FHSU University Relations and Marketing

Researching and locating potential fossil sites in Kansas led four Fort Hays State University students to San Diego to present their findings at the Environmental Systems Research Institute’s Annual Geographic Information Systems User Conference.

“This was an amazing conference, and I’m very proud of the enthusiasm and professionalism our students demonstrated,” said Dr. Richard Lisichenko, associate professor of geosciences.

Through collaboration between the Department of Geosciences and the FHSU Sternberg Museum of Natural History, the four students spent the spring 2016 semester using GIS technologies to locate potential fossil sites. They prepared their research in poster format for the conference.

“Geographic information systems store and analyze data that describes our world and have revolutionized the way that we live,” said Lisichenko. “After attending the conference, it’s obvious that GIS will be used in new and exciting ways in the future.”

Lisichenko and Dr. Thomas Schafer, associate professor of geosciences, attended the conference with the students: Michael Christman, South Hutchinson, is a senior majoring in general science; Dalton Hills, Heber Springs, Ariz., is a graduate student earning an M.S. in geosciences (geography); Kaila Kirchner, Hays, is a senior majoring in physics; and Adam Rusk, Thornton, Colo., is a graduate student earning an M.S. in geosciences (remote sensing technologist).

Lisichenko said that he owes a special thanks to Mark Allen, president of the Enertech GIS Corporation in Wichita, for providing a $5,000 donation that made it possible for the students and faculty to attend the conference.

Conference presentations described the “amazing” applications of GIS to solve problems and improve society, said Lisichenko. Included were technical demonstrations and workshops for the latest GIS technologies. Participants were also provided the opportunity to interact and network with many professionals in the field.