Two projects from The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) have been chosen as finalists in the prestigious 2023 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition, highlighting the exceptional talent and dedication of a geography student and a faculty member.
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is celebrating the success of one of its geography students and a faculty member who have been selected as finalists in the highly competitive 2023 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition. The competition, cohosted by Esri and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), received submissions from over 50 countries. The projects by USM student Joshua Green and faculty member Dr. Kayla Stan were recognized for their excellence in place-based research and conservation-focused storytelling.
A Student’s Journey: “Following the Herd: A look into the History, Endangerment, and Reemergence of the American Bison”
Joshua Green, a senior geography major from Sumrall, Mississippi, submitted a captivating StoryMap titled “Following the Herd: A look into the History, Endangerment, and Reemergence of the American Bison.” Green’s StoryMap explores the history and current status of the American Bison, shedding light on the misconceptions surrounding its conservation efforts. Green expressed his gratitude to Esri for providing students like himself with the opportunity to enhance their map creation skills using ArcGIS. Being selected as a finalist alongside other talented students came as a surprise to Green, but one he is truly grateful for. Through his submission and the web mapping course offered by Dr. Stan, Green has not only gained insight into map creation but also learned valuable GIS techniques and workflows.
A Faculty’s Perspective: “Roots of Resilience: Battling Degradation in the Tropical Dry Forests”
Dr. Kayla Stan, an assistant professor of geography in USM’s School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences, submitted a collaborative StoryMap titled “Roots of Resilience: Battling Degradation in the Tropical Dry Forests.” Co-created with colleagues Arturo Sanchez-Azofeifa from the University of Alberta and Hendrik F. Hamann from IBM, Dr. Stan’s StoryMap showcases the beauty and importance of tropical dry forests, often overlooked in favor of rainforests. The competition provided an ideal platform for merging science and art to raise awareness about these endangered ecosystems. Dr. Stan sees her selection as a finalist as proof of concept for her teaching methods and an opportunity to expand the reach of her research. She believes that effective communication skills, including the ability to create engaging StoryMaps, are essential for geography students, equipping them with the tools to communicate complex information across diverse mediums.
The Impact of Effective Communication
Dr. Stan emphasizes the importance of effective communication skills and the value of a portfolio in showcasing a student’s abilities. By teaching web mapping and StoryMap creation, she not only equips her students with technical skills but also empowers them to communicate their knowledge and expertise to future employers. Dr. Stan is particularly thrilled about Joshua Green’s selection as a finalist, as it demonstrates the success of her teachings and serves as an inspiration for future students. She believes that the effort put into a competition of this caliber is commendable, regardless of the outcome.
Conclusion:
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is proud to have a geography student and a faculty member selected as finalists in the 2023 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition. Joshua Green’s exploration of the American Bison’s history and conservation efforts and Dr. Kayla Stan’s collaborative StoryMap on the tropical dry forests exemplify the dedication and talent within the USM geography program. These projects not only showcase the students’ and faculty’s technical skills but also highlight the importance of effective communication in the field of geography. As the winners of the competition are announced, the recognition received by Green and Dr. Stan serves as a testament to their hard work and the impact of their storytelling abilities.
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