GSS Spotlight!

MORGAN LARSON

What is your education and professional background?

I started college at Central Lakes College in my hometown of Brainerd. I graduated from CLC in 2016 with my A.A. degree and then transferred to the University of Minnesota Duluth. I graduated from UMD in the Spring of 2018 with a degree in Geography and GIS. I am currently enrolled in the Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics M.S. program here at Saint Mary's University. I have worked with the Geospatial Analysis Center at UMD, as a GIS tutor and teaching assistant, and with the St. Louis County Enterprise GIS team in Duluth. I spend most of my summers working at a zoo in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

What led you to GIS? More specifically, how did you get to Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (SMUMN) in Winona? 

I have always been interested in maps and the places they will lead you. I grew up navigating my family on trips, which eventually led to my love of Geography. During my time at Central Lakes College, I took an introductory course on GIS and instantly knew that it was the right career path for me. I chose to complete my Master's degree at Saint Mary's University in Winona because of the small town feel and overall flexibility of the program.

Explain briefly a project at GSS you've done that contributed to your overall knowledge and educational experience.

Since starting at GSS in September, I have worked on creating and reshaping channels across the Kuskokwim region of Alaska. This project has helped me to take the skills I have learned from my classes and apply them to real world GIS applications.

How do you see GIS fitting into your future? 
After graduation, I hope to find a job in the GIS field, either working in the environmental sector or as a cartographer.

Where can we find you outside of GSS?

Outside of GSS, you can find me in Winona, Brainerd, or Duluth. In my free time I enjoy hiking, canoeing, biking, spending time with family and friends, and travelling.