I am a graduate of Appalachian State University (ASU) from the College of Arts and Science, Department of Geography and Planning. I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography with a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) concentration and a Community and Regional Planning minor. I am grateful to use my GIS skills in Boone, North Carolina as an employee with the Town of Boone Planning Department. In my role as an Advanced Planning Specialist. I am able to use my passion for Planning and GIS to provide sustainable growth for the area I admire. 

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My time at ASU has provided and strengthened my passions for informing the public, community involvement, and creating GIS-based products that influence others. Multiple opportunities such as an Independent Study, Undergraduate Research Assistantship, internships, and diverse Geography and Planning courses have formed and introduced new interests. I continue to have a particular interest in socioeconomic, health, and community factors from my conducted research. In addition, I have become increasingly aware that GIS mapping, research, and spatial analysis are crucial within Watauga County, western North Carolina, and the state level. 

I came to Boone knowing that I would have opportunities to explore the indigenous mountain terrain, expand my passion for protecting the natural environment, and understanding the world around me. I desire to continue living in the mountains, especially near Boone, with my GIS career. My acquired and continuously expanding GIS and Planning skills are valuable to the local region as I have opportunities to educate the public through Planning analysis and GIS products.