March 2019 GeoMentor Spotlight: Jennifer Novy

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03-11-2019 07:38 AM
CandiceLuebbering
Occasional Contributor
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Each month we feature GeoMentor volunteers to showcase the wonderful talent available in our community to assist K-12 schools.

Read our full collection of GeoMentor spotlights online. Want to be featured? Information is available on our program website

Name: Jennifer Marie Novy

Position/Job and Affiliation: GIS Technician III/Project Management & Engineering/Land Records

What was your favorite class in K-12: History

How did you first learn about and/or use GIS: I used mapping when I was in the military. My supervisor saw how much I enjoyed making/working with maps that he advised I seek a degree through the Denver University GIS department. I first took courses to obtain my GIS certificate; after completion, I decided to pursue my Masters in GIS. I successfully graduated from the GIS program in 2013. I have been making/working with maps ever since.

Name one thing you love about GIS and/or geography: People tend to learn better if there are visual pictures about a topic. GIS has significantly evolved, and with the help of GIS, maps paint a picture that helps end-users/customers better understand information. Working with customers and making maps for the public is my favorite thing about GIS.

Why did you want to volunteer as a GeoMentor: My son loves everything about maps and the work I do; he has inspired me to share my knowledge with today’s youth.

What kind of GeoMenter Volunteer opportunity and experience are you looking for: I am open to any opportunity to share GIS with the community. I have been doing GIS Day for the last three years and working for the public for the last 20 years. I love sharing GIS’s endless capabilities and how they can benefit from its use.

If someone asked you why they should learn about GIS and/or geography, how would you respond in one sentence: GIS can help individuals and organizations better understand spatial patterns and relationships, problem-solve, and make educated decisions.

Email: jennifer.novy@anchorageak.gov or novyjenniferm@gmail.com

Website(s): https://moa-muniorg.hub.arcgis.com/

About the Author
Senior Research Geographer with the Association of American Geographers; Map Nerd