorable experience.
Why are you studying your chosen major: I, as many of my fellow SGIS majors got into geography because we like maps! I bothered my family and friends with facts on the largest countries, flags, etc. when I was a kid, and I’m sure that if I make it, I'll be bothering the nurses in my retirement home with these fun facts as well. The discipline of Geography is of course so much larger though, and I have enjoyed learning more about the topics of GIS, physical geographic processes, and human geography. I wanted a major where I could build perspective by combining social study, like cultural and political geography with technical specialty like GIS and
statistics, a rare combination in today's atmosphere of increasing specialization. Geography fits this niche perfectly.
What are some of the best/most interesting classes you’ve taken? What are your suggestions for new/other majors? Also, why should someone in another major choose your major: I have enjoyed all of my classes. One of which that was particularly interesting and fun was GEOG 181, Global Environmental Issues, which I took last year with Jim Benes and Michael Djan. This class went over the impact and importance of geography and its connection to the topical issues of today’s environment. I think that this would be a really good class for other majors as well, who want to experience some of what geography is about, why it is important, and what you can do with it. I appreciate Geography and would recommend others major, or pick up a minor, in that I see it as sitting on an important landing between the Humanities and STEM, Business, giving the opportunity to explore many different topics and then apply knowledge to a wide array of situations.
Tell us about your study abroad/internship/extra-curricular experiences. Talk about anything you’ve been involved with since your time at UNL, why you did these particular experiences, and why other majors should do it. I’ve been interning since last December at the Nebraska Department of Transportation with the Business Technology Support Division GIS team. I've had the privilege of working with some real GIS and cartography magicians, many of which are UNL and Geography Alumni. It’s really supplemental to see what Geography looks like in a work environment and learn more about software like ArcPro, Experience builder, Fieldmaps, and more.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I don’t have anything set in stone yet after graduation, but I’m excited to explore career possibilities where I can bring my technical and critical thinking skillset, as well as an open mind for continual learning. I’ll keep grad school in my mind as well, as I think I have much more that I could learn and do in Geography. It would be really
cool to sneak in some travel as well! One place I've always wanted to go would be up North to Yellow Knife and Great Slave Lake. The destination is famous for the Northern Lights, and I think it would be really amazing to see and feel such a powerful and vast nature.