Chih-Cheng (Eric) Chang - M.S. GIS
My main interest is Geographic Information Systems (GIS), specifically learning storage, representation and analysis of spatial information. What I expect for my study is to understand spatial analysis theory and modeling, to have hands-on experience with GIS, to know how GIS is used in future research and other private sector projects, and to answer scientific questions and inform decision-making. I am also interested in agent-based modeling, which offers comprehensive framework for human-natural systems, including complex systems theory, agent/object based representation, spatial-social modeling applications and so on. Using Not-Quite-Python and RepastPy to develop models and perform analyses on human-natural problems is another one of my interests. My goal is to use computer-mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) software to produce thematic maps. Regarding imagery processing, furthermore, I would like to do classification and enhancement of satellite imagery, to extract valuable information from them, to efficiently combine images from different satellite images, to do analyses of imagery and so on.
Katie VanDorn - M.S. GIS
I am interested in Geographic Information Systems and Science because of how GIS can be utilized to improve health outcomes for people across Michigan and the US. GIS has been proven efficient and effective in so many other areas and it has recently been shown to have many uses in medical geography as well. Our health outcomes are affected by our geographic location and access to adequate health care. GIS is a great way to study access to specific health care services as well and medical and health concerns in specific geographic areas. I am excited about the possibilities GIS has in medical geography and to work in this field. I am currently working with Dr Sue Grady on a project on infant mortality rates in Detroit, MI. Michigan infant mortality rates exceed the national average and Wayne County infant mortality rates exceed the Michigan average. This project looks at the individual incidences of infant death in Detroit at the parcel level. It will provide an overall snapshot pinpointing specific locations where infant mortality is highest and what factors may contribute to elevated infant mortality rates in Detroit, MI.