GIST grad student and interested in geography, anthropology, and paleontology

Question

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all are doing well! My name is Ava Healy, a current graduate student studying Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) at UMass Amherst. I use they/them pronouns!

I graduated with my bachelors in geography and anthropology-- I have a strong background in Human Geography. I'm trying to get a stronger footing on spatial geography, which is why I'm focusing on GIST for this master's degree.

I'm interested in geography, anthropology, and paleontology! I adore natural history museums and public libraries. On most days, you can find me listening to music while doing tasks-- I'm never seen without my overear headphones. I don't know much about GIS  (only taken a couple of GIS classes during undergrad) and I really really want to learn more about it. I thought the title of the class was extremely interesting-- so I took a leap of faith and now I'm here!! I hope to find a niche of GIS that I'm excited to learn-- maybe something to do with urban planning/community building!

LoganLaudano · Answer

Hi Ava!

I may be a bit biased, but I think GIS is a great addition to your toolset. Adding a spatial aspect to any of your work is a really great way to get new insights and can help explain your findings to a broader audience! Welcome to the world of geospatial data!

I work in local government as a GIS Tech within a county planning department, and I can't be more happy with the work I do! I absolutely feel you on the headphones, I'm planning on adding a sign to my desk to let people know that I'm not in a meeting, just jamming while I work. I used to volunteer at a natural history museum and would give tours to guests, one of the first things I'd do is grab different maps explaining where in the US digs took place and then showing off dig maps made by the museum's paleontologists, I love using maps to show the greater story of history and natural sciences!

Here's some stuff that might interest you:

(Org is inclusive to all genders however does require $20 yearly fee for students / young professionals): Women in GIS - Make a Migration Map with John Nelson

Neat books: The Geography of Hope: Real Life Stories of Optimists Mapping a Better World | Esri Press | Esri Press & Wild Life, a memoir — Dr. Rae

ESRI community page for urban planning: Esri Community for Urban & Community Planning

Good luck in your studies!

Logan (He/They)

SusanJarvis · Answer

Hi there!

It's very interesting to read your interests on here!

Have you ever considered pairing GIS with UAV or UAS? (Drones).

I have a friend who flies his drone and creates 3D models of dinosaur tracks, different proposed migration patterns, as well as all kinds of fossils! I'd highly recommend!

RosemaryBoone · Answer

Hi @AWildHealy ! Nice to see you on this YPN Networking space and it was so nice meeting you at GSA 🤗 If you're interested in urban planning and incorporating GIS into community building, you should consider attending Esri's Geodesign Summit in 2025 or check out the previous years proceedings.