When did you join GISPP?
I am currently in the GIS Fundamentals Capstone Certificate program. I started at the beginning of the Spring 2024 semester in January.
Tell us about your education and career path so far. Where have you been and what have you learned along the way?
I attended Northern Arizona University as an undergraduate and graduated in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology with an emphasis on Archaeology. Since graduation, I have ventured into various opportunities. I had an internship as an archaeological field technician with the Forest Service at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, I worked a season in the Nevada Conservation Corps based in Reno, NV, then a season as a park ranger at Mount St Helens in Washington, back to archaeology in the forests of Oregon, a farm crew member on a farm west of Madison, and now back to archaeology once again working for the Wisconsin Historical Society. I’ve learned how to adapt to constant change, adjust to all different kinds of people, and to appreciate the moment and find happiness wherever I’ve landed.
What got you interested in GIS and geospatial technologies?
I became interested in GIS because it plays a critical role in my current career. I have learned a bit about it here and there but never had consistent experience or training. Not only is it an important factor in my current career, but also is useful in so many other fields.
What do you appreciate the most so far about your experience in the UW–Madison GIS Professional Programs?
I appreciate the challenge of learning something that at times feels so unfamiliar. There is a lot of push to express creativity in some of the assignments while implementing what we’ve learned in the lessons. I also appreciate the challenge of being back in school after so long and learning in an online environment which I’ve never had to do before. It’s had its ups and downs but it feels very satisfying to cross assignments off of my Canvas calendar!
How do you plan to apply your new skills in your career?
I am currently seeking a more GIS focused position within my field! The position is creating maps with data collected in the field and producing maps and other graphics for technical reports. I plan to be able to use my new skills either as I continue to advance in my field or perhaps venture into a more GIS based career.
Do you have any advice for prospective students?
I would say take advantage of all the resources you possibly can. If you are in Madison, the libraries and Software Training for Students help desk has been a life saver. And reaching out to other students in the program as well. Having help has been much nicer than doing it alone.
What’s your favorite map?
I don’t have one favorite map in particular but the map I am enjoying the most right now is the interactive Sandhill Crane Finder map! My favorite bird is the Sandhill Crane and this map uses data from Cornell’s Ebird project to document bird sightings. Right now is the big crane migration back to the Midwest so it’s been fun to watch the data pop up.