Since graduating, I have owed a big thank you to the UTK Geography/Sustainability department for preparing me and pushing me to perform at my best for the real world. Thank you professors & staff for having a contagious passion for all things geography and for your willingness to help me learn all concepts simple and complicated. Thanks also to my fellow classmates I got to learn and problem solve along side with and for helping me through some tough classes.

After graduation in May 2023, I was hired at a company called GEOServices to fill a GIS role that involved a contract with Anderson County to digitally map stormwater infrastructure in urban areas. I used skills I learned in classes from basic data collection all the way to terrain/hydrography analysis. I was able to fulfill that role and then some as I finished the project within several months of starting.

Now, the bulk of my work includes conducting wetland delineations and stream determinations. My GIS skills have allowed me and GEOS to perform at much higher levels of efficiency, speed, and profit. GEOS has provided me with incredible mentorship and tools necessary to provide new lines of service and awesome work in a field I never knew existed.

I wear several different “hats” where I work: GIS Analyst, Environmental Scientist, and Environmental Consultant. This past April I was able to obtain my license to be a Tennessee Qualified Hydrologic Professional(IT). This license allows me to perform stream determinations to protect streams with biotic indicators and good water quality. I am also working on getting my Part 107 for in-house drone operations.