Mapping My Future at Esri Federal GIS Conference: A Student Assistant’s Journey
Imagine being surrounded by the brightest minds in GIS, exploring cutting-edge technologies, and discovering new ways your work can make a real impact.
My name is Hailey Richardson and I was a Student Assistant at the Esri Federal GIS Conference (FedGIS) 2025.
This blog post is about my unforgettable experience that reinforced my passion for changing the world—one map at a time.
My Path to GIS and Crime Mapping
Coming from a law enforcement family, I have always been passionate about criminal justice. I wanted to carve out my own niche—one that blended my analytical skills with my deep interest in public safety. My defining moment came when I attended the FBI Teen Academy in high school, where I met a Geospatial Analyst who introduced me to crime mapping. That encounter ignited my passion for GIS and led me to pursue it academically and professionally, including an internship with the Federal Government where I gained firsthand experience in applying geospatial technologies to national security challenges.
Now, as a PhD student at the University of Alabama studying Geography with a concentration in GIS, my research focuses on the Geography of Crime, applying Spatial Statistics, Location Science, and Geospatial Intelligence to analyze crime patterns and inform Homeland Security strategies.
This journey ultimately led me to apply for the FedGIS Student Assistant Program, an opportunity that would expand my understanding of GIS applications in real-world security and law enforcement contexts.
My current work in Crime Mapping: Modeling Interstate Illicit Drug Flow Using Spatial Interaction Models
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at FedGIS 2025
Being selected as a Student Assistant at FedGIS was an incredible honor. From the moment I arrived in Washington, D.C., I knew I was about to embark on a transformative experience. My role allowed me to be at the heart of the conference, assisting with various tasks while also attending sessions, networking with professionals, and immersing myself in the latest GIS innovations.
Event Operations. As a student assistant, some of my duties were to work at the registration table and Esri Merchandise Store. This provided me with a behind-the-scenes look at conference operations while allowing me to interact with GIS professionals from diverse industries. Each conversation enriched my understanding of how GIS is applied across fields, offering new perspectives.
Engaging Technical Sessions. Being a student assistant allowed me the flexibility to also attend technical sessions which was one of the most rewarding aspects of the conference. I explored topics closely aligned with my research in crime mapping and geospatial intelligence, gaining a deeper understanding of hot spot analysis, spatial modeling, and network science. I also attended sessions on emerging trends, such as GeoAI. This blend of familiar and new topics provided fresh ideas to integrate into my work.
Meeting GIS Leaders and Peers. Networking with GIS professionals was a highlight. I had the opportunity to meet experts like Lauren Bennett and Flora Vale, leaders in ArcGIS Spatial Statistics at Esri, and discuss my research with them. Engaging with professionals in Defense & Intelligence and Public Safety further expanded my understanding of GIS in national security and criminal justice. Additionally, connecting with fellow Student Assistants from across the country created lasting friendships and professional relationships.
Hailey Richardson (Student Assistant) and Isabella Buckley (Student Assistant) with ESRI Spatial Statistics Experts Lauren Bennett (left) and Flora Vale (right).
Socials and Networking. In addition to technical sessions, I had the opportunity to attend social events, including a Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN) Social and a special networking reception at the Smithsonian African American Museum. These events allowed me to connect with peers and experts, deepening my sense of community within the GIS field.
Key Takeaways and Lessons Learned
Beyond technical knowledge, my time at FedGIS taught me valuable lessons:
- Networking is essential. It opened doors to career advice, new opportunities, and fresh research perspectives.
- Continuous learning is key. GIS is ever-evolving, and staying updated with new tools and methodologies is crucial.
- Confidence in my research. Discussing my work with experts reinforced the importance of believing in its potential impact.
Many professionals I met also suggested new directions for my research, inspiring me to explore different applied approaches.
ESRI FedGIS 2025 Student Assistants Cohort
Advice for Students
For students considering attending a conference or applying to the Esri Student Assistant Program, my advice is:
- Apply, even if you think you won’t get in. If you’re passionate about GIS, take the leap. There are four Esri events you can apply to be a student assistant. Refer to this blog post for more information.
- Be engaged and ask questions. This is a rare opportunity to learn from industry leaders and proactively asking questions may lead to opportunities.
- Network extensively. Introduce yourself, exchange contact information, and follow up after the conference. This blog post gives great networking tips.
- Step outside your comfort zone. Attend sessions outside your usual focus and engage with professionals. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable because this is where growth happens.
- Recap your experience on LinkedIn. Any conference or event you participate in, I recommend recapping it on LinkedIn. I did so for my own experience and received a lot of support. It also shows you’re an active participant in the GIS community.
- Have fun and embrace the experience!
A Special Thanks
A huge thank you to Joe and Xochitl for their incredible support throughout the conference. Their guidance made the student assistant experience even more meaningful, and I truly appreciate their efforts in making FedGIS unforgettable for all of us.
Final Thoughts
Attending FedGIS as a Student Assistant was one of the most impactful experiences of my academic career. The knowledge, connections, and inspiration I gained will undoubtedly shape my future in GIS. I’m excited to bring everything I learned back to the University of Alabama and integrate new tools and insights into my research. This experience has further solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in Crime Mapping, Homeland Security, and Geospatial Intelligence.
To any students passionate about GIS: seize opportunities like this! You never know how one conference, one connection, or one session might shape your future.
You can learn more about Esri Student Programs on this webpage. You can connect with me through LinkedIn and feel free to comment if you have any questions!