My career in GIS was inspired by my course work in the Geography program. The varied opportunities that the Geography department provided influenced how I decided to pursue my professional career. It also made me realize how versatile the field of Geography was, and ultimately drove me to pursue GIS and the technical side of Geography.
During my years as an undergrad, the Geography department was instrumental in pushing my interests in GIS, and allowed me to incorporate environmental interests. My internship as a Regional Planner at the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization helped in establishing my knowledge of a basic workspace and how to convey GIS information to others. I acquired my current position as a Data Analyst for ENSCO rail in part because of my transportation and GIS experience, specifically from my internship and my time working at FAMPO during my Masters.
The MSGA program enabled me to expand my GIS knowledge. The capstone research project I completed was a true culmination of everything I learned from Geography at UMW. I focused on mountaintop removal of coal in West Virginia and how we can use Geospatial techniques to track, monitor the lifecycle, and examine the potential damage of these operations. The capstone thoroughly solidified my interest in combining GIS and environmental studies, which I hope to pursue in the future.
UMW’s Geography department and the professors were extremely influential, and I owe my current success in the field of GIS to them. I am extremely grateful for everything they did for me.