GWSC staff members Dr. Caily Schwartz and Emma Dyson presented GWSC briefs and maps to colleagues from around the globe. 

Dr. Caily Schwartz represented the Global Water Security Center at the International Studies Association’s Security Studies Conference in Washington, D.C., a leading global forum for scholars and practitioners focused on international security. 

During her presentation, she addressed the connection between environmental degradation and geopolitical instability, showing how climate-driven threats to water and food systems can escalate conflict. 

To support this message, she highlighted two of our recently published briefs, demonstrating how clear communication of scientific insights can inform policy decisions and shape strategic responses to emerging security risks. Her contribution strengthened GWSC’s international reputation and helped drive conversations toward actionable policy and security responses to environmental threats. 

Emma Dyson attended the North American Cartographic Information Society (NACIS) Annual Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, from October 15-18, 2025. NACIS brings together mapmakers, geographers, designers, and data visualization professionals to exchange ideas and explore the latest innovations in cartography. 

At this year’s annual meeting, Emma displayed her map “Control at the Source: China’s Command of South and Southeast Asia’s Key Headwaters” in the Map Gallery. Throughout the conference, she attended sessions focused on topics such as water mapping and cartographic theory and engaged with experts from around the United States and abroad to discuss upcoming trends and techniques in the field. She also participated in Practical Cartography Day, where she learned new techniques in areas like 3D mapping and color palette selection.  

“This conference was an inspiring and enriching experience that strengthened my technical skills and deepened my appreciation for the cartographic community’s creativity, openness, and collaborative spirit,” Emma said.