The University of Southern Mississippi’s geography student and faculty member have been recognized as finalists in the prestigious 2023 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition.
Two exceptional story maps created by a geography student and a faculty member at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) have been chosen as finalists for the highly anticipated 2023 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition. This national 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 selected as finalists in the place-based research project or scholarly article on conservation track.
Unveiling the StoryMaps
During a web mapping course led by Dr. Kayla Stan, an assistant professor of geography in USM’s School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences, students were tasked with creating captivating stories about conserving our planet using the software ArcGIS StoryMaps. These stories were then submitted to the competition, with Joshua Green’s submission titled “Following the Herd: A look into the History, Endangerment, and Reemergence of the American Bison” standing out among the finalists.
Green, a senior geography major from Sumrall, Mississippi, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity provided by the competition. He shared his surprise at being selected as a finalist and emphasized the valuable skills he gained through the web mapping course, including map creation and proficiency in ArcGIS. Green’s StoryMap delves into the history and current status of the American Bison, shedding light on the misconceptions surrounding its conservation.
Dr. Kayla Stan’s submission, “Roots of Resilience: Battling Degradation in the Tropical Dry Forests,” was 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 the often overlooked tropical dry forests. She describes the competition as the perfect platform to merge science and art, highlighting the magnificence of these endangered ecosystems and their significance in the global conversation on conservation.
The Power of Communication and Portfolio Building
Dr. Stan emphasizes the importance of effective communication skills in her web mapping course. While teaching students web mapping techniques, the course also equips them with the ability to communicate complex information through diverse mediums, with StoryMaps being one of them. Dr. Stan believes that teaching students to build a portfolio of their work provides tangible proof of their skills and their ability to communicate complex information to future employers.
The recognition of Joshua Green as a finalist holds special significance for Dr. Stan. She sees it as an inspiration for future students and a testament to the effectiveness of her teaching methods. Dr. Stan commends all the students who participated in the competition, noting the commendable effort put into a competition of this caliber.
A Platform for Raising Awareness
Being selected as finalists in the 2023 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition provides both Joshua Green and Dr. Kayla Stan with an opportunity to expand the reach of their work. Dr. Stan believes that being a finalist goes beyond academic papers, as it allows her to reach a broader audience and raise awareness about vulnerable ecosystems. The competition serves as a platform for sharing their research and conservation efforts with the world.
Conclusion:
The recognition of a geography student and a faculty member from The University of Southern Mississippi as finalists in the prestigious 2023 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition highlights their exceptional storytelling abilities and commitment to conservation. Joshua Green’s exploration of the American Bison’s history and conservation, alongside Dr. Kayla Stan’s focus on the tropical dry forests, exemplify the power of StoryMaps in communicating complex information. As the competition winners are set to be announced on December 7, 2023, the accomplishments of these USM finalists serve as an inspiration to future students and a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering innovative and impactful research.
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