USC Dornsife Spatial Sciences Institute

🏆 Another win for Juan Sebastian Cortes!

Congratulations to Juan Sebastian Cortes, a student in USC SSI's Master of Science in Geographic Information Science and Technology (M.S. GIST) program, for winning the Esri User Conference (UC) Map Gallery Award in the Interactive Web Map category.

His award-winning project, Colombia Amphibian Explorer, transforms complex geographic data into an engaging interactive experience that supports amphibian conservation across Colombia. The project showcases the power of geospatial technology, cartographic design, and storytelling to inspire action and address real-world environmental challenges.

Congratulations, Juan Sebastian, on this outstanding achievement! 👏🌎🗺️

Let's hear it for Laura Messier, current PhD student in USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences SSI's Population, Health & Place program!

Her proposal "Public Space Investment as Built Environment Reparations?" just earned her the Haynes Lindley Doctoral Fellowship. 👏

ℹ️ https://haynesfoundation.org/

Ever wondered what it's like to be a nautical cartographer?

Dive in with Kathryn O'Neill from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Office of Coast Survey. ⚓️🌊

🔗 Read "Cartography as a career" here: https://bit.ly/4bxz7hm

🚨 Now accepting applications for Undergraduate Research Assistant positions!

Ready to gain hands-on research experience while working alongside USC Spatial Sciences Institute faculty? SSI is seeking undergraduate student researchers for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Students from all USC majors and class standings are encouraged to apply, with priority given to SSI majors and minors. Research assistants typically contribute 5–10 hours per week and have opportunities to present their work at conferences and events, including the Los Angeles Geospatial Summit, the USC Provost's Undergraduate Symposium, and the Esri User Conference Map Gallery.

🔎 Learn about the available research positions: https://loom.ly/VCbPynM

📅 Application deadline: Friday, August 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PT

To apply, submit your resume, STARS report (if applicable), and a statement of interest to Dr. Diana Ter-Ghazaryan at [email protected].

Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research, collaborate with faculty, and build your academic and professional experience!

Congratulations on a well-deserved promotion, Bita Minaravesh!

After two years as a lecturer, Dr. Minaravesh is now an Assistant Professor (Teaching) at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences SSI. 👏

💡 More details: https://dornsife.usc.edu/spatial/profile/bita-minaravesh/
📍 University of Southern California

Pause for applause: Dr. Aviva Wolf-Jacobs defended her dissertation with flying colors! 👏

🌳 For her thesis "Is a Greener World a Healthier World? A Geospatial Exploration of Urban Vegetation Volume, Park Cooling, and Allostatic Load," Dr. Wolf-Jacobs used 3D LiDAR data and advanced spatial analysis to examine vegetation in Los Angeles and determine where to plant trees for maximum cooling.

📸 Dr. Wolf-Jacobs front and center flanked by her co-advisors Dr. John Wilson (left) and Dr. Rima Habre (right), and on the outside by her committee members Professor Esther Margulies (left) and Dr. Darren Ruddell (right).

🎓 We're so grateful to all faculty members for their service and can't wait to see all Aviva accomplishes with her well-deserved University of Southern California Ph.D. in Population, Health and Place.

Learn more about our interdisciplinary doctoral program at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences SSI: 👇
🔗 https://dornsife.usc.edu/spatial/ph-d-population-health-and-place/

Our annual Esri User Conference Reception is an excellent opportunity to mix, mingle, and talk all things with our fellow geospatial enthusiasts — and this year was no exception. 🤗

Attendees: What was your favorite moment?

📍 Roy's Restaurant in San Diego

📸 Pictured: Brian Pidduck accepting a CGIA Student Award at Esri UC!

Currently a USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences SSI GIST graduate student with a keen interest in evidence-based conservation and climate adaptation, Brian received this award for his paper on the role of urban vegetation in structure survival during the Eaton Fire.

"Receiving the CGIA award validated the premise of my research and supported my decision to pursue the topic for my GIST master's thesis."

Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Brian! 👏

ℹ️ More about CGIA awards: https://cgia.org/cgia-awards-program