I graduated from Shippensburg University in May of 2017 with a B.S. in Geo-Environmental studies and a Certificate in GIS. This degree focuses on geology, geography, cartography, land use planning, and other earth sciences. 

 

While at Shippensburg University, I completed a capstone project for my advanced GIS class that analyzed the change in the flow of runoff caused by a new housing development. It was necessary for this project that I map my results in a way that the layperson could understand as well as a professional in the field.  Additionally, I completed a lab where geocoding was used as a decision-making tool to determine if an individual should open a pizza shop in the local community. While using geocoding it was important to find any errors with addresses. If any were found, they were then manually fixed.  Another project I completed was taking measurements of campus art pieces, Pokémon GO stops and their characteristics, and accurate measurement of the university track with a Trimble Pathfinder. The collected data was then imported into GPS Pathfinder Office. Through the completion of this lab, I learned about differential correction, RMSE statistics, satellite precision, and much more. 

 

Another accomplish as part of my studies at Shippensburg University was receiving a grant to research with Dr. Cornell. For this research, I worked under the direct supervision and guidance of that professor, in addition to working with other students, faculty, and independently. For this research, I collected, organized, and analyzed data into a display that I presented at a state conference.

 

I presented another research study at a state conference this semester on future sea levels of Spanish Bay, Curacao. While studying abroad at Curacao data was collected for this research. For this project, myself and two other students utilized GIS-based mapping approaches to locate historical shoreline positions. This was done to demonstrate the likely future scenario of future shoreline positions. Application of projections and a digital elevation model (DEM) was used to predict these future shoreline positions. This mapping project will enable people to better consider the potential extent of sea level rise in Curacao in the next century.

 

In the summer of 2016, I had an internship as a Geotechnical Assistant for an environmental engineering firm.  I performed concrete and soil testing and collected samples at construction sites.  I also conducted concrete break-tests, maintained lab records, logged site observations, and prepared and submitted field reports.  This role required me to work with many different clients and contractors at the various sites.  I had to represent my firm professionally, while also clearly communicating any issues my site testing or observations discovered. 

 

After I graduated I worked on contract with the United States Census. The position was responsible for GIS data enhancement, maintenance and editing using ESRI and custom GIS software. Some of the data we work with include street center line, hydrography, and various other data layers. All of the live spatial data worked with was in a secure environment. I then worked with an electric utility company called PSEG as a GIS technician where I spent some time using GIS to update and maintain the GIS program they use.

 

I am currently working with Earth Systems Environmental Engineering as an Environmental Scientist. My responsibilities include contractor oversight, water, soil, and air testing/permitting compliance, creating GIS figures for reports, remedial design and implementation, and much more!