2025 USGIF Scholarship Recipients
Stu Shea USGIF Endowed Scholarship
Jared’s story is shaped by a long-held interest in how humans are connected to their environment. The nomadic lifestyle of a military child growing up around the world and working as a touring musician instilled a passion for unique places and the people who occupied them. A thirst for more eventually led Jared to enlist in the U.S. Air Force and it was during his time abroad that he was inspired to advance his passion for learning about our planet by earning a degree in Geography. Using that education, he traded his stripes for a commission as an officer and doubled down with a graduate degree in Geographic Information Systems, before finding his rhythm as an instructor of geosciences at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Although his path took radical turns—from playing music on the world stage, to serving in military operations, to teaching in a classroom — the deep-rooted connection to Geography was always the backdrop to the journey.
For Jared, everything begins and ends with a sense of place: a catalyst that guides others with the knowledge and perspective needed to navigate today’s interconnected landscapes. By arming himself with a PhD in Geographic Education, Jared is committed to inspiring and preparing future leaders. He aims to equip others with tools to critically analyze their surroundings and contribute meaningfully to an increasingly complex world. Geography is more than a subject to Jared; it is a purpose and a lens through which he empowers others to see the world.
"Receiving this Scholarship is an incredible honor that validates my commitment to advancing the intersection of geospatial intelligence, education, and national defense. As a military intelligence professional and educator at the U.S. Air Force Academy, my work is grounded in preparing future warfighters to think geographically—leveraging both human and physical geography alongside emerging tools like GIS and GeoAI. This scholarship reinforces my belief that the next generation of defense professionals must be not only analytically sharp, but fast, flexible, and grounded in geographic literacy.
This award fuels my ongoing doctoral research, which focuses on how geography is taught to military personnel and how that knowledge can be rapidly applied in complex operational environments. It also strengthens my efforts to promote innovation in the classroom and contribute to the broader GEOINT community through both service and scholarship. I’m grateful for USGIF’s support and am motivated to continue contributing to the field in ways that bridge academic insight, operational application, and strategic foresight.
Jared Dumale
Texas State University
Reinventing Geospatial, Inc. (RGi) Scholarship for Geospatial and Engineering
Ryder Cuch
Dartmouth College
Ryder Cuch is a student at Dartmouth College studying Geography modified with Engineering Sciences and minoring in Architectural Design. With a strong interest in sustainable development and design, he aims to integrate geospatial technologies and research methods into a future career focused on sustainable design. Outside of academics, Ryder is also a DJ and the editor-in-chief of the Dartmouth College Radio Blog.
"When I found out I had received the USGIF Scholarship, I was immediately filled with gratitude and relief. I had put a lot of care and time into my application essays, hoping to communicate not only my research interests but also my academic goals and personal journey. As Dartmouth is a costly institution, receiving this scholarship lifted a weight off my shoulders, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and long-term goals. This scholarship has given me greater confidence in pursuing a future in geospatial technologies and sustainability. I’m especially excited to connect with others in the field and contribute my perspective as both a geographer and an Indigenous scholar. Opportunities like this don’t just provide financial support, they create pathways for learning, collaboration, and representation. Currently, I’m interning at my Tribe’s environmental lab, working as a lab technician on projects related to water and air quality, wildlife management, and environmental surveillance. I've already begun incorporating geospatial thinking into this work, and I look forward to deepening that integration. Through the USGIF community, I’m eager to continue learning, sharing knowledge, and helping shape a more sustainable and inclusive future. ."
Ken Miller Scholarship for Advanced Remote Sensing Applications
Erin Macri, a graduate student in the University of Maryland’s Master of Science in Geospatial Intelligence program and an experienced federal Geospatial Analyst, brings over a decade of experience in remote sensing and GIS, supporting defense, environmental, and infrastructure missions across federal agencies. She is committed to a multidisciplinary approach to geospatial analysis. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Geospatial Science and Cartography from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in Environmental Geoscience from Mississippi State University. Her work reflects a deep commitment to utilizing geography and related sciences to identify connections and apply geospatial intelligence in addressing national security and operational challenges.
"Receiving the Ken Miller Scholarship is an incredible honor, and I am deeply grateful to USGIF for this recognition. This award is not only a meaningful investment in my academic and professional future, but it also directly supports my continued work in geospatial intelligence and remote sensing. I am sincerely thankful for the opportunity this scholarship provides. With USGIF’s support, I will continue building the technical depth and strategic perspective needed to contribute meaningfully to the geospatial intelligence community and to missions that matter. This recognition motivates me to keep striving for excellence and innovation in every aspect of my work."
Erin Macri
University of Maryland
Black Cape Scholarship for Students in Geospatial Intelligence
Natalie Beane
James Madison University
Natalie Beane is currently a student at James Madison University pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Intelligence Analysis with a minor in Geography. Natalie is pursuing a civilian intelligence analyst position with the U.S. Air Force. She is looking forward to contributing to the national security and intelligence community. She plans to further her education by pursuing a master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with a concentration in remote sensing and cartography, as well as possibly logistics.
"Winning the Black Cape Scholarship means a lot to me, not just because of the financial support, but because it gives me the chance to focus more on building the skills that matter for my future in this field. When I found out, I was honestly stunned and incredibly grateful. It reminded me why I continue to push myself. I’m excited to give back by mentoring others, staying curious, and remaining committed as I continue to learn and grow."
Maxar Scholarship for Innovation in GEOINT
Steve Odira is an international transfer student at Delta State University, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Geospatial Analysis Intelligence and Computer Information Systems. Originally from Kenya, Steve began his undergraduate studies in Geospatial Engineering at the University of Nairobi, where a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and surveying sparked a deep curiosity about how technology and data could be used to shape and understand the world. That curiosity quickly evolved into a passion. Fascinated by the power of GIS mapping, spatial analysis, and information systems, Steve made the leap to the U.S. to further immerse himself in the dynamic field of GEOINT (Geospatial Intelligence). His academic journey reflects not just a pursuit of knowledge, but a mission: to harness the power of spatial data and machine learning to address critical issues like water scarcity, climate vulnerability, and disaster preparedness.
Steve has already begun to act on this mission, volunteering in Northern Kenya to support well-drilling and water access initiatives. Using his GIS skills, he mapped remote regions to identify optimal well locations and helped bring clean water to underserved communities. This work has cemented his belief that geospatial technologies are more than tools—they’re lifelines for communities facing environmental and infrastructural challenges. Steve’s long-term vision is to integrate GEOINT, data science, and CIS to transform arid regions into productive, sustainable environments. Whether through hydrological mapping, disaster response systems, or smart infrastructure planning, he is driven by a desire to make technology meaningful—especially where it's needed most.
"When I received the news that I had been awarded the USGIF Maxar Scholarship, I had to read the email twice to believe it. As a student who transferred from Kenya to the U.S. to pursue my passion for Geospatial Intelligence and Information Systems, this recognition felt like a door opening—not just for me, but for the communities I hope to serve. This scholarship is more than financial support; it’s a vote of confidence in my dreams. It means I can focus more deeply on my studies and research without worrying as much about how to make ends meet. It brings me closer to my goal of using spatial data, machine learning, and GIS mapping to help communities in arid regions—like those in Northern Kenya—gain access to clean water and prepare for disasters before they strike.
Coming from a place where access to technology and funding can be limited, this opportunity reminds me why I chose this path in the first place: because maps and data have the power to save lives. The USGIF community inspires me to dream bigger and work harder. I’m honored to be part of it."
Steve Odira
Delta State University
AWS Scholarship for Leadership in GEOINT
Oluwaseyi Dasho
Virginia Tech
Oluwaseyi Dasho is pursuing a PhD in Geosciences at Virginia Tech, where his research explores the interactions between land subsidence, relative sea level rise, and coastal flooding. Integrating geospatial intelligence, Earth sciences, and environmental engineering, he applies advanced remote sensing and geodetic techniques, including Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), as well as numerical modeling to quantify vertical land motion and its impacts on coastal infrastructure and ecosystems. His work supports climate adaptation, enhances coastal resilience, and promotes the sustainable management of vulnerable coastal regions. Oluwaseyi holds previous degrees in Physics from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria
"Winning the USGIF AWS Leadership Award is a true honor that affirms my commitment to applying geospatial tools to real-world challenges. This support empowers me to advance my research on coastal resilience and climate adaptation, and it motivates me to continue using data-driven solutions to make a meaningful impact. The award also provides invaluable opportunities to connect with, learn from, and contribute to the broader GEOINT community."
GDIT Horizons Scholarship
Stella Ristic is an incoming environmental engineering student focused on geospatial intelligence and remote sensing. She graduated from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, where she conducted research at the University of Chicago and completed an independent study on satellite imaging and environmental monitoring. Stella interned with NASA’s Planetary Geology Group, analyzing asteroid compositions and co-designing a microgravity experiment selected for further development. She presented her work on geospatial applications at the American Geophysical Union conference, where she discovered a deep interest in using satellite data for environmental solutions. Stella plans to use her background in geospatial intelligence to address environmental challenges such as emissions tracking and sustainable resource management, aiming to make satellite data more actionable for global impact.
"Receiving the GDIT Horizons Scholarship is an incredible honor that reinforces my passion for using geospatial intelligence to solve environmental challenges. This support will allow me to pursue research and hands-on opportunities in climate and satellite data analysis. I'm deeply grateful for the investment in my future and excited to contribute meaningful solutions to global sustainability!"
Stella Ristic
University of Wisconsin – Madison
Leidos Scholarship for AI/ML Advancement
Gohar Manukyan
USC Gordon S. Marshall School of Business
Gohar Manukyan is originally from Armenia and moved to the United States in 2020. She holds a Master’s in Management from the Armenian State University of Economics. She has over a decade of experience in compliance and anti-money laundering (AML), including roles at several Armenian banks. Since relocating to the U.S., Gohar has become a certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS certification), continued to grow professionally, and currently serves as Head of Compliance for a major fund administration firm, overseeing operations in San Francisco and Costa Mesa. She is also honored to have been admitted to the Executive MBA program at the University of Southern California (USC). Gohar is married and a proud mother of two boys. With a deep commitment to financial integrity, education, and leadership, she strives to contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of compliance and geospatial intelligence.
"Winning the USGIF scholarship is a tremendous honor and a meaningful recognition of my journey in the field of compliance and financial integrity. As a professional dedicated to anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), this scholarship not only supports my Executive MBA studies but also inspires me to explore how geospatial intelligence can strengthen global financial security. I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking community that bridges government, industry, and academia. This award motivates me to continue growing as a leader and contribute to national and international efforts in combating financial crime."
GeoFutures STL Award
Brady Maher is a computer science and data science undergraduate student studying at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. His primary research interests include bioinformatics and scientific computing, and the relationship between scientific computing and geospatial technology. He currently works in a geospatial research role using his computer science skillset to assist in data preparation for geospatial machine learning models. Due to his diverse interests, he will also complete a research internship in bioinformatics focusing on cancer genomics research. In the future, he is interested in leveraging geospatial technology to investigate the geographical factors that impact biological systems and processes, with the goal of gaining deeper insights into this complex relationship.
"Being awarded the USGIF GeoFutures STL scholarship has an immense impact on my financial capabilities and enjoyment of the upcoming school year. This scholarship enables me to continue my education and look toward a more certain academic future. As I continue to navigate my university studies and early career, opportunities like this are vital to my success. This scholarship enables me to diversify my educational experiences while maintaining financial security."
Brady Maher
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Future Geospatial Innovator Award
Joy Ndamukunda
University of Southern California
Joy Ndamukunda is a junior at the University of Southern California, studying Global Geodesign. She is an intern at the Statewide California Earthquake Center, where she applies geospatial analysis and technology to study earthquake science to help improve California's earthquake resiliency. Joy is particularly interested in ocean-floor mapping, specifically in polar regions, as these areas significantly impact the environment but are among the least explored. Her focus on polar ocean floor mapping is driven not just by curiosity, but also to support climate mitigation efforts by helping researchers better understand these uncharted oceans. Joy aspires to significantly contribute to the effort to map the entire ocean floor.
"This is my second time applying for the USGIF scholarship. The first time, I was new to GEOINT, and in my application, I only shared my aspirations and assumptions about GEOINT. This time, I realized that what I needed to focus on was not just my aspirations but a comprehensive understanding of GEOINT and my specific goals related to it. Completing this scholarship application taught me a lot about myself. In my effort to fully demonstrate my capabilities, I was able to observe my growth and rekindle my interest in GEOINT. After finishing my application, I felt confident that I had done my best and was proud of my effort. Therefore, when I received the news that I had won the scholarship, it was very reassuring to know that my growth was recognized and rewarded. This scholarship will genuinely help fund my education, especially since my tuition increased this year, so I thank USGIF for this opportunity."
Globe Building STL Award
Stefany Carty is an emerging geospatial professional and graduate student researcher at Saint Louis University. She is earning her Master’s in Geospatial Information Science, where her studies center on applying remote sensing and machine learning to real-world challenges to enhance disaster response and maritime security. Her current research focuses on developing tools for preprocessing and analyzing sonar and optical data collected by unmanned underwater vehicles to support real-time mapping and threat detection in coastal environments. She has held internships and roles supporting data visualization, automated pattern recognition, and environmental monitoring.
As a USGIF Scholarship Awardee and IC-CAE Scholar, she is committed to using geospatial technologies to address complex humanitarian and security challenges. Beyond academics, she enjoys coaching a local Girls on the Run team and working towards her next scuba diving certification.
"Thank you to the team at USGIF and the Globe Building St. Louis for this award, and to my community at Saint Louis University for their support. Being named a recipient of the Globe Building St. Louis Scholarship is both an honor and a moment of momentum—it affirms the direction of my work and gives me the resources to take it further. This award allows me to deepen my exploration of geospatial solutions to climate risk, disaster response, and underwater mapping using intelligent automation. This recognition connects me to a forward-thinking community of geospatial innovators who are redefining how we apply spatial science to solve real-world challenges—one I’m honored to grow alongside."
Stefany Carty
Saint Louis University
USGIF Westway Scholarship for Veterans
David Orcasitas Jr.
Texas State University
A Los Angeles native, David felt compelled at an early age to contribute to the family legacy. With a grandfather who served during WWII and a father who served in the Vietnam era, David joined the United States Air Force in 2016 to become a third-generation military service member. A successful career as a Scientific Applications Specialist would yield 1 deployment, 10 temporary duty assignments (TDYs), and 15 awards over the course of 8 years. Curious as to what civilian life had in store for him, David was ready for a change and was honorably discharged in November 2024.
David has always had a passion for geospatial analysis and is eager to continue down the career path he started in the Air Force. David is proud to be attending Texas State University in the Fall, majoring in Geographic Information Science with a minor in Data Analytics. Unsure of exactly what the future holds, he is excited to explore career options that advance natural disaster response, planetary science, and urban planning. Ultimately, David not only aspires to make an impact within geospatial intelligence himself, but also to contribute to the longevity of the field by being an influence and inspiration to others.
"I am incredibly honored to be a USGIF Scholarship recipient. Continuing my education as a non-traditional and first-generation college student comes with a plethora of uncertainties, and I am happy to cross finances off that list with the help of the foundation. The relief provided through this scholarship will be felt in more ways than one. From school supplies to the transportation costs for a daily 3-hour round-trip commute to attend class, there will be no shortage of ideas for the use of funds. I am beyond grateful to all those who thought enough of this career field to create an opportunity like this for students like me in mind."
Doctoral Scholars
Tolulope Oladeji is a first year PhD Student at the Department of Geography and GIS at the University of Cincinnati Ohio State, where she serves as a Graduate Research Assistant and is actively involved in research that leverages GIS. She specializes in Geospatial Epidemiology and Health Geography. Tolulope holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) degree in Zoology and a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Environmental Control and Management, both from Obafemi Awolowo University. With a solid foundation in Remote sensing, GIS and spatial data science, she aims to harness geospatial technologies and artificial intelligence to address health Geography challenges in low resource communities. Her current work focuses on modeling disease vulnerability and developing geospatial data-driven solutions to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Outside of academia, Tolulope is also passionate about community health advocacy and technology-driven solutions for social impacts. She is dedicated to advancing maternal and child health with geospatial innovation.
"Winning the USGIF Doctoral Scholarship is both a tremendous honor and a transformative milestone in my academic and professional journey. It recognizes my commitment to advancing geospatial intelligence and provides critical financial support for my doctoral research. This opportunity also opens doors to exclusive networking opportunities with industry leaders, fostering meaningful connections and insights that will shape my future in the field.
As a doctoral student, this scholarship empowers me to deepen my research at the intersection of geospatial intelligence and health. It reinforces my dedication to leveraging GEOINT to solve real-world health and national security challenges, which inspires me to develop innovative, geospatial data-driven solutions that promote global health equity and security.
I am profoundly grateful to USGIF for this exceptional opportunity. I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Diego Cuadros for his unwavering support and guidance. This support has strengthened my resolve to contribute meaningfully to the geospatial community and drive impactful changes through research and service."
Tolulope Oladeji
University of Cincinnati Ohio State
Graduate Scholars
William Kirby
Johns Hopkins University
2d Lt William Kirby is a U.S. Space Force officer with the 53d Space Operations Squadron, supporting command and control for the Wideband Global SATCOM constellation. He is currently developing a Crew Commander Course to enhance operational readiness and was recently recognized with the Army Achievement Medal and Delta-level Team of the Quarter Award. He holds a B.S. in Engineering from Virginia Tech and is pursuing an M.S. in Space Systems Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. As a NASA intern, he was named a John Mather Nobel Scholar for research presented to the National Reconnaissance Office, and later led a proposal as Principal Investigator with the NASA L’SPACE Academy. Outside of work and school, Lt Kirby enjoys spending time with friends and family, especially hiking and exploring the mountains of Colorado. He is passionate about advancing space capabilities in support of national security.
"I’m incredibly honored and grateful to receive this scholarship! Continuing my education is a top priority, and this support came at the perfect time to help offset tuition costs and ease financial stress. As a member of the U.S. Space Force, I’ve been fortunate to serve in a mission-driven community, and it means a great deal to be recognized by an organization that invests in the future of geospatial intelligence. This award not only reinforces my commitment to academic and professional growth, but also motivates me to give back to the GEOINT community. Thank you to the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation for making opportunities like this possible. Semper Supra!"
Trevor Koglin
University of Maryland
Trevor Koglin is a first-year master’s student studying Geospatial Intelligence at the University of Maryland’s Center for Geospatial Information Science. His research focuses on integrating high-revisit satellite constellations with novel sensor configurations to enhance analytic capabilities for site monitoring and object tracking. He is specifically interested in developing innovative remote sensing methodologies to generate new forms of analysis in support of national security and global supply chain applications.
Trevor earned dual bachelor’s degrees magna cum laude from the University of Colorado, where his undergraduate research centered on image preprocessing and orbital defense systems. In addition to his graduate studies, he serves as a Geospatial Analyst at BlackSky Technology, where he applies his research experience to real-world geospatial intelligence applications.
"I feel deeply honored to be a recipient of the USGIF Graduate Scholarship and look forward to utilizing the award to further my development in the geospatial industry. I am grateful to USGIF for recognizing my efforts thus far in my career and am excited to continue contributing applied analysis and research across the fields of remote sensing and geospatial intelligence. This scholarship not only provides me with vital financial support for my graduate studies, but also represents an opportunity to engage with—and contribute to—the knowledgeable and expanding GEOINT community both academically and professionally. Thank you for granting me this opportunity."
Undergraduate Scholars
Gabrielle Capone is a senior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, pursuing a degree in Geography & GIS, with minors in Computer Science and Political Science. Gabrielle is an aspiring public servant who hopes to use her geospatial expertise to address complex global challenges. Her interests lie at the intersection of GEOINT, cybersecurity, human rights, and disaster response. She is president of the Geographical Honors Society on campus, where she leads discussions on industry topics, professional development workshops, and humanitarian map-a-thons. Gabrielle has been awarded the 2024-2026 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship, Women in GIS Undergraduate Scholarship, and Illinois Club Global Focus Award.
"It is an honor to be awarded a USGIF Undergraduate Scholarship; words cannot express how grateful I am for this opportunity. I am incredibly excited to become more involved with the GEOINT community and build meaningful connections in the field. This recognition both empowers and validates the hard work I have put into my early career. With this scholarship, I will continue to build the technical fluency, legal awareness, and strategic thinking needed to tackle issues facing our 21st century. Once again, I would like to express my gratitude for your support throughout my educational and professional journey."
Gabrielle Capone
University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
Favour Ogbinaka is an Electrical Engineering student at CU Denver who’s deeply curious about how space, AI, and human-centered technology can shape the future. During the total solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024, he worked alongside Dr. Golkowski, Chair of the Electrical Engineering Department, on a project investigating how bursts of solar radiation affect the Earth’s ionosphere. Their goal was to better understand how these changes interfere with critical systems like GPS, radio, and satellite communications.
In 2025, Favour turned his focus to augmented reality, designing a smart pathfinding tool to help people with disabilities move confidently through indoor spaces. By creating real-time, step-by-step indoor routes, the project aims to make navigation easier and more inclusive for everyone. Whether he's studying the sky or building tools to improve daily life, Favour is driven by a simple goal: to use technology in ways that better humanity.
"When I received the news that I had been awarded the USGIF GEOINT Scholarship, I was honestly shocked. If you had asked me beforehand if I thought I’d get it, I would have said no. What means the most to me is not just the scholarship itself, but what it represents: a recognition of the passion and purpose I’ve poured into my work.
This award reassures me that the questions I’m asking and the projects I’m building truly matter. Whether I’m studying how solar activity disrupts the ionosphere or designing AR tools to help people with disabilities navigate indoor spaces, this support gives me the encouragement to keep going, to keep learning, and to keep building with intention. It’s an incredible honor, and I’m deeply grateful to be part of a community that values innovation, inclusion, and curiosity."
Favour Ogbinaka
University of Colorado Denver
Alex Pfankuch is a rising senior at the University of Colorado Boulder in the engineering honors program, pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Alex was first exposed to GEOINT working with graduate students at his university's satellite lab and quickly developed an interest in remote sensing and communications technologies. Alex went on to work on cube-satellite missions, demonstrating novel communication technologies and remote sensing capabilities. He also worked on telescopic payloads and deep reinforcement learning for remote sensing on larger satellite projects. He is excited to continue his studies and pursue future career opportunities in GEOINT.
"I am honored to have been selected for the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation Scholarship. I believe that Geospatial Intelligence is increasingly impactful globally, and I intend to use this opportunity to further my studies and support the research I take part in to understand and advance US Geospatial Intelligence. Through the financial support of the foundation and its donors, I will be able to develop experience and knowledge that I would never have been able to before."
Alex Pfankuch
University of Colorado Boulder
Graduating High School Seniors
Carolyn He
Stanford University
Carolyn He is an environmentalist who combines data-driven advocacy with empathetic servant leadership. Her interest is rooted in the belief that evidence-based policies can balance ecological preservation with societal needs. In other words, Carolyn is proud to use data to speak on the issues that matter most to her, be it engaging in rigorous mathematical exploration as a World Science Scholar, leveraging its power as a national finalist in Speech and Debate, or driving environmental legislation as a NJ Governor STEM Scholar and Environmental Excellence Awardee. She’s proudest of researching and reducing excessive printing in 80 US school districts through her nonprofit, A Sustainable Future, having saved 12M sheets of paper ($23k) and upskilled 98k students in environmental advocacy.
Carolyn has also conducted first-author remote sensing research with NASA analyzing wildfire-induced disruptions to vegetation health and developed satellite burn products for the University of Maryland. She’s furthered her passion for effective data communication through internships at Virginia Tech’s Center for Environment, Analytics, and Remote Sensing and the US Department of Education. As President of the global Women in STEM Organization, dedicated mentor for young girls through EngineerGirl, Co-President of Project Green Schools Society, and leader on the Jane Goodall Institute National Youth Council, Carolyn’s equally passionate about combatting “activism anxiety” for the 750k+ youth she serves, representing them worldwide at COP28, SXSW EDU, UN, and the DOE. Carolyn hopes to pursue an education in the climate sciences at Stanford and a career anchoring climate solutions in defensible science. She envisions a future where empathetic climate communication is the norm.
"As I prepare for my next academic chapter, where I will pursue a double major in statistics and environmental science, winning a USGIF scholarship has become a pivotal step toward my goal of making climate communication more accessible and actionable. My aim is to bridge the gap between science and policy through data-driven solutions that empower communities, particularly those affected by climate change. Particularly, I’m driven by the inequities climate change brings to the historically marginalized and seek to incorporate equity into all climate policies. Whether it’s working on risk analyses for climate adaptation strategies or helping to create open-source geostatistics tools, I will continue to prioritize collective action, collaboration, and data that empower communities to tackle global challenges. This USGIF scholarship will provide the financial flexibility I need to attend the college that best aligns with my aspirations—without the weight of financial constraints limiting those aspirations.
USGIF's generosity not only lightens the financial burden of pursuing my education but also strengthens my resolve to contribute to environmental equity. Whether it’s my work with ASF, where we’ve already reached over 50 schools worldwide, or my ongoing volunteering introducing underrepresented girls to STEM as President of Women in STEM and mentor in EngineerGirl, I intend to use the opportunity this scholarship provides to further expand these initiatives and grow as a leader who can bring about positive change through data. Once again, I am deeply grateful for this opportunity. I will strive to honor USGIF's support by continuing my work in eco-statistics: building a future where data serves as a collaborative platform for solving earth’s most tractive challenges."
Gavin Ruan
Columbia University
Gavin Ruan is a passionate researcher and recent graduate of West Lafayette Jr. Sr. High School. He spent three years researching the intersection of machine learning and geospatial intelligence. Utilizing tools such as ArcGIS, the open-source Project OSRM, and GeoPandas, he created a framework for optimizing food bank and pantry locations—earning recognition as a Regeneron ISEF special award winner and a National STEM Challenge Champion. Continuing his education at Columbia University to study operations research, Gavin hopes to further research at the intersection of machine learning, geospatial data, and engineering, creating a more equitable future for the most disadvantaged populations.
"I am honored to be selected as a recipient of the USGIF scholarship and am grateful to the program for its continued support of STEM education. To me, this scholarship is more than just financial support—it shows an affirmation of my work and belief in the importance of geospatial intelligence in building a better world. I’m excited to join and network with the broader USGIF community to connect with like-minded individuals, because the power of STEM lies not only in innovation, but unity."
Anish Thota
Emory University
Anish Thota is a student, civic advocate, and aspiring attorney with a strong focus on digital equity and geographic literacy. At his high school, he founded and led the Geography Club, organizing competitions and awareness campaigns to deepen students’ understanding of global issues. His passion for public service extended into his work in the North Carolina state government, where he supported digital equity initiatives to improve internet access and educational opportunities in underserved rural areas.
Anish derived his love for geography from his middle school years, when he represented his school and earned a top 10 spot at the National Geography Bee. In high school, he went on to qualify for the prestigious International Geography Bee. Anish has also served in the NC House, Senate, and Governor’s Office, gaining firsthand experience in policymaking. Now attending Emory University on a pre-law track, he hopes to pursue a career where legal strategy, geographic technology, and equity intersect to drive long-term structural change. When Anish isn't thinking about geography, tech, or law, he enjoys producing hip-hop music and writing non-fiction literature.
"Winning the USGIF Scholarship is an incredible honor that reaffirms my commitment to geographic education and public service. I am especially excited about the opportunity to present at the USGIF GEOINT Symposium, where I can engage with leaders in the field and learn from cutting-edge work in geospatial intelligence. This scholarship not only supports my academic and professional journey but also meaningfully eases the financial burden of college for my family. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity."
