Recognizing Excellence: 2024 USGIF Sponsored Scholarship Recipients
Herndon, VA., August 5, 2024 – The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 Sponsored Scholarships. Since the program’s inception in 2004, USGIF has awarded more than $1.9 million in scholarships, supporting exceptional students across various educational levels, from graduating high school seniors to doctoral candidates, who demonstrate a strong commitment to the geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) community.
In partnership with several esteemed member organizations, USGIF offers these scholarships to support the academic and professional growth of future leaders in the GEOINT field.
“At USGIF, we believe in empowering the next generation of geospatial intelligence leaders. Our scholarship program represents our unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, excellence, and leadership within the GEOINT community. By investing in these bright minds, we are not only supporting their academic and professional journeys but also shaping the future of our industry. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected world.” – Ronda Schrenk, CEO of USGIF.
Stu Shea USGIF Endowed Scholarship
Recipient: Rebecca Composto | Center for Geospatial Analytics in the College of Natural Resources
at North Carolina State University | Pursuing a Ph.D. in Geospatial Analytics
This prestigious $15,000 annual scholarship is awarded to a Ph.D. student specializing in geospatial studies. Named in honor of Stu Shea, this scholarship recognizes the recipient’s potential to contribute significantly to the GEOINT community through advanced research and innovation.
Reinventing Geospatial, Inc. (RGi) Scholarship for Geospatial and Engineering Recipient: Sequin Thomas | West Los Angeles College | Aerospace Engineering and Computer
Engineering
Awarded to an undergraduate student with a keen interest in both engineering and geospatial disciplines, this $15,000 annual scholarship supports the integration of these critical fields, promoting interdisciplinary expertise and innovation.
Ken Miller Scholarship for Advanced Remote Sensing Applications
Recipient: Makeriah Hampton | Delta State University | Master of Applied Science in Geospatial
Information Technologies
This $10,000 annual scholarship is awarded to a master’s student who is working in or planning to enter the Defense/Intelligence workforce. Named in honor of Ken Miller, the scholarship recognizes excellence in remote sensing applications within the GEOINT community.
Black Cape Scholarship for Women in Geospatial Intelligence
Recipient: Khris Gonzalez Pebe | University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy
and Spatial Sciences Institute | BSc Public Policy with a Data Analytics concentration
A $10,000 annual scholarship awarded to an undergraduate female student studying geospatial intelligence or a related field. This scholarship aims to encourage and support women in pursuing careers in the GEOINT field, promoting gender diversity and empowerment.
Maxar Scholarship for Diversity and Innovation in GEOINT Recipient: Anil Mandal | Florida Atlantic University | MS in Civil Engineering
This $10,000 annual scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student who embodies Maxar’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and brings an innovative perspective to the GEOINT field.
EVONA Scholarship for Diversity in STEM
Recipient: Henry Alumona | Fisk University | Computer Science and Mathematics
Awarded to an undergraduate student from a diverse gender and racial background pursuing a geospatial, data science, or space-focused degree, this $10,000 annual scholarship supports diversity in STEM fields and fosters an inclusive educational environment.
AWS Scholarship for Inclusive Leadership in GEOINT
Recipient: Aisha Harris | Delta State University | Bachelor of Applied Science – Geospatial Analysis and
Intelligence
This $10,000 annual scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate, graduate, or Ph.D. student studying a GEOINT-related field who exemplifies AWS’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, promoting inclusive leadership within the GEOINT community.
GDIT Horizons Scholarship
Recipient: Savanna Degenhardt | Dartmouth College | Computer science, geography, and
economics
Awarded to a graduating high school senior intending to study a STEM or geospatial-related field, this $10,000 annual scholarship particularly encourages first-generation college students, community college attendees, and students from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Leidos Scholarship for AI/ML Advancement Recipient: Esther Oyedele | Virginia Tech | Geosciences, PhD
A $10,000 annual scholarship awarded to a graduate or Ph.D. student utilizing artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, or machine learning for geospatial research, supporting advancements in these transformative technologies within the GEOINT field.
GeoFutures STL Scholarship
Recipient: Ritika Tejwani | Washington University in St. Louis | Major: Business and Computer Science
Minor: Biomedical Data Science
This $10,000 annual scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate or continuing education student interested in geospatial or related fields who is from the St. Louis area or studying at a St. Louis region institution, promoting local talent and educational opportunities.
Globe Building St. Louis Scholarship
Recipient: Shafeel Umam | Saint Louis University | Public Health Studies (Concentration: Behavioral
Science and Health Equity)
A $5,000 annual scholarship awarded to an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student studying geospatial or a related field at a St. Louis area college or university, supporting local students in their academic pursuits.
Westway Services Scholarship for Veterans
Recipient: Christopher Buck | New York University | Master’s in Cyber Security
This $5,000 annual scholarship is awarded to a veteran of the United States armed forces who is studying geospatial or a related field at the undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral level, honoring their service and supporting their educational goals.
General Awards
USGIF Graduating High School Senior Award
These $1,000 awards are granted to recent high school graduates who demonstrate excellence in academics and show a strong interest in incorporating geospatial intelligence into future studies and careers.
Aidan Eckles | University of Maine | Forestry major, GIS minor
Bryce Kurfman | University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign | Computer Science
Brandon Lee | Dartmouth College | Biomedical engineering major, electrical engineering minor
USGIF Undergraduate Scholarship Award
This $3,000 award is designed to support the academic curiosity and pursuits of undergraduate students who actively incorporate geospatial technologies, methods, and thinking into their research and future careers.
Thierry Laguerre | Miami Dade College | Bachelor of Arts Information Technology My Le | Santa Ana College | Civil engineering major, mechanical engineering minor
USGIF Graduate Award
The USGIF Graduate Award ($3,000) provides financial support to students pursuing a graduate degree who demonstrate both strong academic merits and ambition to contribute to the geospatial community through their rigorous collegiate work.
Tyler Kleinsasser | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | Civil and Environmental Engineering, Engineering Management
Claire Becker | Virginia Tech | BS, Environmental and Engineering Geosciences, Minor: GIS Certificate: U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation’s Geospatial Intelligence Certificate (USGIF GEOINT)
USGIF Doctoral Award
USGIF’s Doctoral Award ($3,000) is designated to enhance the work being done by exceptional Ph.D. candidates who are already contributing to the advancement of the geospatial community. These awardees have demonstrated strong research skills, innovative applications of geospatial technology, and a strong desire to improve the world.
Amanda Fetch | Capitol Technology University | Ph.D. in Technology/AI Nitheshnirmal Sadhasivam | Virginia Tech | Ph.D. Geosciences
USGIF and its member organizations are honored to support these outstanding students who represent the future of the GEOINT community. We congratulate all the recipients and look forward to their contributions to the field. These scholarships not only recognize their past achievements but also empower them to continue making significant impacts in geospatial intelligence.
For more information about the USGIF Sponsored Scholarships and how to apply, please visit USGIF’s website.
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About USGIF:
United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) is a nonprofit 501c3 educational foundation dedicated to promoting the geospatial intelligence tradecraft and developing a stronger GEOINT community among government, industry, academia, professional organizations, and individuals who develop and apply GEOINT to address global security challenges. USGIF achieves its mission via its strategic pillars: Build the Community | Advance the Tradecraft | Accelerate Innovation.
For more information, please visit www.USGIF.org and follow USGIF on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Press Contact:
Kristen Kloster-Grady
Director of Communications
United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation kristen.kloster@usgif.org
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