In 2012, Azavea launched the Summer of Maps, a program that offers $5,000 stipends to student GIS analysts to perform pro bono geospatial data analysis projects for non-profit organizations over a three-month period in the summer. This is now our fourth year running the program. Each summer, we’ve had amazing fellows (including our very own Tyler Dahlberg who is a 2013 Summer of Maps alumn), and we are excited to introduce you to this year’s fellows:
Laura Laderman, Nathaniel Henry, Kevin Frech (left to right)
Laura Laderman is a recent graduate of Swarthmore College with a B.S. in Physics. This summer she has been working on geospatial data analysis projects for the Sunset Park Health Council dba Luthern Family Health Centers, as well as the African Family Health Organization. Outside of work, Laura teaches and practices modern dance, and works with youth in a community garden. Laura says the best part of the Summer of Maps is meeting with her clients: “To see someone interacting with a map or graphic that I have made and learning new things about their neighborhood or clients is what is the most exciting.”
Nathaniel Henry is a current student at Ohio State University pursuing a a B.S. in Geographic Information Science and a B.S. in Geography. This summer he has been working on geospatial data analysis projects for the Legal Clinic for the Disabled, as well as the Greening of Detroit. Fellows are encouraged to attend company wide demos and project showcases, and Nathaniel says that seeing all of interesting work being done across Azavea is his favorite part of the Summer of Maps.
Kevin Frech is a recent graduate of Temple University with a B.A. in Geography and Urban Studies. This summer he has been working on geospatial data analysis projects for the Public Laboratory for Open Technology and Science, as well as the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Previously Kevin worked as a GIS Intern at the Philadelphia Mayor’s Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity. Kevin has learned a lot through Summer of Maps: “If I wasn’t an expert at geographic regression and statistics before, I am now.”
In the coming weeks you’ll be able to read about the fellows’ projects and see the results of their hard work on our Atlas blog.
Funding support for the 2015 Summer of Maps program has been provided by Esri, the Temple University Professional Science Masters in GIS, and Betsy & Jesse Fink.