How did you initially become interested in GIS and what led you to pursue the GIS Certificate?
My first in-depth exposure to GIS was early on as an undergrad. I had just completed my first summer of field work, tracking muskrat. When it came time for analysis of my data my advisor introduced me to GIS. As I began to slowly learn my way through the application, I came to appreciate the power of the spatial analysis and statistics I was performing. I was fascinated and eager to learn more. As an Environmental Science major, I began to envision how GIS could be applied to all my varied research interests. I soon enrolled in my first GIS course and worked to use GIS in many of my future undergrad projects. As my passion for GIS developed, the GIS Certificate was a natural next step.
Could you describe your independent capstone project a bit?
As my GIS proficiency and knowledge grew throughout the GIS Certificate Program, I knew I wanted my capstone to focus on GIS and wildlife. I was fortunate to be able to volunteer my time at the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, WI. I worked on a project mapping bald eagle nesting habitat locations, to understand nesting regions and associated landscape characteristics. In addition to working with customized spatial analysis tools, I was also able to gain experience with data management. Having data from a variety of sources presented a great opportunity for me to build a database to allow for improved storage and access of the data for future analysis. This project was also an invaluable opportunity for GIS experience outside of an academic setting; to gain exposure to the complexities and dynamic nature of accomplishing a project as part of a larger organization.
Could you describe what work you have been doing since completing the Certificate, and how it draws on knowledge and skills you gained while a Certificate student?
While enrolled in the GIS Certificate Program, my passion for GIS continued to grow. I was fortunate to be accepted into the Cartography/GIS Master’s program within the Department of Geography. I pursued a degree focused on GIS, researching the relationship between genetic variation and environment in deer mice.
I have been working at Blue Marble Geographics since completing my graduate degree. Blue Marble is a GIS software company which makes a variety of GIS applications. As an Applications Specialist, I have a wide variety of responsibilities. I travel to industry conferences to give talks and attend trade shows. I teach training courses around the world and help to write documentation, while providing basic customer support as well. I draw on topics I learned and my experiences as a GIS Certificate student daily. Whether I am teaching basic GIS concepts to users, or troubleshooting more advanced geodetics questions, the GIS Certificate Program provided me with the skillset and experience to succeed.