cartography and geospatial data analysis by
Sarah Harman
I focus on using geospatial data to uncover insights and address real world challenges. With a strong foundation in data analysis and GIS, I work on projects related to urban planning, environmental conservation, and disaster response. My goal is to transform raw data into actionable knowledge that drives informed decisions, improves communities, and enhances our understanding of spatial patterns.
Oregon Emergency Evacuation Project
By sorting, analyzing and layering data such as major cities, roadways, hospitals, airports, streams, and railroads, I was able to gain new insights and design emergency evacuation procedures for potential volcanic eruptions in Oregon. This project emphasized the importance of geospatial technology to enhance disaster response strategies and save lives.
Designed evacuation routes so that all perimeters of blast radius affected have disaster response strategy
Selected the five nearest hospitals and airports outside of damage radius
Provided multiple strategies of evacuation and responder locations to reduce casualties
Oregon Natural Disaster Project
Using geospatial data regarding location and size of volcanic structures in the state of Oregon, I was able to predict the blast radius of each potential volcanic eruption along with its impact on population and infrastructure
Analyzed and visualized the range of damage of various volcanic eruptions based on classification and size
Used volcanic damage radius to visualize affected major cities, hospitals, airports, railroads, streams and roadways
Layered blast radius over population density to calculate potential population impacted
National Park Wildlife Project
By analyzing geospatial data for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I identified suitable streams for native trout and created a map highlighting trout restocking stations for park rangers.
Analyzed elevation and water temperature data to evaluate suitable habitats for native trout
Evaluated the proximity of viable streams to park trails and ranger stations, only selecting trout restocking locations within accessible distances
Transformed raw data into a map to support biological preservation and trout conservation efforts in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Maryville College Cross Country Course Project
In this project I was able to showcase my urban planning skills by collecting field data with GPS devices, which I then integrated into GIS software to design a cross-country course that met the client's specifications.
course designed to meet qualifications of 6 km for the women's course and 8 km for the men's, with a start and finish line in the field next to the Crawford House, to accommodate crowd seating and viewing
Adapted to client’s request changes as the project progressed to better accommodate runners, such as eliminating narrow trails and steep slopes from the course
Academics
Concurrent Bachelor of Science Degrees in
Geographic Information Science and Data Science
- est graduation May 2026
Arizona State University - Tempe, Arizona
Current GPA: 3.8
By going to a large university such as Arizona State I have had the luxury of having a degree program specifically tailored to my interests. By obtaining concurrent geographic information science and data science degrees, I am able to gain a comprehensive understanding of geospatial data analysis. I have been inspired by the prospects of visualizing and combining different data to gain new insights on issues. I believe the advancement of spatial data can be used to improve lives, and I am very excited to ignite that change in the world through the opportunities my education will provide. I am currently part of the Youthmappers Club at ASU, where we collaborate on creating humanitarian maps to improve societal issues.
Relevant Courses:
Geographic Information Science I | Principles of Programming | Geography of Natural Resources
Studied Environmental Science at Maryville College 2022 - 2023
Maryville College - Maryville, TN
Dean's List both semesters
During my time at Maryville College, I further delved into my interests in various different aspects of environmental science. It was here that I took a course in Geographic Information Systems, where I discovered a passion for the translation and visualization of data. I learned that by layering geospatial data one can gain new insights and solve real world problems. Had I not attended Maryville College I may have never heard of GIS or learned the art of cartography. This part of my academic journey was crucial for my overall path in life, as it inspired me to seek out a degree in the fields of geographic information science and data science.
Relevant Courses:
Geographic Information Systems | Ecology | Earth System Science | Contemporary Global Issues
Associate of Applied Science in Environmental Health and Technology - 2021
Roane State Community College- Oak Ridge TN
Graduated summa cum laude
During my time at Roane State I was continuously inspired by taking various different science courses. It wasn't before long that I became fascinated by environmental health and safety, declaring it as my major after my first semester. This niche degree gave me a unique experience by covering several facets of environmental science including utilizing radiological and environmental monitoring technology, learning about environmental laws and regulations, learning proper PPE protocol, along with several foundational science courses.
Relevant Courses:
Environmental Instrumentation and Technology | Safety and Emergency Response | Physical Geology | Environmental Science | Environmental and Occupational Law and Regulations | Waste Management and Pollution Prevention | Biology I & II | Chemistry I & II | Statistics
About Me
I was born and raised in East Tennessee, shifting around throughout the years from Sevierville to Knoxville, and everywhere in between. I have always loved the unique nature that this area of the Appalachian Mountains provides, being one of the only temperate rainforests in the world.I have drifted towards science from a young age, with my first academic trophy being in sixth grade for outstanding scientific achievements. My great grandfather was a chemist at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and my father soon followed in his footsteps as an industrial hygienist.My academic journey has represented my growth in finding my ideal career path. My degree at Roane State gave me a passion for environmental health and technologies. Soon after graduating I went to a small local private college with less than a thousand students. It was here I was introduced to a GIS course where I discovered my love of data analysis and visualization. Unfortunately, the one course was all that was offered on the topic, and it wasn't long until I found out about Arizona State University's unique degree programs and transferred to major in Geographic Information Science and Data Science.I cannot express the excitement I feel to have finally found my path. From my short time pursuing GIS, I have already seen the amazing applications of layering geospatial data to gain new insights and help solve complex real world problems. I believe this is the technology of the future, and I am so happy to have the opportunity to be a part of the revolution of utilizing data to extract knowledge and embetter humanity.As much as I love STEM, I also thoroughly enjoy the arts. My adoration for nature shows through my artworks, whether they be acrylic paintings or textural pieces. I get my inspiration from my adventures in nature, hiking the Appalachian trails I grew up next to. I also have a hobby for antique collecting, which subsequently led me to opening and operating an art restoration business for public domain antique artworks. I use digital software to enhance the quality and fix any damage from aging and fading. I really enjoy preserving these artworks so they are not lost to time, and I try to find as much information as possible about the artist so their accomplishments are not forgotten.I hope this helped you learn more about who I am as a person! Feel free to contact me to discuss any available opportunities, including research collaborations.
Contact Information
You can contact me through emailing me directly at [email protected] or by filling out the box below.