My work as a critical, praxis-oriented geographer is characterized by a commitment to responsive and reciprocal research. I strive to communicate the findings of my research in ways that are meaningful and accessible to non-academic audiences. My interests focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in urban contexts, public memory, municipal heritage practices, and participatory mapping and walking methodologies.

Research

  • Nurturing Inclusive Urban Futures: valuing the contributions of community organizations in Ontario cities

    2019 - 2023

  • Decolonizing Public Places and Public Memory: Kingston, Ontario

    2017 - 2019

Teaching


My ethic of learning revolves around fostering a safe, welcoming, and lively environment that encourages students to embrace their curiosity and challenge themselves to grow as learners. I believe that a classroom thrives when students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts. To this end, nurturing a culture of inclusivity and generous listening is paramount to me.

Experience

  • PhD Geography (2023)
    Department of Geography & Planning
    Queen’s University

    Visiting PGR Student
    University of Edinburgh (2023 - 2023)


    MA Geography (2019)
    Department of Geography & Planning
    Queen’s University

    B.A. Combined Honors, Anthropology and Geography
    Minor in Canadian Studies
    (2016)
    Carleton University


  • Julian Szeicz Award for Excellence in Teaching (2024)

    Queen’s Arts & Science Student Initiative Fund (2022)

    SSHRC CGS Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement (2021)

    SSHRC Joseph-Armand Bombardier CGS Doctoral Scholarship (2020)

    Arthur B. McDonald Prize for Academic Excellence (2019)

    SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship- Master's (CGSM) (2018)

  • Nelson, E. (2023). Centering the geographical imaginations of research participants in narrating speculative futures. Dialogues in Human Geography. https://doi.org/10.1177/2043820623117120

    Nelson, E., & Godlewska, A. (2022). Settler ignorance and public memory: Kingston, Ontario. Geographical Review. https://doi.org/10.1080/00167428.2022.2141631

    Hunter, H., Nelson, E. (2021). Out of Place in Outer Space? Exploring Orbital Debris through Geographical Imaginations. Environment and Society: Advances in Research 12: 227-245. doi:10.3167/ares.2021.120113

    Godlewska, A., Schaefli, L., Forcione, M., Talan, B., Lamb, C., Nelson, E. (2020) Indigenous people and the Canadian geographic imagination: A study of graduating students at Queen’s University. Journal of Pedagogy. https://doi.org/10.2478/jped-2020-0008

Contact

I welcome the opportunity to explore teaching engagements, guest lectures, and consultation possibilities. If you are interested in partnering on research or writing projects, I would be delighted to explore potential collaborations together.