Career highlights in STEM-local scientists!

Hello! My name is Melissa Lanclos and I am a Senior Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist. GIS uses computers, computer software and data to create maps. Another way to explain GIS is to think of it as a map on your computer. You choose what information is shown and you use that information to help answer questions and solve problems.

You can think of the information in these maps as a big sandwich. Each type of data (forests, roads, buildings, animal populations, etc.) is layered on top of the next. This allows you to make maps that show many different things. 

GIS also uses the maps and data to answer questions like ”Where is the best place to put a new business?” (some data used for this might be population information and location of roads). Or “Where should the new animal conservation area be located?” (using locations of forests, types of animals and locations of roads). 

 All different types of businesses use GIS. Governments, restaurants, shipping companies, conservation groups, and banks use GIS to help run their businesses. I work for an engineering company. We use GIS to map areas around rivers that might flood if we get lots of rain. We also use GIS to map the locations of water wells. These water wells are used to test the water for chemicals that may have leaked into the ground. We also use GIS to map the locations of a new light rail transportation system. These are just a few ways that I use GIS everyday in my job.

To work in GIS you need a college education. GIS is such a diverse profession that you can get your degree in many different fields such as Computer Science, Geography, Environmental Science, Engineering or others. Many colleges offer a certification in GIS that you can earn along with your degree. I have both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Master of Arts (MA) in Geography from the University of Missouri – Columbia.