Hi Everyone!

My name is Donique Whylly, and I’m in my fourth year at the University of Toronto, double-majoring in Economics and Environmental Geography. I’m also doing Certificates in Sustainability and Business Fundamentals. I moved to Toronto from The Bahamas in 2022 to pursue my undergraduate degree at UofT, and this journey has taught me that I am a true analyst at heart! I am passionate about contributing to insightful research that addresses current and emerging topics through a multiskilled, multidisciplinary approach, and I believe that being an ECCE Student Associate is the perfect opportunity to do so.

Here’s me!

Although I am not in a designated GIS program, I have been taking GIS courses for the past three years of my undergraduate studies. I enjoy seeing how the most niche research can yield patterns that vary uniquely across space. I also find that the analytical nature of many of my economics courses and some of my more research-based courses really complements the work I have been doing in GIS, as well as the approach I take to geospatial analysis.

I’ve become really fascinated with how GIS can be a vital tool for connecting economic theory with real-world spatial dynamics to inform more equitable and environmentally responsible development strategies. My current interests revolve around economic and financial spatial analysis, sustainability and ESG measurement, and policy and development planning. I have also been enjoying cluster and hotspot analysis, spatio-temporal analysis, and suitability analysis. One of my current projects involves looking at the spatial patterns that exist in financial institution density across Toronto census tracts, based on income, ethnic composition, and commercial activity.

I look forward to applying my GIS skills in my future professional endeavors, and hopefully addressing relevant and impactful topics in my areas of interest back home, especially regarding how spatial patterns shape social and environmental outcomes!

I am excited about sharing my research with the ECCE community and competing in the 2026 App Challenge, as well as being able to connect with other associates who share similar interests as me. Thanks for taking the time to get to know a bit about me! If you would like to connect, please feel free to email me: donique.whylly@mail.utoronto.ca / doniquepayton@gmail.com  or reach out on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/donique-whylly