Summary: A panel discussion with Center alumni about their career trajectories and the role geospatial analytics has played in their professional lives since graduation.

Recording: https://youtu.be/2Imsz4tnGc0

Panelists:

• El Cardenal (GISCert 2020; MS MEAS 2020): Geoscientist @ AECOM
• Brett Cox (GISCert 2017; MGIST 2020): Research Manager @ JLL Carolinas
• Peter Erlenbach (MGIST 2021): Solution Engineer @ Esri
• Kellyn Montgomery (PhD 2021): Geospatial Modeler @ USDA
• Vini Perin (PhD 2022): Geospatial Software Engineer @ Planet

Moderated by: Dr. Eric Money, Associate Director of Educational Innovation at the Center for Geospatial Analytics

More about the panelists:

El Cardenal is a Geoscientist with AECOM working on mid- to large-scale federal projects for 4 years focusing primarily on stormwater, groundwater and drinking water. El uses database management, spatial analysis, field investigations, mapping, research, permitting and reporting to better understand water infrastructure condition, capacity and function. These actions are sometimes driven by EPA laws and regulations such as The Clean Water Act and more presently, the Lead and Copper Rule Revision. El serves as a technical lead on GIS deliverables, leads a quarterly GIS seminar in the AECOM Raleigh office, and has presented case studies at multiple regional conferences. Outside of work, El has two rescue dogs and reads as many books as they can get their hands on.

Brett Cox is a Research Manager at JLL Carolinas where he is responsible for research operations in the Carolinas, including data management and analysis, market reporting, and thought leadership. Brett’s team covers Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Charleston, and the rest of the Carolinas and their office, industrial, multi-housing, and life sciences markets. He specializes in implementing geospatial tools and JLL’s proprietary Blackbird visualizations to help decision- makers access and understand the latest and most relevant data. Before joining JLL, Brett performed the roles of Consultant, Senior Data Analyst, and Customer Success Manager at geospatial consultation and SaaS companies. Before that, he was an educator in the public school system.

Peter Erlenbach is a Solution Engineer at Esri within the State and Local Government Global Business Development division. Peter holds a Master’s in Geographic Information Science from North Carolina State University. Prior to his graduate career, Peter graduated from Virginia Tech with a focus in Geography and dual minors in GIS and Geology. Peter has roughly a decade of professional experience where he primarily focuses on helping State and Local Governments address key business challenges with GIS software. Within the realm of GIS, Peter enjoys python scripting, web & mobile GIS, and field mobility workflows. When he is away from his desk, you can find Peter jogging, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.

Kellyn Montgomery is a Geospatial Modeler on the Phytosanitary Advanced Analytics Team at USDA APHIS PPQ based out of Roanoke, VA. She was a member of the first cohort of the CGA’s Geospatial Analytics PhD program at NC State, graduating in 2021. Her dissertation focused on developing geospatial tools for pest management and biosecurity. Previously, she was a program manager for agriculture nonprofits and NC Cooperative Extension and did freelance GIS work for vineyard management. She enjoys hiking, camping, biking, music, and pickleball.

Vini Perin is a Geospatial Software Engineer with a background in agriculture, hydrology, remote sensing and GIS. Vini currently works with the Planet Labs’ Planet Basemaps team.