معرفی
Leslie McLees serves as Undergraduate Coordinator & Instructor in the Department of Geography at the University of Oregon, leveraging geographical perspectives to enhance student advising and instructional practices. Her role bridges academic geography with professional career development, emphasizing spatial thinking and critical analysis to help students navigate educational pathways.
Her educational background includes:
- Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Oregon
- M.A. in Geography from the University of Hawaii
- B.S. in Zoology from Washington State University
McLees applies geographic skills like spatial representation and qualitative fieldwork to program development and student advising, highlighting human-environment issues and cartographic visualization. She stresses critical thinking and communication as foundational to translating academic skills into career readiness, while addressing challenges in university bureaucracy and student mental health support.
Scientific awards: None documented.
As an advisor, she focuses on helping students articulate goals and connect with resources, drawing from her non-tenure-track path after earning her Ph.D. at the university. She actively participates in departmental hiring, prioritizing communication skills and cultural competence in candidates, and advocates for growing demand in academic advising roles to help students leverage liberal arts skills in professional contexts.
