USM Geography Student, Faculty Selected as Finalists of the 2023 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition

Two members of the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) community have been chosen as finalists for the national 2023 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition, showcasing their innovative use of spatial data and storytelling techniques.

The power of storytelling and spatial data visualization has been recognized through the selection of a geography student and a faculty member from the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) as finalists in the prestigious 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, highlighting the global interest in using geospatial technology to communicate conservation efforts. The projects by USM student Joshua Green and faculty member Dr. Kayla Stan were selected as finalists, showcasing their dedication to conservation research and their ability to effectively communicate complex information through the innovative use of ArcGIS StoryMaps.

A Student’s Journey to Preserve the American Bison

Joshua Green, a senior geography major from Sumrall, Mississippi, submitted a compelling StoryMap titled “Following the Herd: A look into the History, Endangerment, and Reemergence of the American Bison.” Green’s project delves into the history and conservation status of the American Bison, shedding light on the misconceptions surrounding this iconic species.

Green expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the competition, acknowledging the invaluable skills he acquired during the process. Through the web mapping course led by Dr. Stan, Green not only gained proficiency in ArcGIS but also learned how to effectively communicate information and present a compelling narrative to his intended audience.

Exploring the Roots of Resilience in 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, the StoryMap highlights the beauty and significance of tropical dry forests, often overshadowed by their rainforest counterparts.

Dr. Stan emphasized the importance of merging science and art in her StoryMap, showcasing the magnificence of these endangered ecosystems and emphasizing their worth in the global conversation on conservation. Being selected as a finalist not only validates the teachings in Dr. Stan’s class but also provides an opportunity to raise awareness about vulnerable ecosystems on a broader scale.

The Impact of Effective Communication and Portfolio Building

Dr. Stan’s web mapping course goes beyond teaching technical skills; it equips students with effective communication skills across diverse mediums, with StoryMaps being one of them. The course emphasizes the importance of building a portfolio that speaks louder than words, showcasing tangible proof of students’ skills and their ability to communicate complex information.

Dr. Stan expressed her excitement about Joshua Green’s selection as a finalist, highlighting the achievement as an inspiration for future students and a testament to the communication principles taught in the course. She commended all the students who participated in the competition, recognizing their commendable effort in a competition of this level.

Conclusion:

The selection of a geography student and a faculty member from USM as finalists in the 2023 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition highlights the university’s commitment to fostering innovative approaches to conservation research and effective communication. Joshua Green’s exploration of the American Bison’s history and conservation status, along with Dr. Kayla Stan’s collaborative project on tropical dry forests, exemplify the power of spatial data visualization and storytelling in raising awareness about environmental issues. As the winners of the competition are announced, the impact of their work will continue to resonate, inspiring future students and showcasing the importance of effective communication in the field of geography.


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