November 2017 GeoMentor Spotlight: Jessica Griffin
November 2017 GeoMentor Spotlight:
Jessica Griffin, GIS Specialist at ExteNet Systems
What was your favorite class in K-12? Art
How did you first learn about and/or use GIS? While earning my Masters of Science in Archaeology, a professor mentioned that GIS software was changing the field of archaeology. I wanted to know more so I took GIS classes and completed a GIS certificate. 
Name one thing you love about GIS and/or geography (I know, just one!): GIS software has so many applications in a myriad of fields. You can use it to study climate, biology, humans (past, present and future) and use the tools to answer questions and solve problems. The possibilities are endless.
Why did you want to volunteer as a GeoMentor? I got my Bachelors in Social Science education and earned a teaching certificate. Though I didn’t become a teacher, I really enjoy helping kids learn and broaden their horizons. And I think it’s important to show girls a positive role model of women working in STEM fields.
What kind of GeoMentor volunteer opportunity and experience are you looking for? I’d like to engage with teachers and kids in the classroom and talk with them about how to use the GIS tools, and encourage them to use the software to do their own research and answer their own questions about society and the world around them.
If someone asked you why they should learn about GIS and/or geography, how would you respond in one sentence? Geography is a lens through which you can view any issue, and it has a huge impact on how our world is organized and how we live our lives.
Email address: GriffinJessicaD@gmail.com
Websites
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-griffin-1a810446/
https://oldmainartifacts.wordpress.com/ ( a blog about my archaeological research)
Questions? Email geomentors@aag.org.