2024 USGIF Scholarship Recipients
USGIF has awarded more than $1.9M in scholarships since launching the program in 2004. This year's winners represent a diverse and multi-talented group who demonstrate a shared desire to impact change through the use of geospatial intelligence tradecraft.
Stu Shea USGIF Endowed Scholarship
Rebecca Composto is a third year Ph.D. student in the Center for Geospatial Analytics at North Carolina State University. Her research focuses on using satellite imagery and machine learning to map past urban flood events and turn these maps into actionable insights for decision makers. Outside of her Ph.D. research, she is a co-teacher for an undergraduate GIS course and does GIS educational outreach for K-12 students. Before moving to North Carolina, she studied Biology at the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. and worked as a researcher at the Center for Naval Analyses. When she is not thinking about maps and flood risk, she enjoys baking and thrifting.
"The 2024 hurricane season is predicted to have a large number of storms landing in the U.S. One of these storms, Hurricane Beryl, has already landed as a Category 1 hurricane and caused devastating wind and flood damages across Texas. There is an urgency for making helpful flood maps of past events to be used by emergency managers, urban planners, and everyday residents to better prepare for future floods. This USGIF Scholarship means getting to further dive into this important topic and produce research and visualizations that can help urban areas become more resilient to the increasing risk of extreme flooding."
Rebecca Composto
North Carolina State University
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Reinventing Geospatial, Inc. (RGi) Scholarship for Geospatial and Engineering
Sequin Thomas
West Los Angeles College
Sequin Thomas is an aspiring aerospace engineer with a strong educational background in aerospace engineering and a passionate commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Sequin's academic journey has equipped him with expertise in aircraft design, propulsion systems, and aerodynamics; he is particularly interested in leveraging geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) to enhance aviation safety, optimize flight paths, and mitigate the environmental impact of aircraft operations. Sequin aims to integrate GEOINT with aerospace engineering to develop innovative, ecofriendly technologies that promote global sustainability and address real-world challenges in the aerospace industry.
"Winning the USGIF Scholarship is an incredible honor that profoundly impacts my academic and professional journey. It recognizes my dedication to geospatial intelligence and provides invaluable support to further my education in aerospace engineering. This scholarship enables me to delve deeper into the intersection of GEOINT and aerospace, fostering innovation and sustainability in aviation. It affirms my commitment to using GEOINT to address real-world challenges and inspires me to contribute meaningfully to the field. Aiming to make a change, I am empowered by this scholarship to achieve my goals and positively impact the future of aerospace engineering."
Ken Miller Scholarship for Advanced Remote Sensing Applications
As a prospective academic with a strong interest in geospatial technologies, Makeriah Hampton strives to contribute to the understanding and scientific knowledge of imagery analysis and change detection processes. The culmination of Ms. Hampton’s knowledge and experience is drawn from her natural resource and conservation bachelor’s degree at Mississippi State University, as well as her minor in geospatial and remote sensing. Makeriah current serves as a graduate assistant at Delta State University’s geospatial technology center, a role that will enable her to contribute adequately to the geospatial sciences. As an upcoming professional in remote sensing, it is Ms. Hampton’s intention to investigate and challenge existing change detection standards as they relate to observing natural disaster events and response.
"Winning the USGIF Scholarship is a significant honor and a transformative milestone in my academic and professional journey. It recognizes my dedication to geospatial intelligence and provides a critical source of financial support for research and tuition expenses. This scholarship opens doors to exclusive networking opportunities with industry leaders, fostering invaluable connections and insights. I am profoundly grateful for this support and inspired to contribute meaningfully to the geospatial community. Thank you, USGIF, for this exceptional opportunity. As well, I would like to extend my gratitude for the mentorship and guidance I received from Dr. Younqin Zhang, Talbot Brooks, and Donna Spell throughout the course of my graduate studies and professional development."
Makeriah Hampton
Delta State University
Black Cape Scholarship for Women in Geospatial Intelligence
Khris Gonzalez Pebe
University of Southern California
Khris Gonzalez Pebe is a junior at the University of Southern California, pursuing Public Policy (Data Analytics track) and is a master’s candidate specializing in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence. Khris is an Intelligence Analyst Intern at USCENTCOM, tracking illicit trades and geopolitical dynamics. She’s also a Fellow at RFK Human Rights and a Research Fellow at Accountability Counsel, promoting GIS solutions for humanitarian assistance. Additionally, she serves as Director of Humanitarian Service for USC's Foreign Service Society. Her interests lie in integrating GIS, Python coding, and data visualization to inform policy decisions, focusing on international development, human rights, and national security.
"Winning the USGIF Scholarship, funded by Black Cape, is a tremendous honor. I extend my gratitude to USGIF for this opportunity and to my USC professors for their guidance. This scholarship reaffirms my commitment to leveraging GIS solutions for humanitarian efforts in conflict states. It opens doors for me to engage with professionals at conferences and network within the GEOINT community, sharing my niche interests and exchanging ideas. Education is power, and this support allows me to focus on my studies and current activities, paving the way for a significant impact in the field. Thank you for this invaluable support."
Maxar Scholarship for Diversity and Innovation in GEOINT
Anil Kumar Mandal is a passionate GIS enthusiast dedicated to applying geospatial technology to real-world challenges. Anil holds a bachelor’s degree in Geomatics Engineering from Tribhuvan University. Anil is pursuing an MS in Civil Engineering at Florida Atlantic University and serves as a Graduate Research Assistant. His specific interests lie in GIS, Remote Sensing, and Spatial Programming, with a deep passion for integrating AI with geospatial data. Anil aims to leverage this powerful combination to develop innovative solutions for community development. His international experiences and community engagements highlight his commitment to using geospatial technology for societal benefit.
"Winning the USGIF Maxar Scholarship for Diversity and Innovation in GEOINT is a tremendous honor and a pivotal moment in my academic journey. This prestigious award recognizes my dedication to advancing geospatial technology and supports my education and research. This support fuels my passion for developing groundbreaking solutions and enables me to focus more on my studies and innovative projects. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and motivated to continue contributing to diversity and innovation in the GEOINT field, positively impacting communities worldwide."
Anil Mandal
Florida Atlantic University
EVONA Scholarship for Diversity in STEM
Henry Alumona
Fisk University
Henry Alumona is a junior at Fisk University, studying Computer Science and Mathematics and is super passionate about making a real impact. Henry's internship at Meta has been an amazing experience, and he's learned a great deal about software engineering and development. But what really gets Henry excited is the potential of geospatial technology to solve some of the world's biggest challenges. Henry has had a blast working with the Fisk Flight Team and flying his own drones in his free time, and is eager to dive deeper into Remote Sensing and GIS. Henry dreams of using his skills to create real change and make a difference in the world, starting with his home country, Nigeria and his current residence here in the United States.
"Winning the USGIF EVONA Diversity in STEM Scholarship is an incredible honor and a dream come true. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication l have and am putting into pursuing my passion for environmental sustainability development and geospatial technology. This scholarship means more than just financial support — it is, for me, a validation of my goals and a reminder that I'm part of a community that shares my enthusiasm for geospatial innovation. I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue my education and make a difference in the geospatial field. Thank you to USGIF for this life-changing award. Again my win, our win!"
AWS Scholarship for Inclusive Leadership in GEOINT
Aisha Harris is pursuing a BAS in Geospatial Analysis and Intelligence at Delta State University, driven by a passion for geospatial technology. Ms. Harris holds an associate degree in drafting and design from Bessemer State Tech and a GIS certificate from Lawson State College. She has served her local community in various geospatial roles over the past decade - at Southern Company Services, Aisha created crucial groundwater monitoring maps using ArcGIS and AutoCAD. At Jefferson County, she advanced from senior engineering drafter to GIS technician, leading road design and tax parcel mapping projects. At the City of Bessemer, Aisha spearheaded redistricting efforts and enhanced NG911 systems. Now, as a GIS specialist at Jefferson County, Ms. Harris uses her expertise to innovate transformative web-based GIS applications for impactful community outcomes.
"Receiving the USGIF scholarship is a blessing and a crucial milestone in my geospatial analysis journey. For years, this has been my heartfelt wish, representing more than financial assistance— it's a testament to my dedication and aspiration. As I strive to become the first in my family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, I dreamed of advancing GIS for impactful change. This support empowers me to pursue my studies at Delta State University with enhanced focus, explore new avenues in geospatial intelligence, and validates my aspirations for sustainable development and community impact. It inspires my mission and encourages others, especially women, to pursue geospatial intelligence careers."
Aisha Harris
Delta State University
GDIT Horizons Scholarship
Savanna Degenhardt
Dartmouth College
A recent high school graduate, Savanna explored the fields of computer science and geospatial intelligence throughout her academic journey. She took advantage of computer science class offerings at her school and studied geospatial intelligence outside of school through Gateway Global’s GEOINT Technician training program, becoming the youngest certified GEOINT Technician in history. Savanna continued pursuing the study of both her interests through an internship with Gateway Global that allowed the fields to merge into a meaningful project. Savanna is currently continuing to learn more about how the fields can interweave through her internship with the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA).
"Receiving the USGIF GDIT Horizons Scholarship is an incredible honor. It commends the hard work that I have put in throughout the years, and allows me to continue to pursue my interests by removing financial barriers. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities which this scholarship provides and for the mentorship that has allowed me to reach this point."
Leidos Scholarship for AI/ML Advancement
Esther Oyedele is a first-generation scholar from Nigeria, holding a bachelor's degree in Geophysics and a master's degree in Geology. Currently, Esther is pursuing a Doctoral degree in Geosciences, where her research focuses on integrating satellite observations, hydrologic data, and climate data to study the significant impacts of ongoing droughts in the southwest USA. By employing geospatial intelligence and machine learning techniques, Esther aims to deepen our understanding of these critical environmental and socio-economic issues, which have direct implications for national security. Ms. Oyedele's work strives to identify vulnerable regions, improve water resource management, and support decision-making processes to mitigate the effects of drought across essential sectors.
"Winning the USGIF Leidos Scholarship for AI/ML Advancement is an incredible honor and a significant milestone in my academic journey. This scholarship is not just a financial support; it is a testament to the belief in my potential and the significance of my work. With this support, I can devote myself more fully to my studies and research, leveraging geospatial intelligence to address critical environmental and national security challenges. I am profoundly grateful to the USGIF community and the selection committee for recognizing the importance of my research, and to my mentors who have supported me along the way. This scholarship serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring others from underrepresented communities to pursue their dreams and make a meaningful impact."
Esther Oyedele
Virginia Tech
GeoFutures STL Scholarship
Ritika Tejwani
Washington University in St. Louis
Ritika Tejwani is an undergraduate at Washington University in St. Louis, pursuing a joint major in Business and Computer Science and a minor in Biomedical Data Science. Her interests in geospatial intelligence developed while working under an R&D scientist at NGA, where she used spectral graph theory to analyze large-scale, high-dimensional datasets. Her interests lie in network analysis and activity-based intelligence, which reveal the web of spatiotemporal factors behind seemingly sudden national security threats. She views GIS as a transformative tool for understanding not only immediate situations but also the networks of people, connections, locations, and resources that lead to them.
"I am extremely grateful to be awarded the GeoFutures STL Scholarship. It is an incredible honor, and I am thrilled about the opportunity to be part of the USGIF community, where I can expand my network, mentorship, and GIS education. This scholarship will fund my senior year and support my academic and professional growth in the field. I would like to thank my GIS professor, Tara Mott, for recommending this scholarship and for always encouraging me to think beyond traditional analysis. Her guidance has inspired me to use curiosity and problem-solving skills to discover innovative GIS solutions for pressing societal challenges."
Globe Building St. Louis Scholarship
Shafeel Umam is pursuing a PhD in Public Health, focusing on Behavioral Science and Health Equity at Saint Louis University under the mentorship of Dr. Enbal Shacham. His research focuses on understanding climate change's impact on food security, utilizing geospatial analysis to examine how climate factors affect food availability and access across different regions. He aims to leverage statistical modeling, spatial analysis, and geospatial technologies to understand better the complex relationships between environmental conditions, socioeconomic determinants, and access to nutritious foods across different regions. By exploring this critical intersection, he seeks to create more effective strategies to enhance food security for vulnerable populations in regions throughout the world.
"Winning the USGIF Globe Building Scholarship is an incredible honor and opportunity to further my academic and professional development. This scholarship will enable me to develop my expertise in geospatial sciences and technologies further and support my commitment to researching the impact of climate change on food security. It will give me the vital support to continue my studies and pursue geospatial analyses in public health. This award motivates me to keep striving for excellence. Moreover, the network and recognition that will come with this scholarship will open doors for collaboration and career pathways. I am deeply grateful for this scholarship and commitment from USGIF and the Globe building."
Shafeel Umam
Saint Louis University
Westway Services Group Scholarship for Veterans
Christopher Buck
New York University
Christopher Buck is a proud HBCU alumnus of Jackson State University, who has earned his Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering (with a minor in mathematics) and computer science. Christopher is in his 1st-year as a graduate student at New York University Tandon School of Engineering, where he’s managed to balance military service and academic scholarly pursuits. Christopher’s intended research topic is to highlight lidar sensors and platform methods of transferring raw lidar signal data into point references in urban cities. His research methodologies would center around automated classifications such as anomaly detection and automatic filtering techniques used in urban modeling applications.
"Being the recipient of the USGIF Westway Services Scholarship for Veterans is incredibly humbling. First, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the selection committee that saw fit in me to be so deserving to receive this prestigious scholarship award. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals of focusing on my academic pursuits while competing for internships that will prepare me for a career in geospatial intelligence after graduation. Lastly, this recognition reaffirms my commitment to aiming for greater heights while enhancing my confidence, excitement, and interest in advancing my scholarly knowledge in geospatial intelligence (GEOINT)."
Doctoral Scholars
Amanda Fetch holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Penn State University and completed the Harvard Business Analytics program with Distinction. Amanda earned a Master of Science in Research from Capitol Technology University as part of her dual PhD/MS program. Her doctoral research focuses on the integration of technology, AI, and a standardized analytical framework to enhance space situational awareness and manage orbital debris. Amanda’s work aims to ensure the safety of space operations, contributing to advancements in technology, artificial intelligence, geospatial intelligence, and space operations safety. She is interested in leveraging remote sensing technologies to improve geospatial analysis and enhance the monitoring and management of space environments, including improving orbital predictions, satellite collision avoidance, and understanding the geosynchronous orbit environment.
"Winning a prestigious USGIF scholarship is an incredible honor and a significant milestone in my academic journey. This recognition validates the significance of my research and the hard work I've put in. The support from this scholarship is invaluable, allowing me to dive deeper into my research on integrating technology, AI, and standardized analytical frameworks to enhance space situational awareness and manage orbital debris. The opportunity opens doors for me to connect with, learn from, and give back to the GEOINT community, including government, industry, academia, and professional organizations. This opportunity will not only accelerate my research, but also assist my effort to contribute meaningfully to innovations in national security."
Amanda Fetch
Capitol Technology University
Nitheshnirmal Sadhasivam
Virginia Tech
Nitheshnirmal Sadhasivam is pursuing PhD in Geosciences at Virginia Tech, working under Dr. Susanna Werth and Dr. Manoochehr Shirzaei. His research focuses on modeling groundwater storage dynamics and geohazards using remote sensing big data in the US. He earned a master’s degree in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation from the University of Twente, Netherlands. Nithesh has interned at prestigious institutions, including the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS). He is interested in addressing environmental challenges caused by climate change that impact national security and vulnerable communities, using geospatial intelligence.
"Receiving the USGIF Doctoral Scholarship is an extraordinary honor that validates the importance of my research and its potential to shape water management policy and practice. This recognition comes at a critical time, as my work focuses on safeguarding vulnerable communities from the growing environmental threats brought on by climate change. Beyond the financial support, the scholarship connects me with leading figures in geospatial intelligence, enhancing my network and influence. It also provides a unique opportunity to present my findings at the prestigious GEOINT conference, allowing me to contribute insights that may resonate on both national and global stages."
Graduate Scholar
Tyler Kleinsasser
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Undergraduate Scholars
Claire Becker is a rising junior at Virginia Tech pursuing a degree in Environmental and Engineering Geosciences with a minor in GIS. Claire discovered her passion for GIS when she began taking courses for her minor which introduced her to new softwares that are commonly used in the field. Claire's goals for the near future are to earn an internship with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency or Department of Defense. She hopes that these opportunities will lead her to a successful career that allows her to work with cutting edge technology in the professional GIS world.
"I am beyond grateful to have been selected for the USGIF Undergraduate Scholarship for this upcoming academic year. The generous funds from this scholarship will go directly towards my tuition, which will allow me to continue exploring my interests and grow as a student at Virginia Tech. I hope to continue my education post-undergraduate by pursuing a Master’s in GIS as well. Thank you for investing in my future; through support from generous donors like you, I have been able to accomplish more than I ever imagined!"
Claire Becker
Virginia Tech
Thierry Laguerre
Florida International University
Thierry Laguerre is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in the field of Computer Sciences. During his undergraduate studies, Thierry developed a strong interest in Geospatial Intelligence in topics such as recognition and spatial tracking. His passion for geospatial analysis allowed him to complete the Hurricane IAN project which involved calculating coordinates, tracking paths, and explaining relations. Thierry is particularly intrigued by the opportunity to apply his knowledge of Discrete Mathematics and Algorithms to solve real world problems. He is excited to continue on to earn his degree and pursue career opportunities related to GEOINT.
"I am honored to be chosen as the recipient of the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation Scholarship. As a first generation student pursuing a degree in Tech, this award will allow me to focus on my studies. Being chosen is not only a financial reward, but it validates the hard work and long nights of study. I am more than excited to be recognized and have the opportunity to network within the USGIF community. I would like to thank you for the vote of confidence and supporting my goal of becoming a software engineer. I appreciate your investment in my future and assure you that I will pay it forward."
My Le began her education as a medical student involved in various volunteer and research activities in the health field. Driven by her interest in development and humanity's well-being, My transitioned to an engineering degree. During an internship at Caltrans' Geospatial Branch, My tackled practical problems and gained experience in data analysis, focusing on changes in maps, terrain, and temperature, leading her to explore GEOINT, recognizing its transformative potential. My believes that wise use of GEOINT will be a significant breakthrough, serving as a solid protective measure capable of impacting entire countries and eras.
"Upon receiving the email, I was extremely thrilled and honored by how lucky I am. Winning the USGIF Scholarship means a lot to me. It is not just the value of the award but the recognition from experts with extensive experience in this field. I feel proud and happy, as ideas and ways of thinking that I initially thought were beyond my reach have been acknowledged. I sincerely thank you once again for this recognition and award from the organization."
My Le
Santa Ana College
Graduating High School Seniors
Aidan Eckles
University of Maine
Aidan Eckles is a recent graduate of Winters Mill High School. In addition to his academics, Aidan studied Geographic Information Systems at the Carroll County Career and Technology Center, earning the Award of Excellence. As part of the program, Aidan completed a Senior Capstone project using GIS to show land cover change over time in Carroll County. To broaden his skillset, Aidan earned his FAA Part 107 license which allows him to fly drones commercially. He plans to use his GIS skills in the study of forestry at the University of Maine. Aidan lives in Westminster, Maryland with his family.
"I am very grateful to the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation for awarding me this scholarship. I wish to study both forestry and GIS in college, however my home state of Maryland does not have any colleges that offer a four-year program in both forestry and GIS. This scholarship will go a long way toward allowing me to afford a good education at the University of Maine, helping me make a difference in both the forestry and GIS communities. I look forward to expanding my GIS skills and using them to make an impact on the health of American forests."
Bryce Kurfman is an incoming student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is majoring in computer science and plans to research its intersection with geospatial intelligence. Bryce started his career at Gonzalez Companies, LLC as an engineering technician. He collaborated with engineering teams to design roadways and sewers in Illinois and Missouri using Civil 3D, ArcGIS, and Google Maps. Bryce also performed construction inspections and land surveys to assess jobsite status and locate boundaries for effective project design. He has earned his FAA Remote Pilot Certification and was named an Illinois State Scholar for academic excellence.
"Being chosen by the USGIF scholarship committee is an exceptional honor. This scholarship not only provides a pathway to further my career in geospatial intelligence as a member of the USGIF community but also alleviates some of the financial challenges associated with pursuing a degree in higher education. I am grateful for this recognition and would like to extend my thanks to the USGIF for their commitment to advancing geospatial education."
Bryce Kurfman
University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign
Brandon Lee
Dartmouth College
Brandon Lee graduated as Valedictorian from DSST Montview where he spent 4 years focusing on aerospace engineering with community-oriented intentions. Brandon led his school’s student-driven CubeSat team from its inception during his junior year. Brandon has presented project to professionals across Colorado (Lockheed Martin, NASA Globe, Blue Canyon, etc.), showcasing student-lead methods for measuring atmospheric and geospatial data. As Brandon continues his educational journey at Dartmouth, he hopes to connect his research in aerospace/geospatial data with a combination of engineering and medicine. Brandon believes understanding human geography is both greatly advanced with the growth of aerospace, and increasingly critical as we study the effects of climate change on human health and activity. He hopes to support the communities most vulnerable to climate change.
"USGIF’s scholarship affirms my resolve in the potential of STEM. In my essays I always write about my dreams of connecting STEM innovation to the communities most impacted by STEM developments. USGIF accepting my essays for this scholarship, aligning with my belief in our collective ability, reminds me of the kind of community we had in the CubeSat team. The kind of community that helps you feel less alone against some of the greatest challenges. There are professionals and students from every field who are ready to help us address problems through STEM solutions. Thank you USGIF."
