BLINN GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY HOST FIRST “GIS DAY”
The Blinn College Geographic Society hosted its first GIS (Geographical Information System) Day on the College’s Bryan campus to share with their peers the opportunities for careers and advanced study in the field.
The Geographic Society was founded 15 years ago by Professor Susan Slowey so students could supplement their coursework with hands-on experience. Members attend field trips to study local geography, conduct research and learn from visiting speakers and professors.
Last week, students brought the hands-on experience to Blinn.
“We want to spread the word about GIS and its role in today’s society,” said second-year student Andrew Maktenieks. “We use GIS every day; it’s on our phones and in our cars. Any navigation system you use, that’s GIS. It’s a small field and it needs more qualified people.”
Geographic Society students Maktenieks, Justin Adams, Megan Goree, Colton Brede and Madison Price, and advisors Slowey and Rhonda Reagan invited Texas A&M University’s Dr. Andrew Klein to discuss real-world application of GIS and remote sensing, and geography undergraduate advisor Gail Rowe to talk about pathways to geography degrees through Blinn.
Blinn Social Science Instructor Serena Aldrich set up a station to run GIS demonstrations and Professor Suzanne Struve and Instructor Fiona Wilmot helped students set up a geocaching contest, in which participants used the GPS on their phones to locate coordinates across campus.
A Bryan police cruiser and fire department mobile command unit were stationed outside the campus’s Academic building for students to view and ask questions of a police officer and GIS supervisor Dale Kubenka.
More than 75 students participated in the event.
“We had a great turnout,” Reagan said. “We’re really proud of our Geographic Society students for making it a success. We plan to continue to make GIS Day bigger and better each year so that more students can learn about geography-related career opportunities.”
Story courtesy of Blinn College