Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024
By: Kyle Niblett
As a student at the University of Florida College of Design, Construction and Planning (DCP), Lauren Whittier has formed friendships with her fellow GeoDesigners over the complexities of programming language programs such as Python. With study groups and class projects, her favorite memories in college have been learning about Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
With her new skillset, she can design, develop, and implement systems and databases to access and store geospatial data. She also designs digital maps using geospatial data and analyzes spatial and non-spatial information.
“DCP has always presented me with hands-on project opportunities, which has prepared me for applying my learned skills in the real-world,” Whittier said. “I have been able to develop both my technical skills and my project development skills in DCP, as my professors have challenged us to create our own GIS and analysis projects from idea, to processing steps, to presentation.”
Scheduled to graduate next spring with a degree in sustainability and the built environment, Whittier has taken her talents to Boca Raton this summer as a GIS Specialist Intern at CDM Smith. There, she assists on data analysis and geoprocessing tasks for utility and wastewater projects, as well as collaborates on a large, constructed wetlands project site. A lot of her work is done through utilizing ArcGIS Pro and other Esri applications, as well as Excel and Python. The range of projects CDM Smith works on has fascinated Whittier, especially the entire section of dedicated to research and development that has produced cutting-edge construction technology as well as industry-leading research.
“Through this internship, I have been able to see the application of my growing skillset to meaningful projects,” the Tallahassee native said. “It has been rewarding to see people in this field fight for and work on projects that better the environment for everybody. Everyone is eager and passionate about what they do, and it reflects in the projects. There is no shortage of things to be done to improve our world, and seeing projects regarding lead piping, PFAS, and water reclamation in action has been inspiring!”
While inspired, Whittier has found herself questioning the exact direction she sees her career going. There are so many opportunities and routes to take that she often finds it difficult to figure out which area of her skillset she’d like to prioritize for her future. While acknowledging there is still much for her to learn, she does recognize water and environmental issues have been a priority for her.
“The best advice I have received in this internship has been to not rush through my early career and to always keep learning,” Whittier said. “I hope to do that through acquiring a master’s degree and learning all that I can through real-world experience and projects.”
For her, there is no shortage of projects when she arrives back to Gainesville this fall. The senior is currently a member of the DCP Ambassadors, the UF chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction and the UF Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. For good measure, she is also a student data assistant at the UF GeoPlan Center on campus. Add on top of that the new skills she’s learned this summer, and she is excited to get back to her DCP family.
“The College of Design, Construction, and Planning has given me a sense of community I never knew was possible on such a large university campus,” Whittier said proudly. “I have found lifelong friends through the networks and classes offered through this college, as well as professors and mentors that have been vital to my career already. DCP has given me confidence in my talents and has pushed me constantly to reach my goals, as well as form newer and bigger ones.”
Whether it has been learning about ArcGIS Pro and Esri applications or culture and equity in creating a sustainable world, Whittier has been encouraged from professors such as Hal Knowles to get involved, care for the world around her and not get lost in a time of fast-growing “green” technology. For her, the opportunities at UF are endless.
“I wish I had known that I had nothing to worry about and that the opportunity to be part of DCP would prepare me for everything,” Whittier finished with. “The network of DCP graduates is huge and I have been so lucky to meet so many of them working at CDM Smith. This network is vital to learning about the different opportunities available to you within DCP and as a professional. I have witnessed firsthand the UF school spirit does not end after graduation!”
