Geography student and faculty member at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) make it to the finals of the prestigious ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition.
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is celebrating the achievements of one of its geography students and a faculty member who have been selected as finalists for the 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 finalists, Joshua Green, a senior geography student, and Dr. Kayla Stan, an assistant professor of geography, are being recognized for their exceptional storytelling and use of spatial data in their submissions.
Inspiring Conservation Through Storytelling
During a web mapping course taught by Dr. Stan, students were tasked with creating stories about conserving the planet using the ArcGIS StoryMaps software. The course aimed to equip students with effective communication skills across diverse mediums, with StoryMaps being one of them. Joshua Green, a senior geography major from Sumrall, Mississippi, submitted his StoryMap titled “Following the Herd: A look into the History, Endangerment, and Reemergence of the American Bison.” Green’s submission was selected as a finalist, showcasing his talent for combining data visualization and storytelling.
In his StoryMap, Green delves into the history and current status of the American Bison, shedding light on its endangerment and the efforts being made to protect and preserve the species. Green expressed his gratitude to Esri for hosting the competition and providing students with an opportunity to gain insight into map creation and proficiency in ArcGIS. He also credited Dr. Stan and the web mapping course for teaching him valuable GIS techniques and workflows.
Emphasizing the Worth of Endangered Ecosystems
Dr. Stan, along with her colleagues Arturo Sanchez-Azofeifa from the University of Alberta and Hendrik F. Hamann from IBM, submitted a StoryMap titled “Roots of Resilience: Battling Degradation in the Tropical Dry Forests.” Their submission highlights the beauty and significance of tropical dry forests, often overshadowed by rainforests. Dr. Stan saw the competition as an opportunity to merge science and art, showcasing the magnificence of these endangered ecosystems and emphasizing their worth in a global conversation.
Being selected as a finalist is not only a validation of Dr. Stan’s teaching methods but also an opportunity to expand the reach of her research. She believes that the StoryMaps platform will allow her to reach a broader audience and raise awareness about vulnerable ecosystems. Dr. Stan emphasizes the importance of effective communication skills and the ability to present complex information through mediums like StoryMaps, as it enables students to build a portfolio that speaks louder than words.
Recognition and Inspiration
Dr. Stan expresses her excitement about having one of her students, Joshua Green, as a finalist in the competition. She believes that his achievement adds another layer of excitement and inspiration for future students. The fact that one of her students made it to the finals is a testament to the effectiveness of her teaching methods and the effort put in by the entire class.
Even for those who did not make it to the finals, Dr. Stan commends their commendable efforts in a competition of this level. She highlights the significance of creating a portfolio that showcases tangible proof of skills and the ability to communicate complex information. A portfolio, according to Dr. Stan, speaks louder than words and can greatly impact future employment opportunities.
Conclusion:
The recognition of a geography student and faculty member from USM as finalists in the 2023 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition is a testament to their exceptional storytelling abilities and effective use of spatial data. Joshua Green’s exploration of the history and conservation efforts of the American Bison and Dr. Kayla Stan’s emphasis on the worth of tropical dry forests have impressed the judges. This achievement not only validates the teaching methods of Dr. Stan but also inspires future students to excel in the field of web mapping and conservation communication. The winners of the competition will be announced on December 7, 2023, and the selected stories can be explored on the competition’s website.
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