AWARDS
Top Graduate Poster from College of Liberal Arts at the Student Research Symposium
On April 9th, 2019, I presented a poster alongside graduate and undergraduate students from Auburn University and Auburn University at Montgomery at the Research Student Symposium. The Symposium gives students the opportunity to present research and creative projects to the broader academic community. Students from all disciplines are invited to present their current and recent academic work, showcasing the diversity of topics, approaches, and interests at Auburn University reflecting its spirit of excellence.
I was awarded the top graduate student poster from the College of Liberal Arts for my analysis of the medical industry in the Wiregrass region called "Heart of the Wiregrass: Dothan, AL." For more information on this project, please click in the Heart of the Wiregrass: Dothan, AL tab under "Community Planning" in the "My Projects" tab. |
Arch Winter Fund for Excellence in Community PlanningI had to privilege of receiving the 2019 Arch Winter Award for being an outstanding student in the Masters of Community Planning program at Auburn University. This is the highest award that the MCP program awards to its top student who has consistently demonstrated a very high degree of commitment towards their major area of study, maintained consistent high academic performance, and have demonstrated leadership skills, taken initiatives, and maintained high degree of professionalism in supporting the MCP program and its mission.
On April 12th, 2019, I was presented the Arch Winter Award by the faculty from the Masters of Community Planning during the Planning Advisory Council meeting with students. |
COMEPTITIONS
2nd Place Winner 2019 University Student and Young Professional Competition & Lightning Talk Speaker at URISA GIS-Pro Conference in New Orleans
This competition gave me the opportunity to showcase my research to other professionals in the GIS field, as well as advocate for the importance of disaster mitigation planning. I presented my project called "Who is Socially Vulnerable in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi to Tornadoes & How do Planning Practices Influence Safety?" For more information on my presentation or paper please go to the "Projects" section.
In June I submitted an abstract into the Student & Young Professional Digital Competition hosted by URISA’s Vanguard Cabinet. A few weeks later I was chosen as a finalist, participated in the digital competition on June 28th, and was awarded 2nd place in the competition. On October 1st, 2019 I presented my findings during the Lightning Talks sessions at the URISA GIS-Pro conference in New Orleans. Please refer to the projects section for more details on this project. |
CERTIFICATIONS
Plan Review for Local Mitigation PlansThis certificate was award upon the completion of an independent study through FEMA's Emergency Management Institute. The goals of the course were as followed: Explain the purpose and intent of reviewing local mitigation plans; Determine whether a local mitigation plan meets federal mitigation planning requirements; Describe how to use the local hazard mitigation plan review guide, plan review tool to communicate the results of the review to a state or local community.
I am actively working on additional FEMA certifications. |
CONFERENCES
2019 URISA GIS-Pro Conference in New Orleans
I had the privilege to attend and present at the 2019 GIS-Pro conference organized by Vanguard Cabinet URISA in New Orleans. This was my first conference and was an eye-opening experience! I enjoyed my time connecting with professionals in the GIS profession and learning about new applications of GIS to explore. During my time at the conference, I learned about current research, applications, and planning in order to improve community resilience and sustainability. The ability to prepare for climate by using GIS applications has opened up new avenues of research interest for me. I look forward to what next year’s conference speakers, networking, as well as learning about the latest and greatest GIS research and applications.
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2019 American Planning Association Annual Alabama/Mississippi Conference in Huntsville, Alabama
In October I attended the 2019 APA AL/MS conference in Huntsville, Alabama. I presented "Who is Socially Vulnerable in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi to Tornadoes & How do Planning Practices Influence Safety?" as a part of the student poster showcase.
During the conference, I along side with group member Natasha Miles were awarded the Outstanding Plan Award for a Planning Student Team at the AL/MS APA conference in Huntsville, Alabama for our “2035 Wellness District Master Plan for Dothan, Alabama.” The project focused on improving the streetscape, land use, connectivity, preserving natural elements, housing, and economic development. The goal of the project was to create a community that focused on improving and promoting a lifestyle that is centered on wellness. This award was based on our Capstone project that focused on the creation the "2025 Wellness District Master Plan for Dothan, Alabama. Please see the projects page for details on these projects. |
While attending this conference I attended session that focus on planning strategies, diaster mitigation, economic development, and stormwater management. I enjoyed my time at this conference because it gave me the opportuntiy to connect with planner from Alabama and Missisippi, as well as the opportunity to walk away with new knowledge about the planning field. |
RESEARCH INTEREST & FUTURE GOALS
My research interests focus on building and promoting healthy communities, advocating for sustainable growth, localized hazard mitigation, and historical preservation of local assets.
My next goal toward advancing my career focuses on obtaining my AICP certification.
My next goal toward advancing my career focuses on obtaining my AICP certification.