Dixie Cartwright

Title: Training & External Facilitator
Time at GRI: Since January 2021
Hometown: Pontotoc, MS

Q: What is your academic background?
I hold an MS degree in Geosciences with an emphasis in Human Geography. Since earning my degree, my career at Mississippi State University has centered on developing, managing, and facilitating non-credit continuing education and outreach programs. This work allows me to design impactful learning experiences and engage with diverse audiences.

Q: What are your research interests?
I’m currently pursuing a PhD in Geosciences, where I’m combining my passion for geoeducation with GIS and virtual reality (VR). My research focuses on exploring how digital technologies can enhance understanding and awareness of environmental and conservation issues, with the goal of fostering greater public engagement.

Q: Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
Throughout my academic and career journey, so many people have inspired me that it’s impossible to name just one. From my husband and children to my current and past supervisors, each has played a unique role in motivating and encouraging me. Their support and inspiration continue to shape my career and drive me toward achieving my goals.

Q: What has been your favorite project while working at GRI?
Developing and coordinating the Advancing Agriculture through High-Performance Computing Summer Research Experience program has been my favorite project since joining GRI. The program has been truly inspiring, bringing together talented faculty and motivated students to collaborate on meaningful work addressing some of today’s critical agricultural challenges.

One of the greatest privileges has been meeting students from diverse countries and backgrounds. Their unique perspectives enrich the program and create an incredible environment of learning and growth. It’s been an honor to help facilitate these experiences and to build meaningful, lifelong connections both personally and professionally. Seeing the impact this program has had on students—both in advancing their knowledge and in fostering a lasting connection with MSU—has been incredibly rewarding and is a constant reminder of the value of creating opportunities for collaboration and mentorship to address global issues.

Q: What is the coolest thing you are working on right now?
One of the coolest projects I’m currently working on is with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Rome, Italy where I’m helping to facilitate Python programming training for staff within the NSL Geospatial Land and Water group. This initiative is part of an international collaborative partnership between MSU and FAO aimed at strengthening digital capabilities for sustainable agricultural practices.

Through this program, I am facilitating beginner and advanced Python training to equip FAO employees with essential skills critical for modern agricultural research and decision-making. It’s exciting to see how positively participants have received the training and how we at MSU are contributing to a global impact by sharing our knowledge and resources.

Q: What is working at GRI like?
Working at GRI is incredibly inspiring because of the groundbreaking research happening across so many fields. Each day is different, filled with new challenges and opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects.

Q: What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’m someone who loves to decorate my house and work in the yard. Creating a welcoming and beautiful space is something I truly enjoy, whether it’s adding personal touches indoors or tending to the garden outdoors. It’s a way for me to express creativity and make my surroundings feel like a peaceful and inviting refuge.

Q: What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?
I’m an avid puzzler who loves the challenge of fitting pieces together to create something whole, and that passion extends beyond puzzles to my love for hosting parties and get-togethers. There’s nothing more rewarding than bringing people together, fostering connections, and creating moments that everyone can enjoy and remember.