STLCC, ESA Participants Invited to Learn About GIS Careers

Have you ever thought about who creates the mapping content for GPS when you look up directions?

It’s people who work in the geographic information systems field.

St. Louis Community College students, employees and participants in the Emerson STEM Academy are invited to learn from geographic information systems professionals Eric Adams and April N. Rountree as they give a GIS overview and snapshot of the growing career field.

The Emerson STEM Academy Speakers Series “What Is GIS, and Why Do I Care?” presentation is Friday, Dec. 10, from 10-11 a.m. in the Student Center Multipurpose Room at STLCC-Florissant Valley, 3400 Pershall Road in Ferguson.

Eric Adams is a geospatial functional expert and program manager at General Dynamics Information Technology, where he applies his more than 22 years of experience in geospatial intelligence and GIS to deliver cutting-edge solutions for multiple government contracts in the intelligence community and Department of Defense.

Before joining GDIT, Adams served as a geospatial intelligence analyst in the U.S. Army (active duty) and completed combat deployments to the Middle East. A National Geospatial Intelligence Agency certified senior instructor for the Army’s geospatial engineer advanced training courses, Adams successfully managed and instructed more than 300 U.S. soldiers in geospatial intelligence analysis, GIS and intelligence analysis, including imagery and full-motion video.

Adams earned a bachelor’s degree in intelligence studies and a master’s degree in intelligence operations and analysis from American Military University. He also earned a master’s degree in geospatial information sciences and technologies from North Carolina State University.

April N. Rountree is a geospatial intelligence analyst with STEMBoard LLC. Before joining STEMBoard, she served as a geospatial engineer in the U.S. Army (active duty) for 10 years and was deployed as part of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. She continues to work for the intelligence community and U.S. Department of Defense.

Rountree is a graduate of the U.S. Army Airborne School, Air Assault School and Drill Sergeant School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in intelligence studies and a graduate certificate in joint warfare from American Military University.

She has earned several military awards and decorations, including the Army Commendation Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Joint Service Commendation Medal. Active in the community, Rountree enjoys introducing students to GIS through activities and coding.

“The College is hard at work pushing the envelope and seeking out new careers and opportunities for our students,” said Steve White, dean of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at STLCC-Florissant Valley. “I’m eager to see the students’ reactions to these outstanding professionals when they learn how much GIS is already part of their lives. I hope the talk inspires students to consider GIS as a career field.”