GSS SPOTLIGHT!

ASHLEY TANGANG

What is your education and professional background?

I am a senior pursuing a degree in Biology with a Chemistry minor. I am a 2nd year resident assistant and currently the RA in La Salle Hall. I am also a GSS student intern since April 2019. I plan on going to graduate school to earn a Master's Degree in medical dosimetry.

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

I come from Cameroon, and I found SMU through my dad. He had a friend who went here and liked it. The university was a good choice because Winona was ranked one of the safest towns at the time of my admission. I knew about GSS from an email sent out by Career Services and I was interested in doing it as a summer job.

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

I have worked on the Wyoming wetland mapping project most of my summer and I am currently on the Idaho project. I had no prior knowledge of GIS before these projects. I have come to like it a lot. It was a lot to learn but also very interesting. I have found myself very excited mapping big polygons and reshaping them perfectly. It has also taught me how to step out of my comfort zone to learn.

How do you see GIS fitting into your future?

I know GIS goes beyond mapping wetlands. It can be used for demographic purposes, construction and how far diseases spread. I believe one day I will use my knowledge in GIS in matters of public health.

Where can we find you outside of GSS?

Outside of GSS you will probably find me in the gym every morning. I took on weightlifting a year ago and it has become my favorite hobby. You will also probably find me in the library a lot. I am a science major and it comes with a lot of homework. One thing I like doing is traveling. I travel about 2-3 times a semester so you'll probably catch me around airports.