GEOG Students Win USGIF Scholarship from United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation

The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) has announced its 2023 scholarship recipients, awarding $125,000 to 21 students specializing in geospatial intelligence (GEOINT). Among them, Alexia Hernandez and Yazan Hasan, both GEOG students, have been recognized for their exceptional achievements.

Alexia, a master’s student in Geospatial Information Sciences (GIS), received a $10,000 Ken Miller Scholarship for Advanced Remote Sensing Applications. With a diverse academic background, including a bachelor's degree in criminology and criminal justice, and internships with prestigious organizations, she aims to utilize GIS and remote sensing for climate change, environmental analysis and national security.

“Scholarships have been invaluable to my educational journey, providing me with the financial relief that has allowed me to fully dedicate myself to my studies. This scholarship serves as a recognition of my unwavering commitment and interest in utilizing geospatial technology to improve decision-making processes through spatial analysis and data visualization,” said Alexia.

Yazan, the recipient of EVONA's $10,000 Scholarship for Diversity in STEM, is pursuing dual degrees in Environmental Science and Technology, and Geospatial Data Science, with a minor in Sustainability Studies. His focus lies in using geospatial intelligence to address environmental justice and climate change in the Middle East and North Africa region.

“As a fully self-supporting student, winning this scholarship relieves a tremendous burden for me as I enter my senior year at the University of Maryland. I hope to use this generous gift to further engage with the GIS community and provide mentorship for the next generation of students, fostering a more equitable and welcoming GIS community,” said Yazan.

The awardees were selected from across the United States by USGIF’s scholarship committee, a group of volunteers from the community dedicated to supporting the next generation of GEOINTers. The USGIF's scholarship program provides students with opportunities to excel in their academic and professional journeys while contributing to critical national security issues, global challenges and community service through the application of GEOINT technology. Past awardees have gone on to become leaders in government agencies, companies, startups, small businesses and academia.

This article by Renata Johnson originally appeared on the Department of Geographical Sciences' website.

Main image: Photos of Alexia Hernandez and Yazan Hasan. Courtesy of Alexia and Yazan.

Published on Wed, Aug 2, 2023 - 8:56AM