The CU Denver Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences recently hosted an insightful colloquium, "GIS Science and Technology at the NPS Intermountain Region," featuring experts Doug Wilder and Meghan Thompson from the National Park Service. Held on Wednesday, April 8th, the session provided students and faculty with a deep dive into how the NPS manages geospatial data across 84 national park units. Wilder, a veteran GIS coordinator with over 25 years of experience, shared his expertise in land management operations and highlighted the NPS GIS Internship Program as a vital career pathway for aspiring geospatial professionals.
The event also featured Meghan Thompson, a 2024 alumna of the department’s Applied Geography and Geospatial Science program. Thompson, who transitioned from an NPS internship into her current role as a Professional Research Assistant and GIS Specialist, detailed her work developing a comprehensive enterprise geodatabase system for paleontological resources. Her presentation illustrated how modern geospatial tools are used to standardize and safeguard sensitive fossil data, providing a real world example of how the department's GIS training translates into impactful federal resource management.