Student Spotlight: Alec Stapp

GIS 5935 Module 4: TINs and DEMs

Module 4 in Special Topics taught this past Fall 2025 semester explored the different types of elevation models. Terrain may be represented by a Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) models and Digital Elevation Models (DEM) in a GIS analysis. These models were explored by working with surface features and elevation of Death Valley, building suitability ski slope analysis, and analyzing terrain using TIN and DEM comparisons. 

We would like to highlight the work of Alec Stapp for this exercise! 

Alec's 3D outputs were appealing due to good aspect and color choices, which are sometimes difficult to identify. His lab assignment explanations and key-takeaways were spot on as well!  Please click the Ski Run Suitability map above to see his Module 4 write up.  And you may see more of Alec's blog posts here. 

Student Spotlight: Abby Starling

GIS5935 Module 1.3: Data Quality - Assessment

Special Topics course in Fall of 2025 covers important concepts such as GIS analysis techniques, methods, outputs, and uncertainties in the context of problems experienced by large and small cities worldwide.  Module 1.3 titled Data Quality -Assessment asked students to determine the completeness of road networks. They were then asked to summarize the analysis in textual, visual, and numerical terms. 

For this lab, we would like to highlight the outstanding work of Abby Starling!

Abby dives into assignments and researches what is being asked, which is evident in her informative blog posts.  She consistently produces quality work which can be seen in her blog post from Module 1.3. Click here for more of Starling's GIS portfolio blogs. 

Student Spotlight: Christa Dizon

GIS5050 Final Project: The Bobwhite-Manatee Transmission Line

The final project for Introduction to GIS GIS5050/L in Fall 2025 guided students through the full process of a real-world applications project where they collect, create, and manage data.  They then practice performing geospatial analysis and preparing presentations of the final results.  

We would like to spotlight Christa Dizon for this lab!  

Christa created an ArcGIS StoryMap presentation as well as a professional quality video for her final project. Her analysis and map results were stellar.  Click on the sample map from her final project blog to read the full article. We feel she is a rising GIS star, and you may view more of her blog posts and maps here. 

Student Spotlight: Hunter Fishback

Student Spotlight : Hunter Fishback

From Bartender to GIS Professional

We’re excited to spotlight one of our recent Graduate GIS Certificate completers, Hunter Fishback, and celebrate his successful career transition into the geospatial field.

Before starting the program, Hunter earned his degree in Environmental Science from the University of Florida. Like many recent graduates, he weighed career options and chose bartending for the reliable pay. But after several conversations with regulars who saw his potential, he was encouraged to look into GIS. That advice ultimately led him to our online GIS Certificate program, which fit his schedule and career goals.

Just two semesters into the program, Hunter landed his first GIS position this past March—an impressive milestone while still working toward completing the certificate. This summer, he finished strong by completing the GIS Internship course with his new employer, officially graduating with the Graduate GIS Certificate.

As part of the internship, students build their professional online presence. Hunter’s LinkedIn profile is an excellent example of how to showcase transferable skills, highlight relevant GIS experience, and present a polished, professional image. His thoughtful approach to his profile, combined with his active engagement, reflects both his dedication and enthusiasm for his new career path.

We’re thrilled to celebrate Hunter’s success and look forward to seeing where his GIS journey takes him next.

Click the Land Use and Land Cover Map above from Hunter's Blog Site to link to his blog and see entries from his Graduate Certificate journey.

 Connect with Hunter here: Hunter Fishback on LinkedIn

Student Spotlight: Maha Habbal

GIS 5103 Module 6: Working with Geometries

GIS Programming students in this summer's session of GIS 5103 Module 6 recently tackled Working with Geometries.  This important module introduces concepts for using ArcPy to access a feature's geometry object. ArcPy provides a variety of classes which allow scripts to access geometry components such as SHAPE, LENGTH, XY coordinants and more. As part of this lesson, students wrote a Python script that generates a formatted text file otuputting each river feature within a feature class. 

This week, we would like to highlight the outstanding work of Maha Habbal!  Maha works as a GIS Analyst for the City of Tampa Mobility Department where she collaborates with engineers, planners, AutoCad Technicians. Her expertise is appreciated as she helps fellow students answer their questions and participates regularly in class discussion forums. She is an excellent student and we enjoy her well written blog posts, as well. 

Read Maha Habbal's complete GIS Journal blog here! 

Student Spotlight: Jennifer Melcher

GIS 5007 Module 5: Choropleth Mapping

GIS5007 Computer Cartography Module 5 tackled the subject of Choropleth Mapping. Choropleth mapping is used to visualize data such as population density, health statistics, or economic statistics using color and shading to represent values throughout a geographic boundary. This module asked students to map population densities along with total wine consumption among European countries.  They chose color schemes, data classification schemes as well as proportional symbols to effectively communicate the data. 

We would like to highlight the excellent work of Jennifer Melcher on this assignment! She is a Graduate Certificate student and an experienced Archaeologist with the UWF Archaeology Institute. 

Jennifer went the extra mile by designing a custom picture symbol with open source resource https://www.svgrepo.com/.  She also took additional steps to customize a color palette with palleton.com to get the look she needed to best represent the data. Jennifer applied her SQL skills to filter records and dynamically adjust the size and color shades of annotation for maximum readability and visual impact.  Melcher's attention to detail and extra efforts on this Module were greatly appreciated and we love the results! 

Click on the map above for a closer look and to read Jennifer Melcher's blot post about this module.  You may also see more about her GIS journey at Jennifer's GIS Blog. 

Student Spotlight: Michaela Klinkhamer

Module 1: Python Environments and Flowcharts

GIS 4102 & 5103 Module 1: Python Environment and Flowcharts lab guided students through steps that would enable them to run a script with Python IDLE (Integrated Development and Learning Environment), interact with Python ArcGIS Notebooks, and begin thinking algorithmically by designing flowcharts. 

This week, we would like to highlight the outstanding work of Michaela Klinkhamer! Although she was new to the course, she went above and beyond to explain the readings and flowchart associated with the code. She added her own take on the assignment, as well, which we enjoyed reading. 

Click here to see her blog on this lab and read more about her GIS Journey at her blogspot! 

Student Spotlight: Domani Turner-Ward

GIS4043 Lab 4: Vector Analysis

The current term of Introduction to GIS (GIS4043) recently completed Module 4, a Vector Analysis session that introduced some very useful tools. Students gained experience with the commonly used Buffer and Overlay geoprocessing tools. They also explored how to analyze vector data with spatial queries and distinguish between different types of layers.  These skills were used to find and map the potential campsites in De Soto National Forest  located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. 

This week, we would like to highlight the outstanding work of Domani Turner-Ward! 

Domani is an engaged student who asks great questions and is committed to genuinely understanding the GIS concepts they are learning.  Please click the image about to see their blogspot for a more detailed description of the assignment and more examples of Domani's quality work. 

Student Spotlight: Ander Anderson

GIS 4043/5050L Final Project - Transmission Line Impacts

The introduction to GIS (GIS 4043/5050) Final Project gave students a chance to showcase the skills they've acquired throughout the course. The scenario presented students with a letter from FPL power company proposing an electric transmission line that would effect a large span of land in South Florida.  Their job was to do a GIS analysis to assess the impact the line could have on conservation lands, national wetlands, schools, and homes within proximity of the transmission line. Data analysis and interpretations were expressed in the form of maps, graphs, tables, and write ups. 

The student we would like to spotlight for the Final Project is Ander Anderson! 

Anderson's story map deliverable for this assigment titled FPL Transmission Line Impacts was both visually appealing and well written, which characterizes Ander's work throughout the course. Please click the above image to view the entire blog for more examples of entertaining and informative write-ups and  map deliverables. 

Student Spotlight: Michael Lucas

Module 3 Lab: Introduction to Projections

Spring semester is flying by and our GIS 4043/5050 Introduction to GIS first term has recently ended. We are impressed with our students' progress and hard work!  This weeks' spotlight focuses on the Lab 3 Module Introduction to Projections.  Students were asked to create a map exploring the differences between projections Albers, UTM 16, and Florida State Plane North.  These projections were contrasted visually and quantitavely using Layer Properties and Geoprocessing tools. 

This week, we would like to highlight the outstanding work of Michael Lucas! 

Michael is a software developer by trade, and his attention to detail shows in his work.  His maps are well designed as seen above in the lab deliverable displaying the differing looks and area calculations for Alachua, Escambia, Miami Dade, and Polk counties in Florida. Click on the image above to view his blogspot for more maps and write ups from the course! 

Student Spotlight: Alex Nitzman

Student Spotlight: Alex Nitzman

Recently in our GIS 4035/L Photo Interpretation and Remote Sensing course, students learned techniques for image classification. Their goal was to learn how to convert a group or cluster of spectrally similar pixels into an information class such as Land Use or Land Cover. Tasks included creating classified images in ERDAS, practicing reclassification, evaluating signature histograms, and preparing maximum likelihood classifications. 

This week, we would like to highlight the outstanding work of Alex Nitzman! 

Alex is detail oriented as seen in the above image reflecting a well designed map of the final results of a Land Use/Land Cover created with Supervised Image Classification. He is active in office hours and offers insights that are helpful to the class. Click here to check out his blog The GIS Road to Fruition to see more of his work! 

Student Spotlight: James Bielenda

Student Spotlight: James Bielenda

Special Topics students completed their final lab, Module 3.1: Scale and Spatial Data Aggregation this week.  Students examined the geometric properties of hydrographic vector and polygon data at different scales to understand the importance of projecting data at the appropriate scale (shown above). The class then used Ordinary least squares (OLS) analysis to see how the compactness of a study area may impact the data. The real-world applications in this lab used OLS concepts to identify suspected areas of gerrymandering, or manipulating boundaries of electoral districts for unfair political advantages, in Florida. 

This week, we would like to highlight the outstanding work of James Bielenda! 

James is currently working as an Environmental Compliance Specialist for Santa Rosa County.  He is enhancing his career with GIS and has his sights set on a Computer Science Master's degree, as well.  We appreciate his curiosity and passion for GIS and problem solving, consistent effort, and engagement with instructors and students online. Congratulations to James on completing the final course of the Graduate GIS Certificate program! 

Student Spotlight: Jason Wenzel

Student Spotlight:Jason Wenzel

Special Topics students are continuing their series of modules on Data Quality Assessments by becoming familiar with Triangulated Irregular Networks (TINs) , Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), and Surface Interpolation.  Module 2.1 practices using ArcPro to drape images over terrain surfaces and exaggerate the images for further exploration of data.  Multiple geoprocessing tools were utilized to symbolize, analyze, and compare and contrast TIN and DEM datasets. These terrain analysis skills were then applied to the creation of a Ski Run Suitability Map (shown above). 

This week we would like to highlight the outstanding work of Jason Wenzel! 

Jason has a PhD in Anthropology with a specialization in Historical Archaeology.  His research and long standing love of maps is highlighted in his personal storymap. We enjoy the inclusion archeology as a topic in many of his labs and projects.  Jason's progress through the Graduate Certificate program has been a great example of how GIS has the potential to enhance careers. 

Please check out his blogspot on Module 2.1. TINs and DEMs here!  

Student Spotlight: Robert Richardson

Student Spotlight: Robert Richardson

This week in Special Topics Module 1, students learned the importance of creating and identifying the quality level of spatial data. The fundamental concepts of accuracy, precision, and bias were defined in lecture Fundamentals of Spatial Data Quality. These error metrics were further examined in the lab, Calculating Metrics for Spatial Data Quality where students were asked to map a set of GPS coordinate waypoints, then calculate and demonstrate the accuracy and precision of the points. 

This week, we would like to highlight the outstanding work of Robert Richardson!

Robert's lab work, graphics, and blogspot for this Module reflect his professionalism and attention to detail. Robert is a GIS Administration Graduate student who creates enjoyable blogspots that often include extra screenshots and analysis. He has extensive career experience in construction, CAD, and GIS that allows him to provide valuable unique perspectives and solutions to the discussion boards and when helping other students in the lab. 

Student Spotlight: Kelsey Yoder-Ostroski

Student Spotlight: Kelsey Yoder-Ostroski

This week, we would like to highlight Kelsey Yoder-Ostroski for her work on the Application for GIS Coastal Flooding and Storm Surge Analysis module! 

In this module, students explored coastal flooding models and were asked to prepare their own storm surge analysis. 

Kelsey has created an excellent blogspot about the Coastal Flooding and Storm Surge module which highlights how LiDAR datasets may be compared for analysis to help with both storm damage mitigation and preparation. The design and content of the maps and graphics in her project are both visually appealing and well written, a testament to her background in education as well as her work as a mother and volunteer. In addition, Kelsey has been an engaged and dedicated student throughout her journey in the GIS Administration Graduate program. 

Please check out her blog here: https://yostroski.blogspot.com/2023/07/coastal-flooding-storm-surge-analysis.html

Emily Sandrowicz Alumni Spotlight

Emily Sandrowicz Alumni Spotlight

This week, we would like to highlight the outstanding Capstone work of GIS Online MS in GIS Administration Alumni, Emily Sandrowicz!

Pictured below is Sandowicz's capstone  "The EC-SAR iCAMP (Eckerd College Search and Rescue interactive CAse MaP)."  

Sandrowicz says about UWF GIS Online MS Program: "As someone who is already comfortably settled in a GIS career, earning my masters was more about career advancement. While I'm comfortable with most GIS topics, I've never taken classes in management of finance, so broadening my knowledge base was the main goal."

Student Spotlight: Marquis Pickett

Student Spotlight: Marquis Pickett

This week, we would like to highlight Marquis Pickett for his outstanding leadership, work ethic, and positive influence in the online GIS courses he has taken with us this year.  

Marquis regularly offers his time to help his classmates on the discussion forum and during office hours with sound advice, encouragement, and tips. Multiple students have shared with instructors how helpful Marquis has been to them. In a recent post, he reminded his classmates to trust in themselves and their abilities while sharing his experience working through a lab assignment.  Marquis works diligently to understand the course materials and any questions he asks are backed by research on his part. There have been several instances where Marquis will revisit/rework an assignment he has already submitted to ensure he understands the topics and processes before moving on. The blog posts below is key points that are examples of Marquis' determination. Overall, Marquis is a standout student who is both professional and passionate about GIS. We're glad to have you; keep up the great work, Marquis!

Check out his blog here: https://mdpickettgis.blogspot.com/

UWF Student Has Map Featured for Thousands by ESRI's President

UWF MS in GIS Administration Student has Work Featured During ESRI's Users Conference

University of West Florida Master's of Science in Geographic Information Sciences online student Amanda Clayton's map was featured during the 2021 ESRI User Conference in San Diego. Jack Dangermond, President of ESRI, showcased Clayton's map on "European Wine Consumption" during the Plenary Session. The ESRI UC is a showcase of all things related to geographic information science and GIS professionals from all over the globe, with more than 50,000 people attending the annual conference. The conference runs from July 12-15.

Clayton created the "European Wine Consumption" map while enrolled in UWF's online Computer Cartography course. "It is crazy how far my GIS skills have come in the last two years," said Clayton. "UWF offers a top-notch program in MS GIS Administration."

Clayton worked at the university as a graduate assistant on several projects, including a Marine Science mapping project for Washington Hight School (funded by Gulf Power's Amplify Grant) and work with UWF's Alumni Relationtions and Development Office. Clayton recently accepted a full-time internship with ESRI in their Professional Services Division. 

Everyone at UWF's Earth and Environmental Sciences Department is extremely proud of Amanda and wants to congratulate her for this big achievement!

Mapping of Historic Pensacola Cemeteries

Mapping of Historic Pensacola Cemeteries

GeoData Center researchers teamed up with the University of West Florida's Archaeology Institute to map gravesites at Pensacola AME Zion and Magnolia cemeteries. These two cemeteries served the Pensacola area's African American community since the 1800s. The mapping effort was completed over Summer 2020. Our researchers used GPS coordinates and photographs to mark gravesites. The goal is to have the information available online for the public. Northwest Florida publication "Inweekly" published this article on the mapping effort. 

https://inweekly.net/windows-to-the-past/

Northwest Florida GIS User Group Digital Media Contest

Attention students: We are sponsoring a digital media contest. This is a good way to have your work seen by professionals in the GIS field. Rules and details are below. You can also email me Brett Haskell at bhaskell@uwf.edu for more details.