Overview
I am a geographer whose work lives at the intersection of remote sensing, machine learning, and environmental stewardship. From satellites to small uncrewed aircraft systems, I build analytical workflows that illuminate how landscapes change and how communities can respond. My goal is to make high-end geospatial analysis more accessible for researchers, agencies, and practitioners.
Right now I split my time between graduate research, teaching, and applied collaborations that extend advanced sensing capabilities to real-world operations.
Research focus
My master's thesis, Satellite Anthrax Surveillance in Texas, USA, combines multispectral satellite imagery, cloud computing, and ecological disease modeling to detect environmental precursors to outbreaks. Beyond the thesis, I frequently prototype Python tools that automate repeatable geospatial tasks and shorten the distance between raw data and field decisions.
Education
- M.S. Geography, University of Tennessee, Knoxville (expected 2026)
- B.S. Geographic Information Science & Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2024, Magna Cum Laude)
Professional experience
- Graduate Teaching Assistant, UT Knoxville (Aug 2024 – Present). Lead lab curriculum for Remote Sensing of the Environment and Intro to Uncrewed Aerial Systems; align coursework with current industry tooling and FAA requirements.
- GIS Labs Assistant, UT Knoxville (Aug 2024 – 2025). Maintained more than 60 lab workstations, fielded equipment requests, and piloted UAS missions supporting faculty research.
- Education Collaboration at ORNL (ECO) Intern, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Aug 2024 – Dec 2024). Advanced narcotics interdiction research with the U.S. Coast Guard and DHS through sensor assessments and analytic automation.
- Science Undergraduate Laboratory Intern, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (May 2024 – Aug 2024). Built TensorFlow models that detect vessels in commercial satellite imagery and benchmarked them against operational needs.
- Legal and Executive Assistant, Stephens & DiRado, LLP (2023 – 2024). Coordinated case documentation and court filings while modernizing internal workflows.
- Environmental Compliance Intern, Knoxville Utilities Board (2022 – 2023). Produced site maps and audit-ready records systems for wastewater facilities and stormwater programs.
- Water Systems Engineering Intern, Knoxville Utilities Board (2021 – 2022). Digitized new assets in ArcGIS Enterprise and delivered project maps for engineering teams.
Teaching and mentorship
I believe applied learning sticks best when students see how their work fits the real world. I develop labs and workshops that mirror the workflows of professional analysts, from scripting Google Earth Engine pipelines to planning safe UAS missions.
- GEOG 413: Remote Sensing of the Environment - comprehensive lab redesign and Python-first exercises.
- GEOG 314: Intro to Uncrewed Aerial Systems - FAA Part 107 preparation and mission simulation.
- Guest lectures across GEOG 513, GEOG 331, and GEOG 111 on advanced sensing, natural hazards, and digital cartography.
Sample lab packets the students use every week:
Awards and recognition
- Bruce Ralston Geospatial Achievement Award (2025)
- TN View Fellowship Recipient (2025)
- University of Tennessee GIS&T Student of Distinction (2024)
Field experience
- UAS imaging for Cataloochee Valley, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (2025) supporting NSF RAPID Grant #2501466.
- Archaeological aerial data collection in Heathsville, Virginia (2025) with the UTK Department of Anthropology.
Memberships
- American Association of Geographers (AAG) and Southeastern Division of the AAG
- American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS)
- UTK GeogGrads Events Committee, Graduate Representative
- UTK DARC Lab, Managing Member