Institute for Families in Society

Perhaps what brought me to GIS is my natural affinity for seeing how geography can so easily relate multiple topics and disciplines, as well as be used as a tool to illuminate ideas and concepts. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Geography from the University of South Carolina, I spent several years at the South Carolina Department of Environmental Control (DHEC) in the Office of Public Health Statistics and Information Services (PHSIS) in the Division of Biostatistics and Health GIS. In that role, I worked with all phases of data development, analysis, maintenance, and visual presentation. I also coordinated efforts with other offices and agencies in the use of both spatial public health data and disaster emergency response data, including GPS data collection. I also spent several years living in Oregon where I continued working with GIS in the arena of 9-1-1 preparedness.

I have developed a true passion for creating intuitive mapping products and services that effectively communicate a suite of information and also finding the right strategy to best illustrate the issue. I’m excited to continue contributing to the well-being of our communities statewide through my role at the Institute for Families in Society.