Portland Community College Geospatial Alumni Synergy

The Geospatial Programs at PCC encompass Human and Physical Geography, GIS, UAS, and Geomatics disciplines. The application of geospatial disciplines exists in multiple industries, such as forestry, transportation, logistics, military, and urban planning. There is a large demand for geospatial professionals working in training and education, due to specific niches of knowledge, constant updates in software and technology, and salary competition.

This session shows examples of alumni synergy, where:

1. Former and current students worked at the PCC Geospatial Department to support curriculum development and tutoring;
2. PCC Geospatial Department invested in technical internships for graduated students - and they returned to teach and create curriculum for UAS courses.
3. PCC Geospatial Department hired alumni who were familiar with the program structure and indicated strategies for marketing and retention.
4. Students and alumni shared their positive educational experiences with community and industry partners, encouraging the continuation of external projects.

Lauren Mckinney-Wise has a GIS Certificate from PCC, a bachelor’s degree in Geography with a minor in GIS from PSU, and a master's in geography, focusing on cartography and GIS. She works for the City of Portland making maps, managing data, and assisting others in understanding and utilizing GIS. Lauren also organizes regional events with her collective group of Women in GIS.

Skills learned at PCC Geospatial:

Technical: GIS concepts and Theory, Spatial Analysis, Data Management, Data Queries, Cartography, Web Map and Mobile Map Application Design, Basic Python, Project Management, Technical Writing, Critical GIS Interpersonal: Teamwork and Collaboration, Project Management, Giving and Receiving Constructive Feedback, Confidence and Resilience, Interviewing, Resume and Job Application

Bianca Signorini works for Bat Conservation International as a GIS Analyst and UAS Lead. In the last year, Bianca built a UAS program for her organization from the ground up, from unboxing the first drone to purchasing photogrammetry software and finally completing our first UAS project with a federal partner in October of 2023. Her goals for the near future are to continue to grow the UAS program at BCI. At PCC, she learned:

• learned how to "speak the language" of GIS
• had a solid understanding of the capabilities of GIS and UAS
• acquired resources for critical thinking and technical troubleshooting
• made invaluable professional connections.

Angela D'Esposito pursued the GIS and UAS Certificate Degrees. She joined the programs to learn about UAS/drone applications, processing images, and 3D data and deliverables. She learned multiple software applications, which include:

• Agisoft
• ArcGIS Pro
• StoryMaps
• Field Maps
• Survey123
• Drone maintenance

Angela completed the 1-year PCC's exclusive UAS internship with Clean Water Services - a regional management utility that provides sewer and surface water to over 600,000 people in the Portland Metro Area. There, she completed a governmental NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) to help current and future District sUAS pilots assess, maintain, and improve flight skills and proficiency. Standardizing methods and flight training helps create a base foundation so that every pilot understands their responsibilities, risk mitigation, crew resource management, and maintaining aeronautical decision-making.

Max Egener has a Journalism background and joined the GIS and UAS programs to gain new skills related to data analysis and communication. He wants to:

• Become part of a growing industry with increasing professional opportunities;
• Learn new ways of thinking that can help community development;
• Make progress on global issues such as climate change and social justice.

Through the GIS and UAS Certificate, Max learned the following skills:

Technical: Advanced geospatial data analysis, online web mapping, GIS/UAS software proficiency (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Agisoft Metashape Pro, UgCS), cartographic principles, collecting drone-derived data.

Interpersonal: Data communication, group project collaboration, professional communication,

Creating connection through community-based organizations and support of local issues.

The GIS Club is an informal way for students to connect with one another, get involved with community projects outside of the classroom setting, participate in local events hosted by geospatial professional organizations, and build leadership skills.

1) What is your industry? What is the current state of the industry? 2) How is your institution's current relationship between students and alumni? Can you share an example of leadership actions from students or alumni? 3) What are the strengths of your program? What are the weaknesses? How can students and alumni support or be supported in your program?

Access the Storymap