Interns

WyomingView internships are aimed at promoting educational opportunities in remote sensing and workforce development. These semester-long internships provide opportunities for UW undergraduate and graduate students to address natural resources management issues using remote sensing science and technology. These scholarships are part of the grant provided by AmericaView & USGS to WyomingView.

Testimonials from WyomingView interns are listed below (by academic year):

2023-'24

WyomingView offered scholarships to undergraduate students to incorporate remotely sensed data in their research. This years' recipients: Kaeden Adams, Kerissa Anderson, Zach Bearden, Devon Brothwick, Severin Donnelly, Severin Donnell, Annastasia Erdmann, Alison Faith, Gretchen Ness, Braiden Panike, Maxwell Radosevic, and Sage Wright.

114) Sage Wright (BS GIST)

Participating in research with WyomingView has been an invaluable to undergraduate career. My project focused on monitoring rangeland health using satellite imagery. Which allowed me to take classroom concepts and apply them to real-world problems. I was also able to collaborate on this project with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to apply remote sensing techniques to analyze how spectral indices interact with disturbed rangeland. 

This hands-on experience significantly improved my skills in remote sensing, providing practical insights that go beyond classroom learning. It also offered me a clearer understanding of the real-world applications of these techniques, which will be invaluable for my future work in this field. Additionally, connecting with professionals in the field has opened new opportunities and perspectives for my career.

113) Maxwell Radosevich (BA Biological Science Education)

Through completion of this project, I have not only been able to use the remote sensing skills that I learned in class, but I have been able to add new skills to my remote sensing toolbox. I now have a better understanding of how a remote sensing project is completed and everything that goes into producing a final product. 

Remote sensing skills are becoming more and more necessary, and I am sure that these new skills that I have gained will be extremely useful in my future career. I would love to do rangeland research and what I have learned in this project opens so many doors for me that I previously didn’t know how to access, such as how to analyze vegetation rigor and health.

112) Braiden Panike (BS GIST)

The flood analysis project helped me better understand image analyses, interpretation, and image classification by forcing me to use skills I had developed in ways that I had not before. In previous classes I had done projects involving change detection that were relatively straightforward, or where the thresholds I used to classify an image were chosen arbitrarily. If I were to go back and do those projects again, the understanding I have built through this project would make them better.  As a result of this project, I have more experience in choosing a threshold for classifying change detection images. I am more interested in what else can be done with change detection in remote sensing as a result of this project.

I have enjoyed my Remote Sensing classes at the University of Wyoming, and plan on using the skills I gained in them in my career after I graduate.

111) Gretchen Ness (BS Biology)

Throughout this project, I analyzed the Landsat Dynamic Surface Water Extent (LDSW) products from the United States Geological service (USGS). 

This product provides data on surface water based on raster files. The data I used was on the Keyhole Reservoir in Wyoming, and I looked at multiple levels of the DSWE data: NTSM, NWAM, and NTR. By completing this research, I have been able to dive further into the importance of remote sensing and how it can help see water changes throughout time. I also learned diverse types of remote sensing and the analyze process. This project also allows me to continue my remote sensing certification, allowing me to seek out further opportunities or skillsets in this area of study in the future! I have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this research and further keying into my remote sensing skills and, I look forward to continuing with more remote sensing research in the future!

110) Alison Faith (BS Environment & Natural Resources)

This project has been very helpful in expanding my remote-sensing skills and demonstrated some of the real-world applications of this field. I previously only worked on flood mapping so it was interesting working with NDVI and irrigation to get a broader range of experience. It was also helpful because this project gave me a chance to work with an actual partner on their ranch giving me insight into what these projects look like in the real world and the type of collaboration necessary. This research also gives me the final credits I need for my undergraduate remote sensing certificate and will be invaluable if I decide to go into a remote sensing career in the future. I’m excited to see what the future of remote sensing looks like and what new advancements will be made! 

109) Annastasia Erdmann (BA International Studies)

My Remote Sensing journey began as a last-minute addition of a Remote Sensing class after a different class I was registered for was cancelled. Little did I know that this exploration would evolve into a profound passion and a cornerstone of my academic and professional pursuits! Over the past year, I had the privilege of delving into the specific application of Remote Sensing in collaboration with farmers on crop growth analysis. This endeavor not only broadened my understanding of Remote Sensing concepts but also provided me with invaluable hands-on experience in a real-world setting. From conducting multitemporal and multispectral analyses to deciphering complex patterns in satellite imagery, every step of the process enhanced my appreciation for the power and potential of Remote Sensing technologies. 

As I reflect on the skills I have acquired through this experience, I am filled with excitement about their direct relevance to my future career endeavors. In my upcoming role, I will be analyzing the growth in reclaimed areas previously treated with herbicides. The skills I have gained in multitemporal and multispectral analyses, image interpretation, mapping, and management decisions will undoubtedly serve as invaluable assets in this capacity. Whether identifying vegetation dynamics, assessing the effectiveness of herbicide treatments, or informing land management strategies, Remote Sensing will be instrumental in guiding my work and driving meaningful outcomes. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities I have had to immerse myself in this field and look forward to leveraging my newfound skills and expertise to make a positive difference in the world!

108) Severin Donnelly (BS Biology)

During this semester, I had the pleasure of studying turbidity levels in a Wyoming lake through remote sensing applications. Through this technical study, I now understand the need for this type of work in agriculture, education, robotics, and research. 

I personally plan to use this information within the company I work for to develop tools for farmers, home inspectors and other occupations in order to better their work experience.

107) Devon Borthwick (BS Geography)

Being a WyomingView intern for a second year has been an amazing experience. I never thought I would have the opportunity to do research like this in my undergrad, let alone multiple times. I have gained more remote sensing experience than you can receive from working through labs in a classroom. Working on research forces you to work through problems and think through solutions using the information you learn in class. I have applied nearly all of the concepts that I have learned in my classes, and I understand them better than I ever did before. I have also been exposed to the real-world applications of these techniques and realized their importance. In my case, my flood mapping research could be used in the future by first responders to help people. I have also been able to explore and develop my interests in remote sensing, and I have decided to continue flood mapping research while working on a Master’s in GIST.

106) Zachery Bearden (BS Outdoor Recreation & Tourism Management)

By working on the flood mapping project, I saw how remote sensing allows us to detect changes in specific areas. Utilizing specific indices, the changes in water level were apparent and easily seen for mapping purposes; this could be useful during emergencies or tracking agricultural changes. As an Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management student, this will be useful for me when I graduate, as I will be able to monitor changes in vegetation or differences in recreational use areas using the skills learned from this project.

105) Kerissa Anderson (BS Biology)

Prior to this year, I had no idea what Remote Sensing was or how applicable it is to a wide scope of sciences. However, after completing coursework and my own independent research, I now have a firm appreciation for the field and all it can offer. By analyzing NDVI and EVI data, comparing the indices, and forming conclusions based on research that I personally conducted, I have gained significant skills and knowledge about both Remote Sensing and the research process itself. I learned a lot about data quality, the importance of environmental factors, and the significance of thorough data analysis. Most importantly, this project cultivated an improvement of my critical thinking skills and adaptability to adversity. These skills, while important to research and the scientific process, will help me in a multitude of ways in the future. Regardless of setbacks or challenges, one must strive to not only adjust but overcome. I am very thankful for this opportunity and experience, as well as the knowledge I gained from it. 

104) Kaeden Adams (BS GIST)

I registered for my first remote sensing class last semester just because it was a higher-level elective. I enjoyed learning about GIS technology so much that I decided to take another class this semester. I had the incredible opportunity to work on this flood mapping project that really showed me the value of GIS technology and how it can be applied to real world scenarios.  

It’s important to feel like the things you’re learning about and doing are important, which was something that I struggled with in some of my previous classes on my degree path.

The things that I learned in not only the remote sensing classes I’ve taken, but also in the GIST seminars I’ve attended and the flood mapping project I had the privilege to work on, will be used extensively going forward as I learn more about remote sensing and GIS technologies as I pursue my degree in this field.

2022-'23

WyomingView offered scholarships to undergraduate students to incorporate remotely sensed data in their research. This years' recipients: Adeyemi Fagbade, Devon Borthwick, Alison Faith, Annastasia Erdmann, Benjamin Pina, Lander Stone, and Chester Townsend.

103) Adeyemi Fagbade (PhD Mathematics)

I am delighted to provide a testimony of what I have gained from taking classes on remote sensing. Throughout the course, I developed a comprehensive understanding of remote sensing principles, techniques, and applications. From learning about the electromagnetic spectrum to exploring various sensors and data acquisition methods, I now possess a solid foundation in this field. I acquired practical skills in acquiring remote sensing data from diverse sources such as satellites, aerial platforms, and drones. Furthermore, I gained valuable knowledge about data preprocessing, calibration, and image enhancement techniques, which have proven instrumental in ensuring the accuracy and quality of the data I work with.

One of the highlights of the class was the opportunity to apply the skills and techniques I learned to real-world scenarios through projects. By interpreting and analyzing remote sensing images, I honed my abilities to identify features, patterns, and changes in the landscape. Extracting valuable information from the imagery has been immensely rewarding, as it allows me to contribute to areas such as assessing land cover and land use changes, monitoring vegetation dynamics, and detecting natural disasters. Additionally, I have been able to delve into the study of climate patterns using remote sensing data, expanding my knowledge and capabilities in this field.

Overall, the class has equipped me with the necessary skills to process, analyze, and interpret remote sensing data effectively. The hands-on experience gained from the projects has prepared me for real-world remote sensing tasks, instilling confidence in my ability to tackle complex challenges. I am excited to leverage my newfound expertise in remote sensing analysis to make valuable contributions to various domains and pursue a fulfilling career in this field.

102) Chester Townsend (BS Environmental Systems Science)

While working on my flood analysis project I improved upon numerous skills. These include photo analysis, critical thinking, and the use of remote sensing software. These will be helpful for my future career as a conservation biologist. 

I hope to use the flood analysis skills I gained to monitor riparian zones, and the other general remote sensing skills to monitor animal behavior.

101) Lander Stone (BS Environmental Systems Science)

During my time looking at flood water mapping with Dr. Ramesh Sivanpillai, I learned invaluable remote sensing skills using the tool ERDAS Imagine. ERDAS has been an industry standard and has many of the qualities that other companies use, allowing students like me to gain knowledge and experience utilizable across many disciplines. 

With this project I expanded my understanding of how light reflectance can be used to determine areas affected by flooding, as well utilizing supervised vs. unsupervised classification. In this I have learned both the possible consequences of using unsupervised classification, as well as the benefits. In my post graduate career with the Peace Corps, I hope to continue using remote sensing techniques to examine effective irrigation plans and sustainable agricultural techniques, as well as educate others in reading, processing and interpreting remotely sensed satellite imagery.

100) Benjamin Pina (BS Environmental Systems Science)

I’m an Environmental Systems Science major here at the University of Wyoming. Before this research I previously took two classes about Remote Sensing, diving into the history, science, tech, and nuances that this field entails. However, the research opportunity allowed for this knowledge to be further cemented and explored. The study also provided a better understanding of how this technology is used for research, and solving real-life issues. 

Having this independent study under my toolbelt is extremely important and beneficial towards a future in Remote Sensing. Working in GIS and Remote Sensing is a career path and field that I’m hoping to breach, and this research is a first step in reaching that goal. I also imagine working in a Remote Sensing branch that focuses on natural disasters, such as wildfire and floods, which this specific research could help obtain.

99) Alison Faith (BS Environmental Systems Science)

This project helped to demonstrate the real-world applications of remote sensing and how it can be helpful in disaster situations like flooding which is what this project focused on. It was very useful to get experience using programs related to the remote sensing field and will help me in the future to get my remote sensing certificate and any other projects I may work on. I think it will be particularly interesting and helpful for further research about agriculture, natural hazards, and resource monitoring which is becoming are increasingly important topics in our society due to climate change. 

While this project was very beneficial it also highlighted how there can be some internal errors based on who is interpreting the images meaning there is always room for improvement in the field. I'm very grateful to learn more about remote sensing through this project because it was a subject I previously did not know much about but now find very interesting and am excited to continue learning about and see what new advancements emerge in the coming years.

98) Annastasia Erdmann (BA International Studies)

I registered for my first Remote Sensing class at the last second because a different class I was supposed to take was canceled, but it was one of the best opportunities of my life! I had never given Remote Sensing much thought before the class, and I was astonished to learn how many applications there are for Remote Sensing. 

I worked on a Rapid Flood Mapping project which helped me to appreciate how useful Remote Sensing can be to disaster response. I also like how satellites enable global land-cover-change analyses and how Remote Sensing can promote international cooperation. 

In the future, I plan to apply my understanding of Remote Sensing to my fields of Environment & Natural Resources and International Studies, and I am excited to continue my Remote Sensing undergraduate work in the meantime!

97) Devon Borthwick (BA Geography)

Participating in this research project has helped me apply the skills I have been learning as well as teach me some new skills. I think that it is important to be able to apply the things that you learn in class in a more real world way than just through labs. 

It helps you understand the concepts more and understand why you are doing what you are doing. Gaining this kind of experience is going to help me immensely down the road when I am looking for jobs. Most importantly it solidified that this is the career path I want to take.

2021-'22

WyomingView offered scholarships to undergraduate students to incorporate remotely sensed data in their research. This years' recipients: Isaac Boettcher, Traylin Bruegger, Isaac Coleman, Emma Dixon, Jessica Gifford, Cody Green, Jordan Jochems, Emma Jones, Shelby Stith, and Luke Wiedeman

96) Tyler Bradshaw (MS Agronomy)

Remote sensing is a very new topic to me. In my undergraduate studies, I had never heard of this field or its applications. Last fall I was lucky enough to be part of a project that would allow me to see the uses of remote sensing hands on. During my time on this project, I learned how to effectively and efficiently map out water in pre- vs post-flood images. Though I do not plan to do this as a profession, I can see the connections to my field. I am studying Entomology focusing on the biocontrol of weeds and I plan to pursue a job with the USDA or another agency. I will primarily use a vegetation index in this field instead of a water index however, the practice behind it is similar but not exact. This project has given me a strong foundation to further my studies in remote sensing. Having a background, although limited so far, in remote sensing will give me the ability to be more prepared or competitive in my job search. 

95) Luke Wiedeman (BS Environmental Systems Science)

I was interested in generating a burn severity map of the Newfork Fire, which occurred in the summer of 2008 in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, just outside of Pinedale, WY. I used this project as an example/case study, as I plan to continue to generate additional burn severity maps for the U.S. Forest Service. This project allowed me to sharpen my image classification skills by utilizing the Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) index. I also gained some new skills with this project, such as performing functions on images in order to perform an accurate analysis. Lastly, I was able to generate a template model that I can use when classifying additional burn scars in the future. In short, this project has helped me to prepare for scenarios that I might encounter in my future career of wildfire management. I am excited to continue to develop this skill-set by practicing the techniques I learned on additional burn scars,

94) Shelby Stith (BS Rangeland Ecology & Watershed Management)

In the fall of 2021, I had the opportunity to learn how to use remote sensing to retrieve data from vegetation on the ground. This kind of decision-making tool is highly sought after by land managers, and I am so glad that I got the opportunity to apply it to my own interests in pipeline reclamation.  This project has peaked not only my interest, but that of my superiors and employers in regard to real-world application. I can take this tool back with me to my job at Weston County Weed and Pest to help make informed decisions about our management practices. As well as back to my family of range managers who deal with pipeline projects.

93) Emma Jones (BS Environmental System Science)

Doing remote sensing research was a great opportunity for me to gain research experience and learn more about remote sensing technology. Working on rapid flood mapping research helped me to learn about real-world applications of remote sensing, which will help me to better understand methods for agricultural and natural resource monitoring.
The project that I worked on involved comparing differences in flood mapping between different satellites. By analyzing different sets of images, I was able to analyze how using different satellites for pre- and post- flood imaging can impact the accuracy of the results. This helped me to better understand both the techniques for analyzing change detection in flood mapping and how the satellites used for image collection can affect data.

92) Jordan Jochems (BS Agroecology, Undergraduate Certificate in Remote Sensing)

WyomingView gave me the opportunity to explore my new passion for remote sensing and expand my understanding of GIS applications. I was able to dive into real-world experiences and use challenges that my in-laws experienced on their own farm to practically solve the "puzzles of the agriculture world" through remote sensing. Before taking the Remote Sensing course at the University of Wyoming I had no idea how to use light to our advantage. Now, I can look at all the different ways crops interact with light to solve problems and give suggestions to farmers. The range of useful skills, data collection methods, and information that Remote Sensing offers is wide!  After graduating in May 2022 I plan to apply for remote sensing jobs in southern Montana and use the skills that I have learned to help the local farmers. I would like to continue learning about remote sensing and hopefully help out my new family members when unforeseen circumstances on the farm occur. Remote Sensing is so much more than meets the eye!

91) Jessica Gifford (BS Geology, Undergraduate Certificates in Remote Sensing & GIS)

GIS has been a primary interest of mine since before beginning school here at the University of Wyoming. I've always been fascinated on how it can be used in so many different fields, but particularly how it is used in Geology applications. As I've taken classes and learned more about remote sensing and LiDAR, I've gained a great appreciation for just how useful they are.

Doing rapid flood mapping research has really given me the hands-on experience to take me to the next level of understanding and appreciation. Instead of just learning about remote sensing, I could apply it and actually do the things I was learning about. I am so very grateful for this opportunity, and the perspective and experience it has given me.

90) Cody Green (BS Rangeland Ecology & Watershed Management)

After monitoring crop stress using NDMI values, I gained a full understanding of the benefits of using remote sensing. I was able to identify and map the effects of moisture stress in a pasture using satellite imagery, which directly reflected the observations I personally saw on the ground. Confirming my observations with remote sensing has made me realize how useful this tool can be in my field of study. Being able to analyze large areas of land for moisture stress can be beneficial to ranchers, farmers, and producers, which is a career path I would be very interested in pursuing.

89) Emma Dixon (BS Environmental System Science)

This WyomingView Internship provided me with valuable skills that I will be able to use both within and outside my career. Conducting the literature review highly strengthened my scientific article reading and comprehension skills. It also introduced me to SAR data and by reading these articles, I gained an understanding of why flood mapping is so important and the different techniques that are being utilized. I am excited to move forward into a potential Masters program in Remote Sensing and GIS.

88) Isaac Coleman (BS Environmental System Science)

I felt that this was a very beneficial project to participate in. One thing it helped me do was solidify skills that I have  developed at the university for remote sensing. I have taken many course[s] and this project allowed me to utilize them in a more professional setting. Due to this, I have also been able to gain more real world experience in possible projects I may be participating in after college. It gave me a bigger picture of how this technology can be utilized and that it can apply to many more areas that I had not considered prior to these courses and this project. This also gave me general problem solving skills that I can apply in a multitude of ways both in and outside of remote sensing. Providing me with more tools to utilize in my future careers.

87) Traylin Bruegger (BS Agroecology, Undergraduate Certificate in Remote Sensing)

I have learned from analyzing rangeland areas the ground cover and micro environments like riparian areas and hilltops have large impacts on the analysis of rangelands. Management strategies make large impacts to ground cover seen by satellites which can inform the effectiveness of a management practice. 

Satellites will play a large role in evaluation of range health and management efficiency. I will be able to use this skill and the analysis of satellite images for evaluating management in the future.

86) Isaac Boettcher (BS Energy Resource Management)

I have learned many valuable skills during this time that not only helps me with classes, but it also made me more competitive in the career field. I really enjoyed learning the ins and outs of ERDAS Imagine, and I believe this will be a valuable skill for my future. also, I really enjoyed seeing a project through completion, it's rewarding to see my work in fruition and is a precursor to what work after college will look like. I also enjoyed the team aspect of this work, more so in the fall semester, when we all worked on this project more as a team. Overall, I feel blessed and am grateful for this opportunity to further my skills in a purposeful manner. 

2020-'21

WyomingView offered scholarships to undergraduate students to incorporate remotely sensed data in their research. This years' recipients: Michaela Forty,  Alex Gonzales, Kylar Klaahsen, Madelline Ogborn, Tyler Stearns, Ashley Townsend, and Emma Jones)

85) Emma Jones (BS Environmental System Science, BA Political Science)

By learning about rapid flood mapping technology through research, I was able to understand the real-world applications of GIS and remote sensing. I really appreciated the opportunity to explore the challenges and successes of remote sensing as it exists today, and I hope to use what I have learned to identify patterns as I continue research in rapid flood mapping.

I had no prior experience with GIS or remote sensing before this project, so this was a really eye-opening experience. Remote sensing offers so many opportunities for data collection across a wide range of fields. I have not only gained useful skills in the field of remote sensing, but am now able to apply the skills I have gained to analysis and research in my other studies.

 

84) Ashley Townsend (BS Wildlife and Fisheries Biology & Management; Undergraduate Certificate in Remote Sensing)

WyomingView gave me the opportunity to expand my knowledge of remote sensing applications in an updated way. I gained a lot of new knowledge of different ways that remote sensing can be used to help humans and communities understand natural phenomena in a close to real-time way. In the future, I would like to apply my remote sensing skills to wildlife and habitat management in a way that will be beneficial to both human and wildlife systems all over the United States. Studying flood mapping and the ways that SAR can help minimize emergency response times has inspired me to continue to study methods of precise processing of satellite based images.

83) Tyler Stearns (BS Rangeland Ecology & Watershed Management)

I had the opportunity to take Remote Sensing in the Fall of 2020. It was a really interesting class and made me want to learn more about remote sensing. Prior to taking the class in the fall, I had no previous experience with the field of GIS and Remote Sensing. Professor Sivanpillai approached me about working on Flood Mapping project with him and two other students. I was really excited to be able to learn more about Rapid Flood Mapping. The project was definitely different than what I was used to and with spotty internet it made it difficult from time to time. I really learned how to push on no matter the obstacle. 

The project was beneficial for me, as I learned how to apply the different skills that I obtained from the rapid flood mapping and helped apply it to my job with the NRCS. Learning how to map flooding, really helped me familiar myself with different software that will help in the long run. It was a great opportunity and I really appreciate the opportunity provided me with.

82) Madelline Ogborn (BS Rangeland Ecology & Watershed Management)

Taking Remote Sensing in the Fall of 2020 introduced me to the value of understanding varying indices, patterns, and applying information from other courses into a common application. 

By participating in this internship, I was able to further enhance my skills, apply them to research projects for flood mapping, and gave me the ability to better communicate my findings. These additional skills not only enhanced my resume but assisted me in getting a job after graduation as a Staff Scientist. This experience was greatly beneficial for me as a student and graduate.

81) Kylar Klaahsen (BS Rangeland Ecology & Watershed Management)

My internship with WyomingView really opened my eyes to the significance of remote sensing in relation to my desired field of work. I know I will benefit greatly in the future from this experience. 

Remote sensing will certainly continue to offer more and better insight to land managers about our changing environment. Opportunities like this internship are so important for students to enrich their education with real world applications of remote sensing.

80) Alex Gonzales (BS Zoology)

In 2020-2021, I took a remote sensing course for agriculture management and participated in a project that included using a change detection method to map newly inundated areas using optimized remotely sensed imagery. This project was very beneficial to understand how remotely sensed imagery can be pre-processed to meet specific needs and use basic remote sensing concepts to solve real-world problems. This project used pre-post flood water indices to run through a change detection process to pick up on newly inundated areas. But I’ve learned this same process can be applied to a number of different scenarios, and that different analysts can have different outcomes with respect to accuracy.

79) Michaela Forty (BS Agricultural Business)

I am a student in agricultural business at the University of Wyoming, and large proponent of active learning. Because I study agriculture, I had enrolled Remote Sensing for Agricultural Management. I liked this class, because it addressed the practical tools for improving and understanding agriculture, as well as many of the common mistakes’ managers may make in hiring out this simple service. Though we addressed many applicable skills in this course, I had a desire to further solidify my understanding of the information we now have available at our fingertip from the satellites in orbit. 

Therefore, I was fortunate this semester when I was offered the opportunity to apply the understanding of ERDAS imagine I gained last semester to help test the new collection of LANSAT satellite data with common water indices farmers and natural resource planners may utilize. Despite difficulties of remote work, I learned technical troubleshooting, skills, and how to organize and communicate scientific data. These are skills I hope to further by gaining a certificate in remote sensing.

2019-'20

WyomingView offered scholarships to undergraduate students to incorporate remotely sensed data in their research. This years' recipients: Ryan Burns, Logan Heward, Sarah Weidler, and Abigail Gettinger

78) Abigail Gettinger (MS Rangeland Ecology & Watershed Management)

By evaluating the conversion of Landsat digital numbers to surface reflectance values for select spectral indices, I gained more knowledge about what the different types of remote sensing pre-processing included. My research for the project also resulted in the opportunity to learn more about additional indices that have been created for remote sensing and what different terminology in remote sensing means, such as radiance versus reflectance. I also learned further about the importance of evaluating what types of pre-processing are being performed to data and the value of being aware of how data operations performed before data acquisition may impact results. Moreover, I acquired additional information about statistics and determining significant differences between data means.

A deeper understanding of the different types of pre-processing, the various indices that are used, and terms in remote sensing will help me whenever I am using remote sensing data in my own research or on a job. Knowledge regarding forms of pre-processing will help me to be a more informed researcher, educator, or user as I have personally seen the benefits of evaluating and asking questions about my data before I begin utilizing a dataset. In addition, my added understanding of statistics will help me on future projects as well as in my evaluation of other scientists’ research.

77) Sarah Weidler (BS Geography)

In the fall of 2019 as part of an agricultural remote sensing class, I began a project to look at phenological patterns in Aspen over the span of several years. What started as a project to examine autumnal change data has expanded into an internship and a chance to learn more about scientific communication. I have been fortunate enough to further develop the project into a presentation prepared for an international conference as well as a research paper. This experience has taught me a lot about how to deal with data uncertainty as well as how to properly communicate research in an academic atmosphere. In addition, I have also learned how small environmental differences—such as the amount of sunlight—can make a big difference in how we see the changes in trees; not only in our surroundings, but through the use of remote sensing as well. It is my hope to apply my remote sensing knowledge to environmental work in the future. This internship has given me an introduction to the skill set required for this type of work, including the use of data collected by others and effective communication.

76) Logan Heward (BS Geography)

I completed three projects evaluating the relation of small field NDVI values to their harvested yield. The goal was to create a best fit line which could be used as a guide to predict future yields when the mean NDVI value of a field is known. Landsat imagery from June and July of 2014 – 2018 was used. This was beneficial to see if Landsat imagery without modification was sufficient. In some years NDVI values correlated with yield and in some years it did not. I learned more detail, imagery closer to the time of harvest, and more analysis like using leaf area index to account for plant density could improve the results. This was good practice for future employment by working with three landowner’s data, completing an analysis, learning what does and does not work, and presenting the landowners the results.

75) Ryan Burns (BS Geography)

As a geography major with a focus on GIS and remote sensing, I have become fascinated with the many applications of these technologies. This semester I had the opportunity to work on preliminary research for a project I am planning for the summer. My project is focused on surveying the impacts of grazing on flowering plant communities in the Rocky Mountains using remote sensing. For this semester, I worked on finding data for use over the summer and on locating survey sites. Over the course of the semester, I learned that the knowledge and skills we practice in the computer lab are not so easily implemented in the real world. Finding and applying data for actual research is not an easy task. Remote sensing is a powerful tool for studying the natural world, but, like all tools, it takes practice and I am just beginning. With the knowledge that I’ve gained so far, I will be a far better candidate for jobs, a more effective GIS specialist, and more confident in my abilities to apply my knowledge to critical remote sensing problem solving.  I will present the results of this semester and the coming summer at Undergraduate Research Day, which will also give me valuable experience presenting in front of a large audience and will help develop myself professionally.

2018-'19

WyomingView offered scholarships to undergraduate students to incorporate remotely sensed data in their research. This years' recipients: Jacob Disney, Kevin Jacobs, Tyler Jones, Matthew Kelton, and Ela Piskorski

74) Ela Piskorski (BS Rangeland Ecology & Watershed Management)

My project involved classifying leaf damage on leaves from crop plants from India.  This project taught me about the process of research. It also decreased the amount of time it takes me to classify images! Learning about remote sensing by doing this and other projects has made me more marketable as a job candidate. 

73) Matthew Kelton (BS Rangeland Ecology & Watershed Management)

Remote sensing has given me invaluable experience for my future career. Remote sensing is becoming more and more important for land and watershed management in helping land managers make the best decisions. I am seeking to get a job in a watershed or rangeland management field and my future employer will appreciate me having the knowledge of not only seeing and observing the data but also physically obtain the data.

72) Tyler Jones (BS Rangeland Ecology & Watershed Management)

As a rangeland ecology and watershed management major here at the University of Wyoming, I had the opportunity to take Remote Sensing in the fall semester of 2018, as well as an optional extension of this class in the spring semester of 2019. While taking these courses I had the opportunity to complete a project that evaluated the effectiveness of pasture renovation efforts my father and I undertook in the spring/summer of 2018 using remote sensing technology. The project was highly beneficial for me because it allowed me to take concepts learned in class and apply them to a real-world scenario that I was very familiar with. I then had to take the results of the project and format them into a presentation that could be shared with others. Because this is the pattern I will be following when I obtain future employment, this project has given me not only a taste of what I could be doing in the future, but it has provided me with the opportunity to reinforce the many concepts I have learned by channeling them into a project with real world applications. 

71) Kevin Jacobs (BS Rangeland Ecology & Watershed Management)

The initial part of rapid flood mapping, a project for class, I found out how much I had learned in lab. All the work came from application of information from labs. For the second portion of the project I worked through rapid flood mapping with images from India. I did not have as sharp of a learning curve but solidified all the skills that I used in the first part of the project. I’m sure handling images and remotely sensed data will play a role anywhere I am in land management or whatever career I pursue.

70) Jacob Disney (BS Rangeland Ecology & Watershed Management)

Within the progression of this project, it soon became apparent that there were some opportunities for a unique and interesting development of the data I was presented with. I was pleased with the ability of the information to be easily understood by persons with no prior remote sensing experience after the data was processed. This project also proved further implications toward its use one a larger area (of similar ecosystem type) because of the confidence gained in the accuracy of the images. Projects like these could be furthered into consulting with other landowners to aid them in their projects and could be very useful in future management decisions to get an edge on the competition.

2017-'18

None offered. WyomingView did not receive funding from AmericaView.

2016-'17

WyomingView offered scholarships to undergraduate students to incorporate remotely sensed data in their research. This years' recipients: Connor Elbert, Caleb McCarragher, Amanda Pennino, and Jessica Windh

69) Amanda Pennino (MS Rangeland Ecology & Watershed Management)

 

After taking my first remote sensing class in the fall of 2016, I was immediately sparked with curiosity in learning the applications and uses that could be applied to my own research. Completing an independent study allowed for me to examine my research site over a temporal scale by looking at land cover changes with time. 

I hope to continue to refine my skills in using remote sensing software to better aid in assessment of landscape scale studies in hard-to-access or remote areas.

68) Jessica Windh (MS Agriculture and Applied Economics)

My project was research on the use of satellite imagery to map changes in the area of water bodies over time. I had done a small project before on mapping surface area changes of water, but that was much less involved than this project. 

It was interesting to see how this is still an evolving area of research and how scientists are still trying to find the best methods to map water volumes via satellite imagery. This project was very valuable to me in that I wasn’t just given a formula to follow, so it taught me how to look at a developing area of science and make decisions based on the parameters I had available.

67) Caleb McCarragher (BS Geology) 

Over the course of this project I have learned to process remotely sensed images to make them more useful for various applications. One of the things I have learned, however, is how to connect real world experience to lab based applications. Many times in school we isolate the project and ourselves from the application. 
From figuring out which types of images to use, either satellite or drone, to trying to understand how the other analysts thought, reality had to be constantly brought back into view to guide the progress of the project. I also learned time management and tips for professional presentations.

He presented his work in the 2017 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 29, 2017.

66) Connor Elbert (BS Geology) 

This WyomingView internship opportunity gave me hands-on, real-world experience with scientific research. My research project utilized remote sensing technology to analyze patterns of crop growth and variability. 

I learned that the process of scientific research is challenging. However, seeing this project through to completion was rewarding and made the difficulties well worth it. I am thankful for this opportunity and I look forward to applying the knowledge I have gained here to future work and studies.

He presented his work in the 2017 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 29, 2017.

 2015-'16

WyomingView offered scholarships to undergraduate students to incorporate remotely sensed data in their research. This years' recipients: Julia Collins, Colleen Friday, Rhiannon Jakopak, Cameron Sloan and Elizabeth Wirsching.

65) Elizabeth Wirsching (BS Rangeland Ecol. & Watershed Mgt)

This internship has been vastly important to my career. It has given me the opportunity to do the kind of work I hope to be doing in the future. And more than just something to put on my resume, it has given me something I can so to future perspective employers as an example of the type of work I have done and the quality of work I will do.

Elizabeth (pictured right) presented her work with Jackie Alexander (left)in the 2016 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 30, 2016.

64) Cameron Sloan (BS Energy Resources)

My research experience during the semester allowed me to expand upon previous skills learned with GIS and remote sensing, and apply them to a real world application. I have learned many technical and problem solving skills through this opportunity that will help me to excel in my future career.

He presented his work in the 2016 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 30, 2016.

 

63) Rhiannon Jakopak (BS Wildlife and Fisheries Biology & Mgt)

My internship with WyomingView allowed me a unique and immensely beneficial opportunity to work with remotely sensed data while addressing a question that is relevant to my research interests. By working on my own project with the greatly appreciated direction of Dr. Sivanpillai, I was able to gain analytical and communication skills. I enjoyed developing the ability to think about the challenges associated with employing remotely sensed data. Finally, my experience was beneficial because it allowed me to gain a better appreciation of the multiple and varied applications for remotely sensed data. 

She presented her work in the 2016 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 30, 2016.

 62) Colleen Friday (BS Rangeland Ecol. & Watershed Mgt.)

Taking the undergraduate research course during the Spring 2016 semester was a learning experience.  I was challenged to balance the responsibilities for the research and other course work.  I gained a variety and skills and applications for conducting an independent research study.  I furthered my knowledge of remote sensing, using the ERADAS Image 2015 software, and my experience analyzing the data.  I also was able to practice my presentation skills by participating in the Undergraduate Research Day where I presented my work in a clear logical manner to an audience.

She presented her work in the 2016 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 30, 2016.

61) Julia Collins (BS Rangeland Ecol. & Watershed Mgt.)

The research I conducted with Landsat 8 imagery on Wyoming alfalfa fields helped me further understand how remotely sensed data can efficiently and inexpensively be used to monitor or map vegetation growth.  This work will be beneficial for me in future land management projects in my career.  

She presented her work in the 2016 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 30, 2016.

2014-'15

WyomingView offered scholarships to undergraduate students to incorporate remotely sensed data in their research. This years' recipients: Nathan Hough (fall '14), Hayden Bales, Blake Balzan, Greg Galli, Ina Goodman, Luke Nieslanik, Chris Sheets, Skye Swoboda-Colberg, and Preston Talbert (spring '15).

60) Preston Talbert (BS Agroecology)

Skills that I have gained from using Landsat data will be helpful as I move into precision agriculture. Communication skills from group collaboration will help me as I work with peers throughout school and throughout my career. From this research using Landsat 8 on range land crops, I learned to be patient and not to be discouraged when results don't happen as planned. The presentation at URD gave me more experience in public speaking, as well as how to present myself and information to people who are not interested or as knowledgeable in that particular study area. Overall it was a very good experience.

He presented his work with Luke Nieslanik in the 2015 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on May 2, 2015.

59) Skye Swoboda-Colberg (BS Geography)

I enjoyed quantifying the operator error in the unsupervised classification of images because it was a great way to reinforce data management and verification skills. Mistakes were occasionally made between transformations from data to images to maps and I spent a considerable amount of time accounting for these mistakes.  I will continue to work with Landsat images and appreciate this opportunity to work with Wyoming View.  I enjoyed presenting at the UW Undergraduate Research Day because it reinforced the importance of this research and has motivated me to continue to develop my remote sensing skills.

He presented his work with Chris Sheets in the 2015 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on May 2, 2015.

58) Chris Sheets (BS Earth System Science)

This project has given me the very valuable experience of presenting a scientific study to an audience.  Producing a study that compares analyst bias can be very helpful to companies or other scientists by demonstrating how much bias each scientist can have when classifying an image.  Using Landsat data can also make classifying images difficult because of the 900 square meter pixels that can blur a lot of smaller details on the ground.

The skills and knowledge that I gained from this experiment can be applied to future studies where scientists could set a strict list of rules to follow when classifying in order to reduce bias as much as possible.

He presented his work with Skye Swoboda-Colberg in the 2015 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on May 2, 2015.

57)  Luke Nieslanik (BS Agroecology)

Being able to conduct research on the use of Landsat 8 satellite imagery for remote sensing of vegetation was a great opportunity. It increased my confidence in communicating with my peers and overall increased my understanding of research methods and remote sensing. One thing I realized during this experience was that there are many obstacles and unexpected results. Although it is discouraging at times, it promotes improvement which may lead to great success.  In the future I will be able to attribute some of my success to the increased communication skills and scientific understanding  gained from this research experience.

He presented his work along with Preston Talbert in the 2015 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on May 2, 2015.

56)  Ina Goodman (BS Biology)

This research and presentation at the Undergraduate Research Day 2015 taught me a variety of skills and applications. It furthered my knowledge of remote sensing, my level of remote sensing interpretation, and skill level regarding the use of ERDAS Imagine 2014. Overall, the project was a worthwhile experience, building not only my ability to create and implement a research project, but also my ability to present and share a research project in a clear, understandable manner.

She presented her work in the 2015 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on May 2, 2015.


55) Greg Galli (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

Doing the undergraduate study program this semester I learned more about remote sensing, especially on rule based classification. In my study I was able to understand if sun angle incidence affected Landsat imagery through the use of NDWI (Normalized Difference Wetness Index). Doing this research study has not only taught me more about my field of study, but also how organization skills play a key role when working on a project and trying to balance other workloads If you are looking to learn more about your field and for a challenge, then I recommend doing the undergraduate research program.

He presented his work in the 2015 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on May 2, 2015.


54)  Blake Balzan (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

After this year’s Undergrad research project I have discovered a way to bring together the things I have learned here at the University of Wyoming and combine it with agriculture from my hometown. I do not know what will happen next on this path but it tends to be interesting so far.  At first I was leery about doing this undergrad research project but I’m glad I did and it turned out to be quite enjoyable.  I am highly excited to be graduating this year from UW, and believe that by venturing out away from the things I normally do, I have become ready to take the leap and start my own adventure in this wondrous world.

He presented his work in the 2015 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on May 2, 2015.

53)  Hayden Bales (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

I applied skills that I learned in the classroom to a real life project analyzing agricultural fields that I manage as a ranch-hand.  During my research I gained a greater understanding of how Landsat imagery can be used to monitor healthy vegetation by using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index.  I believe this internship has helped me become more confident in gathering data from remote sensing imagery, conducting an analysis to produce results, and drawing sound conclusions from my research.



52) Nathan Hough (BS Wildlife, Fisheries Biology & Mgt)

This independent study provided me with an opportunity to better my GIS and Remote Sensing skills by applying the knowledge I have gained through various courses into a real world situation.In this independent study I helped assess whether using Landsat imagery with different indices (such as NDVI) could be used as a viable alternative for electrical conductivity values, used in agriculture to estimate crop yield, thus reducing the cost of precision agriculture. This course also provided key experience into the world of writing and publishing scientific literature. The geospatial knowledge I have gained through this independent study will greatly assist me in finding a job in the Wildlife Biology field and has already added an additional component to my resume.

2013-'14

WyomingView offered scholarships to undergraduate students to incorporate remotely sensed data in their research. This years' recipients: Ryan Lermon and Emily (Stecker) Richardson

51) Ryan Lermon (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

My Experience with the WyomingView internship has been great. Getting the opportunity to work with more remote sensing data after I took the class last semester was exciting. I learned how to use ERDAS more efficiently and a few short cuts that I didn't know of from my first experiences with the program. I am glad to have had the chance to work with many different types of projects (water, fire, forest, etc.). Towards the end of the semester I was given the option to present my work at the undergraduate research day. I thought that was very rewarding to be able to show others what I had been working on in the past few months. I am interested to see what remote sensing experiences I will have in the future.

He presented his work in the 2014 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 26, 2014. Title: Prescribed burn severity mapping using Landsat 8 data

50) Emily (Stecker) Richardson (BS Botany)

Being knowledgeable in the field of remote sensing is a very valuable skill. From the WyomingView internship I have gained confidence in my ability to obtain and decipher remote sensing images and software, and have learned how diversely applicable and efficient it can be. This opportunity has given me tools that I am thankful to have and look forward to using as I begin my graduate education in forest ecosystems.

She presented her work in the 2014 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 26, 2014. Title: Monitoring Aspen Phenology along an Elevation Gradient using MODIS data.

2012-'13

WyomingView offered scholarships to undergraduate students to incorporate remotely sensed data in their research. This years' recipients Emmalee Allen, Cody Booth, Erik Collier, Kaitlyn McCollum, Kate Richarson, Christopher Stienhoff, Bailey Terry, Matthew Thoman  describe their work below.

49) Emmalee Allen (BS Agroecology)

What I gained from my experience during my remote sensing internship is overall confidence. I have learned the procedure of research and the processes necessary to present and finish. I now have a tool in my toolbox that I can use in the future. As I prepare to work with small-scale farmers I know that remote sensing is still a possibility to track crop growth. Thank you for this opportunity as I have learned a great deal and have gained confidence which is important as I prepare to step out into the working world.
She presented her work in the 2013 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 27, 2013. Title: Monitoring crop growth before and under center-pivot irrigation system using multi-temporal Landsat images.

48) Cody Booth (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

The internship opportunity was very influential in teaching me about remote sensing and real world application of this technology. Remote sensing is a useful tool that can help make management decisions and this internship opportunity taught me how to use this technology correctly. I plan to use this knowledge in the future to help answer some of the questions I may have pertaining to the restoration and reclamation fields.
He presented his work in the 2013 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 27, 2013. Title: Estimating intra-annual changes in the surface area of Sand Mesa Reservoir #1 using multi-temporal Landsat images

47) Erik Collier (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

I learned a valuable skill from being introduced to the field of remote sensing. I am currently employed with the Bureau of Land Management and see many uses for this technology in my future career. Mapping burn severity can pinpoint where you need to allocate your resources after both wildfires as well as prescribed burns. After taking this class I feel I have a valuable skill set that can only benefit me in my future profession.
He presented his work in the 2013 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 27, 2013. Title: Mapping Burn Severity of the Marking Pen Prescribed Burn in the Seminoe Mountains using pre- and post-fire Landsat Thematic Mapper images

46) Carson Hessenthaler (BS Applied Economics)

The WyomingView scholarship enabled me to research how remote sensing can be used to monitor crop growth. The research and presenting skills is something that will help not only me, but my families farming operation. I was able to learn what it takes to make a presentation and how to present what I had found in my research. The research on monitoring crop growth is something that I want to continue doing; so that I can help increase the productivity of the farm.   Remote sensing is something that farmers need to utilize more, and I am grateful that I was able to be a part of the WyomingView scholarship.
He presented his work in the 2013 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 27, 2013. Title: Tracking sugar beet/corn growth in a Wyoming farm using Landsat images

45) Kaitlyn McCollum (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

From this research I have learned that there is a lot more ways remote sensing can be used for water. There is more than just classifying images, involving indices and using/manipulating thresholds makes it possible to determine how much water a lake or reservoir is holding without actually going to the location. This creates a way to gain more information about these remote locations. I now understand the time and work that goes into conducting a research project, it is a lot more than just going to class every day. This knowledge will prepare me for the employment world; I can tackle a project without being completely in the dark. I also gained some very useful skills on how to create a presentation and give that presentation to a group of professional.  Overall it this project was a great experience and I was able to gain more knowledge and skills than just from the actual research.
She presented her work with co-author Matthew Thoman, in the 2013 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 27, 2013.Title: Assessing Transferability of Landsat-derived NDWI Values across Space and Time.

44) Kate Richardson (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

I really learned a lot from this research project. Using ERDAS IMAGINE was a good experience in how to process a satellite image, especially in running an unsupervised classification.  I was also surprised to learn that cloud contamination is such a big problem in much of the Western United States.  If a solution could be found to get around that, remote sensing would be realistic for many different long term studies.  It could also one day be imperative to management plans; especially for water bodies.
She presented her work with in the 2013 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 27, 2013.Title: Limitations in Delineating Lake Shoreline in Cloud Contaminated Landsat Images.

43) Christopher Steinhoff (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

This internship gave me the opportunity to further my knowledge and understanding of remote sensing.  In turn this can only benefit my future career in resource management and help me to implement better and more efficient monitoring tactics.
He presented his work in the 2013 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 27, 2013.Title: Mapping Changes in Reservoir Surface Area Using Landsat Thematic Mapper Images.





42) Bailey Terry (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

I have learned lots of things through remotes sensing this year. My project on classifying bias in unsupervised classification has taught me where bias was found in images, but more importantly it showed me how accurate unsupervised classification can be. I think remote sensing has a great future, and I look forward to using it as I continue on in the range profession.
She presented her work in the 2013 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 27, 2013.Title: Characterizing analyst bias in unsupervised classification of Landsat images.



41) Matthew Thoman (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

Remote sensing has always interested me since the first day I heard about it in a class. Being able to use satellite images for remote sensing was just a plus. The skills I learned by being able to do these remote sensing projects will come in very useful when I graduate. Being a Rangeland Ecology Watershed Management major, my experience in remote sensing and image classification of both water and land will help make me a more marketable candidate for most jobs. It has been a fun experience and the knowledge I acquired will be very helpful.
He presented his work with co-presenter Kaitlyn McCollum in the 2013 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 27, 2013. Title: Assessing Transferability of Landsat-derived NDWI Values across Space and Time.

2011-'12

WyomingView offered five scholarships to undergraduate students and two scholarships to graduate student to recognize their use of remotely sensed data in their research. This years' recipients Orin Hutchinson, Jason Pindell, Brandt Schiche, Matthew Thoman, and Mike Pritchard  describe their work below.

NOTE: No testimony from William Gray

40) Orin Hutchinson (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

What I received from this opportunity to work with remote sensing and data analysis was a broader perspective of what this kind of technology can do and what activities may in the future be done by remote sensing. My project was centered on wildfire monitoring and I was able to see that in some cases, time and resources may be better allocated by using images rather than taking a field trip out to the site. This experience has taught me to keep an open mind about what technology can and cannot do and it has given me another tool that I will be able to use in my future career.

He presented his work in the 2012 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 21, 2012.
Title:Monitoring post-wildfire vegetation regeneration in the Northern Black Hills of Wyoming using Landsat images.


39) Spencer Otto (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)
I learned a lot this semester while working on this research project. The hands on research gave me better understanding of how remote sensing is applied to agriculture. While reading literature on my subject I learned that the field of remote sensing applies to many areas of natural resource management. Performing independent research also taught me skills to improve time management.

38) Jason Pindell (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

Through the course of completing this work I have learned several valuable skills that will be used throughout my future career. The content of this course is as good as you make it, and the results that I found were very interesting. Working with Dr. Sivanpillai has been rewarding to say the least. Participating in undergraduate research day also presents challenges and skills that will be useful in future career endeavors. Addressing the public about complicated projects that you have worked from start to finish is a very good exercise and will no doubt be beneficial.

He presented his work in the 2012 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 21, 2012.
Title: Mapping aspen phenology with MODIS 8-day composites.
 

37) Brandt Schiche (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

Research in the area of remote sensing has provided me with an understanding of the concepts that will be valuable in any career in natural resources.  Mapping the changes of water surface area proved to be both accurate and beneficial to work related to my study.  My research allowed me to understand the importance of alternative management, in the form of remote sensing, that I never knew existed.  In a society were specialization is key, remote sensing occupies a special niche.


He presented his work in the 2012 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 21, 2012.
Title:Mapping Changes in the Surface Area of Woodruff Narrows using Landsat Images.

36) Matthew Thoman (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

The knowledge I acquired by learning and using ERDAS and GIS mapping in this course has been new and exciting in this everyday monotony of school. Not only has it been fun but stimulating and useful as well. There are many applications for remote sensing that I can use, such as mapping growth on our family farm/ranch and a skill that will be useful in the workplace. With a degree in Rangeland Ecology/Watershed management the newer technology of remote sensing will be very applicable and will hopfully make me more employable.

He presented his work in the 2012 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 21, 2012.
Title: Mapping wheat growth in dryland fields in SE Wyoming using Landsat images.


35) Florence Kothapalley (MS Civil Engineering)
Having an enthusiasm to work for GIS and Remote Sensing projects, I have taken up the project Glacier and Landsat Mapping for Wyoming as an independent study for Spring 2012 to participate in the Wyoview Scholarship program and gain knowledge on Remote Sensing topics and usage of ERDAS Imagine software as well as learn new methods in GIS.

34) Michael L Pritchard (Masters - Non degree graduate)

Through this WyomingView internship I have learned and worked with many challenges of acquiring, organizing, and maintaining a collection of Landsat Imagery for the state of Wyoming.  The Landsat data in this collection are from diverse sources over many years, some of it older imagery in forms such as nearest neighbor, which may not be available from any other source.  Quality control carefully examined for errors, header information, and various other factors which determine the usefulness of this data.  The goal is to encourage the use of Landsat imagery by making it available in a form easily used by people of diverse levels of expertise in working with remote sensing data.

33) William Gray (PhD Education)

Testimony and photo not available.

2010-'11

The WyomingView program offered three scholarships to undergraduate students and one scholarship to graduate student to recognize their use of remotely sensed data in their research. These scholarships were made possible by generous support from the USGS and AmericaView Inc. which fund WyomingView. This years' recipients; Blake Cobb, Claire Hudson, Tyrell Perry, and Paul Arendt describe their work below.

32) Blake Cobb (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)
I Learned several different things by taking the remote sensing class. While working for the forest service i learned that remote sensing is an integral part of making the maps that help people make important decisions. I learned that by using remote sensing you can evaluate things like fire severity and grazing management.

By taking this class I am now able to use remote sensing and can use apply it in the future when i am required to evaluate things and make these important decisions.

He presented his work in the 2011 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 30, 2011.
Title:Mapping Forest Burn Severity Using Non Anniversary Date Satellite Images.

31) Claire Hudson (BS Biology)

I recently graduated with a B.S. in biology and am going on to get my M.S. in botany. My project, funded by WyomingView, used MODIS images to characterize the relationship between NDVI and ambient temperature in two forest types in the Snowy Range Mountains, WY and examined how the relationship changed with bark beetle attack.

This project was my first experience working with remotely sensed images, and taught me how large-scale satellite images can be used to determine ecological relationships at a smaller scale. The skills I acquired working with remotely sensed images during this project will continue to serve me throughout my graduate studies and in my future career.

She presented her work in the 2011 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 30, 2011.
Title: Remote Sensing of Vegetation Response following Bark Beetle Attack in the Snowy Range Mountains, Wyoming.

30) Tyrell Perry (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

Through this internship I became aware of how we can use technology in manipulating images to find answers to questions without having to make trips to the field.  In my project I was able to differentiate Salt Cedar (Tamarisk spp.) from native vegetation on the Powder River in Sheridan County, WY.  Invasive species like Salt Cedar and many others are becoming hot topics in rangeland ecology and remote sensing technologies are very useful in mapping stands of invasive species remotely, saving lots of time and money.

He presented his work in the 2011 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 30, 2011.
Title: Spectral Reflectance of Salt Cedar and Cottonwood along the Powder River, Sheridan, WY.


29) Paul Arendt (MA Geography)

I performed a GIS analysis upon six years of Landsat imagery to examine spectral trends in the decline of mountain pine beetle-affected stands within the Medicine Bow National Forest.  The study focused on how damage varied according to the factors of site exposure and elevation.  While the emphasis was on spectral trends in Landsat imagery, aerial photography and USDA Forest Service survey data were also used to accurately identify affected stands.

2009-'10

The WyomingView program offered four scholarships to undergraduate students to recognize their use of remotely sensed data in their research. These scholarships were made possible by generous support from the USGS and AmericaView Inc. which fund WyomingView. This years' recipients; Brett Fahrer, Travis Yeik, Harika Tridandapani, Paul Arendt, Karley Shepperson, William Lamar Gray, and Alyson Courtemanch describe their work below.

28) Michelle Sanecki (BA Geography)

Testimony and photo not available.

27) Paul Arendt (BA Geography)
For my research project I performed a GIS analysis upon several datasets in an effort to find spectral trends within identified areas of mountain pine beetle outbreak in the Medicine Bow National Forest. For me, this project served as an excellent introduction to the process of scientific research.

He presented his work in the 2010 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 24, 2010.
Title: Utilizing Landsat TM and Forest Service aerial survey data for mapping Mountain Pine Beetle outbreak in Medicine Bow National Forest, WY.

His presentation can be viewed at UW Digital Library.

26) Karley Shepperson (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

She presented her work in the 2010 Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on April 24, 2010.
Title: Assessing the suitability of Landsat satellite data for distinguishing cheatgrass infested sites near midwest WY.

Her presentation can be viewed at UW Digital Library.



25) Brett Fahrer (BS Geography)

I am a senior currently working towards earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Geography with a concentration in Geographic Information Systems. My project revolved around the digitization of open spaces within the Copper King area of Medicine Bow National Forest. From these data, I was able to determine the change in area of such open spaces between 1992 and 2001. This project allowed me to explore not only the capabilities of high resolution black-white and color infrared aerial photography in solving complex problems, but also gave me valuable experience of using remotely sensed data to derive various GIS datasets. From this opportunity, I was able to learn how to apply various keys of aerial photo interpretation, which will help me to pursue further study associated with GIS and remote sensing, as well as apply such lessons in a myriad of careers.

24) Travis Yeik (BS Geography)

Using remote sensing for solving environmental issues has taught me many beneficial skills such as problem solving, classifying land cover, and modeling changes in the land. I have learned how to classify the productivity of agricultural land through multiple years of production for management use by the farmer.


 

23) Harika Tridandapani (MS Computer Science)
Testimony and photo not available.

22) William Lamar Gray (MA Geography/Planning)

I am a first-generation Native American graduate student at the University of Wyoming. My research area is in natural resources on the Wind River Indian Reservation for the Wind River Environmental Quality Commission. I hope to create simple research models that will find use among local government agencies that manage natural resources. The study involves using the geospatial technologies of geographic information systems and remote sensing to assess change in water-surface area of inland water bodies such as lakes and reservoirs. A unique aspect of this study is that it offers the end-user a technique to use the free archive of LandSat images in a time series for analysis of how past management practices and/or climate change may have impacted a water resource.


21) Alyson B. Courtemanch (MS Zoology & Physiology)

I am currently working toward a master’s degree in Zoology & Physiology. For this project, I used remote sensing to investigate patterns of snow cover distribution within and between years in the Teton Range in northwest Wyoming. Results showed that remote sensing data can be used successfully to map changes in snow cover in a mountainous region, information which is useful in a variety of applications, including predicting summer water availability, soil moisture, vegetation quality, fire potential, and wildlife movement and habitat use. This project allowed me to gain experience processing and interpreting satellite images, a skill which will be useful in my thesis work and in a future wildlife biology career. Through this project, I realized the benefits of integrating landscape-level remote sensing data into wildlife and ecological studies.

2008-'09

The WyomingView program offered four scholarships to undergraduate students to recognize their use of remotely sensed data in their research. These scholarships were made possible by generous support from the USGS and AmericaView Inc. which fund WyomingView. This years' recipients; J. Garrett Klein, Laramie Wiginton, Adam J. Stephens, and Brice J. Stanton, describe their work below.

20) J. Garrett Klein (BS Agricultural Business)

I graduated with a B.S. in Agricultural Business from the University of Wyoming, and am taking extra classes in Rangeland ecology for a second degree.

For my project I worked closely with Laramie Wiginton to look at a Farm in Fremont County to determine if Landsat imagery can be used to determine productivity across a fields acreage. I enjoyed working with remote sensing and learning something new to possibly apply to my own farm some day.



19) Laramie J. Wiginton (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

I had a great time in this class last semester. I think that this kind of technology can be very useful in the future. I worked with it a little this summer and I think the future looks very bright for range, crop, and wildlife lands. My Remote Sensing class went pretty in depth about all the things this technology can do and if I were to ever get a masters degree this would be something I would be interested in.






18) Adam J. Stephens (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

Learning about remote sensing has given me a much better understanding of effective techniques which can be used for a wide variety of natural resource management applications.  I feel that the knowledge of remote sensing methods that I have gained will help me become a competitive applicant for jobs in natural resource fields, and make me a more valuable employee once I am employed.

Adam (& Brice) presented their research paper in the 2008 UW Undergraduate Research Day.  
Title: Mapping Burn Severity within the Grizzly Gulch Fire Using Remote Sensing Techniques.

Their presentation can be viewed at UW Digital Library.


17) Brice J. Stanton (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

I learned many different things by taking the remote sensing class. Working at the forest service I knew that they used remote sensing to help make management decisions. In this class I learned how to use remote sensing and apply it to the forest, by either grass management, or by being able to map a fire, and by learning how to do this I will be able to use what I have learned to be able to make decisions on the forest that I work.

Brice (& Adam) presented their research paper in the 2008 UW Undergraduate Research Day.
Title: Mapping Burn Severity within the Grizzly Gulch Fire Using Remote Sensing Techniques.

Their presentation can be viewed at UW Digital Library.

2007-'08

The WyomingView program offered four scholarships in support of undergraduate and graduate students using remotely sensed data in their research. These scholarships were made possible by generous support from the USGS and AmericaView Inc. which fund WyomingView. This years recipients; Elizabeth Parrish, Abigail Martin, Moriah Shadwick, Ashley Whitman, Vincent Salerno.

16) Vincent Salerno (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

Vince presented his research paper in the 2008 UW Undergraduate Research Day.
Title: Satellite Remote Sensing Technology for Identifying Variability in Sugar Beet Growth.

His presentation can be viewed at the UW Digital Library





15) Ashley Whitmann (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)
I gained invaluable knowledge from my remote sensing project. I was able to become familiar with several remote sensing programs. This experience has really opened my eyes to the scope of uses for remote sensing. Thankfully the internship made my experience possible.

14) Elizabeth Parrish (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)
Testimony and photo not available.

13) Abigail Martin (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)
Testimony and photo not available.

12) Moriah Shadwick (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)
Testimony and photo not available.

2006-'07

The WyomingView program offered four scholarships in support of undergraduate and graduate students using remotely sensed data in their research. These scholarships were made possible by generous support from the USGS and AmericaView Inc. which fund WyomingView. This years recipients; Mathew Seymour, Tess Anderson, Curtis McCann, David Cook.

11) Mathew Seymour (BS Rangeland Eco & Watershed Mgt)

The USGS and Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station provided me an opportunity to work closely with an outstanding group of professionals. With AEROCam photographs, and professional help, I created a vegetation map of the Roger’s Research area in Northeastern Albany County using heads up digitizing. This experience has taught me valuable lessons in remote sensing and professionalism that will further academic and professional career. I would like to thank Wyoming View and my project mentors for their dedication and patience throughout this project.


10) Tess Anderson (BS Geography)
I was fortunate enough to be awarded an internship through the WyomingView scholarship fund at WyGISC to further my understanding of remote sensing as it relates to managing natural resources. Through the WyomingView scholarship opportunity, I have been able to further my experience and knowledge in the ArcGIS and the remote sensing field. I was able to work with Eli Rodemaker to gain experience using ArcGIS and ERDAS software in determining the impact of oil wells on Sage grouse habitatat in western Wyoming. It was a good opportunity to work with a federal agency in order to gain the skills necessary to perform tasks related to natural resources management.



9) Curtis Mccann (BS Geography)
I am a senior majoring in Geography focused on Geographic Information Science. Working as an intern on the Wyoming View project gave me a grand opportunity to experience how specialized projects are carried out using remote sensing technology. My project was focused on mapping irrigated lands in Uinta, Lincoln, Sweetwater, Sublette, Fremont, Teton, Hot Springs, and Park Counties using the 2006 LandSat Imagery. I hope to use this experience in my future career by using remote sensing and GIS technology as a tool in natural resources management.

8) David Cook(MA Geography)

As a recipient of the WyomingView scholarship, I have acquired a great deal of practical experience and background concerning the classification of air photos. My project, land-use change in the Sheridan Area Water Supply’s (SAWS) service area (Sheridan, Wyoming), has greatly enhanced my ability to recognize and classify different types of land-use based on the spatial texture and pattern of the land. Furthermore, by developing a key containing the minimum mapping unit (MMU) for each land-use group, prior to classification, I was able to justify my decision of which land-use category a piece of land should be allotted. I have no doubt that understanding gained from this program will be put to good use in future remote sensing and GIS endeavors.

2005-'06

The WyomingView program was pleased this year to offer five scholarships in support of undergraduate and graduate students using remotely sensed data and geographic information science in their research. These scholarships were made possible by generous support from the USGS and AmericaView Inc. which fund WyomingView. Wyoming Agriculture Experiment Station and Drs. Reiners and Knight (UW – Botany Department) provided matching contributions. This years recipients; Madison Ellison, Andrew Prior, Tanna George, Brian Flemister, and Julia Angstmann, describe their work below.

7) Madison Ellison (BS Biology)

I recently graduated with a B.S. in biology at the University of Wyoming and I’m continuing my education with a masters in Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management. I received the WyomingView Scholarship after taking a Remote Sensing course where I presented my project at a national conference in North Dakota. My remote sensing class was excellent and made me realize the important ways that remote sensing can benefit agriculture. My project focused on the potential to predict crop yield from aerial images. At the conference, I learned that farmers are using remote sensing to locate problem areas on their land so they can take corrective actions before the damage is done thus saving them money.

6) Tanna George (BS Biology)

I am grateful to have received a WYGISC $650 scholarship this past spring. The scholarship and internship provided me with a wonderful experience. For my internship, I worked on a project with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. I used WyomingView imagery to analyze conifer encroachment in the Snow Range over a 10 year span. Using ArcView software, I was able to classify open grazing lands in several designated grazing allotments. My internship has led to summer employment with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, where I am able to continue with the project. The data that I helped to collect and analyze will possibly be used in future grazing allotment management plans. The scholarship was much appreciated, and I feel honored to have received the award.

5) Brian Flemister (BS Geography)

I am a senior working toward a bachelor’s degree in Geography. In my project I utilized Landsat imagery to develop a large-scale wall map as well as a classified map of the Laramie Basin. This project was done in conjunction with the Dr. William Reiners and Dr. Dennis Knight, UW Botany department to distinguish vegetation characteristics between a year with average precipitation and a year with below average precipitation. From this opportunity I have discovered many exciting possibilities in the area of remote sensing that I hope to follow into a graduate level degree. It was a wonderful experience that I am glad to have been a part of.


4) Andrew Prior  (BS Geography)
Testimony and photo not available.

3) Julia Angstmann (PhD Ecology/Botany)

I received the WyomingView scholarship after taking a course in remote sensing. Through the course I was able to understand the many uses of remote sensing in ecological studies. As a graduate student in the course, I developed a remote sensing project to study the differences between well- and poorly drained boreal forest burns. Many previous studies have been conducted researching the use of remote sensing imagery to predict leaf area of the dominant tree species for application in climate and ecophysiological modeling. Distinguishing between well- and poorly-drained areas may have important implications in the accuracy of models and scaling from individual-level measurements to holistic canopy resolutions. I am thankful for the scholarship because it has allowed me to add an interesting and integral component to my PhD research.

2004-'05

The WyomingView program was pleased this year to offer two $1000 scholarships in support of undergraduate and graduate students using remotely sensed data and geographic information science in their research. These scholarships were made possible by generous support from the USGS and AmericaView Inc. which fund WyomingView. This years recipients of the awards, Dulce Boles and Scott Kelley, describe their work below.

2) Scott Kelley (BS Geography)

In addition to the funding I received from the Wyoming Space Grant Program, I was the recipient of the $1000 WyGISC award. This valuable amount of funding will be used mainly for salary to complete the project.

Additional funding means that we can put in additional time and effort into the work we are trying to accomplish. The rest of the funding will go towards covering the cost of transportation to reach work areas in the field. Thank you to WyGISC for this generous award!




1) Dulce Boles (MS Geography)
I’m Dulce Boles, and my thesis project is entitled “GIS and Remote Sensing at the Old Fort Laramie Cemetery.” The $1000.00 Wyoming View scholarship will help me in several ways. First it has allowed me the opportunity to attend a workshop in geophysical prospection (or remote sensing) at archaeological sites. This week long workshop was recently held in Ohio, and covered the theory and use of different geophysical instruments. I was able to discuss my thesis project with many of the top professionals in the field, learning new data processing and “ground truthing” techniques. This has directly benefited my thesis project by giving me new ways to analyze and test my data.

Through the scholarship, I will also be able to return to the field this summer and test the results of my thesis work. I have planned to spend five days in the field looking for graves based on the maps generated by the geophysical instruments. This “ground truthing” will be conducted in relatively nondestructive ways, including the use of a metal detector, soil compaction meter, and 4” bucket auger. Finally, my thesis work will be published by the park service, and included in the annual archaeological report for Fort Laramie. This will provide a comparative basis for future research in remote sensing.