Lacey Fever (Master’s Student)
My name is Lacey Fever, and I am a second-year graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Geography at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I am also earning a graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Over the past year and a half, I have been working on my thesis, “Geographic Analysis of Racial Disparities in Low Birth Weight in the United States,” under the guidance of Dr. Changshan Wu. My research examines the social, economic, and educational determinants of low birth weight disparities, particularly among Black infants in the United States. Using GIS, I analyze spatial patterns to better understand how social inequities contribute to adverse birth outcomes.
I first became interested in GIS during my undergraduate studies at Illinois State University (ISU), where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental System Sciences and Sustainability, minored in Geography and Water Sustainability, and obtained a GIS certificate. My interest in GIS deepened when I took “Regional and Area Studies: Geography of Chicago,” a course that involved a GIS-based project titled “A City and a Pandemic: A Geographic Analysis of the Impacts of COVID-19 on Chicago.” In this project, I created a map illustrating how different racial groups in Chicago were affected by COVID-19 in 2020. The findings revealed that the Latinx community experienced a disproportionate impact. Additionally, I collaborated with School District 87 to develop an asset map aimed at helping lower-income families locate free or affordable resources such as food, clothing, healthcare, and other essential services. These projects reinforced my passion for using GIS as a tool to address social injustices and improve community well-being.
Currently, I am applying my GIS skills as a research assistant at Reflo, a nonprofit organization. My primary role involves updating a community resource map that highlights water and community assets throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. Specifically, I have been focusing on the demographic component of the map, visualizing race, socioeconomic status, and educational attainment within Southeastern Wisconsin.
My thesis, “Geographic Analysis of Racial Disparities in Low Birth Weight in the United States,” explores the relationship between race, median household income, and educational attainment concerning low birth weight outcomes. My research operates on two scales: county-level data across Wisconsin and a national analysis across all 50 states. My findings indicate that Milwaukee County – which has the highest Black population in Wisconsin – also has the highest rate of low birth weight among Black infants. Nationally, states such as Louisiana and Mississippi, which have some of the largest Black populations, also report the highest rates of low birth weight. These findings highlight significant racial disparities in birth outcomes, which I further examine through the lens of historical and structural inequities in public health.
I am incredibly grateful for the guidance of Dr. Changshan Wu and the support of the geography faculty at UWM. As I approach the completion of my thesis, I look forward to the opportunities ahead and the chance to continue using GIS to address health disparities and promote social equity.
Charles Brennan (Undergraduate)
My name is Charles Brennan, and I am a senior studying Geography with a minor in GIS. I am from Sheboygan, Wisconsin and have been working in GIS for municipalities for the last few years. I am married with a two-year-old daughter, and I am expecting my second child later on this spring!
How did you decide to study geography?
My interest in geography stems from my time in the Navy. In the Navy, I created and plotted charts that aided the navigation of my ship. I was responsible for plotting safe transit routes from the open ocean to various ports, both foreign and domestic. When I transitioned out of the Navy, I wanted a career where I could still make maps and analyze data, and geography fulfills that for me.
What was your favorite geographic topic or concept that you learned from the classes?
My favorite geographic topic I learned about over the course of my classes would have to be cartographic principles. I love making maps, so learning the various elements that go into making proper maps really stood out to me.
What jobs would you prefer to pursue after graduation (or what is your plan after graduation)?
I currently work as a GIS specialist, so I would like to aim my career towards a GIS coordinator, manager, or administrator role.
What is your strategy to keep work (study) and life balance?
Working full-time while going to school and having a young family is definitely not easy. I have found that to be successful, I need routine. I set times in my schedule that I devote to studying, and times I spend with my family and doing other things I enjoy. Time management has been my biggest hurdle during my academic career. However, once I figured out time management, I saw big improvements in the three major parts of my life: Home, School, and Work.
Nick Leverenz (Undergraduate)
Hi, my name is Nick Leverenz, and I am a Geography student specializing in Geographic Information Science. I am a Milwaukee native, living in Shorewood my whole life. My parents grew up in the North Shore area and I have 3 older siblings that all live in Milwaukee as well. Knowing I always have family around the area is a comfortable feeling.
How did you decide to study geography?
As a senior in high school, I started to apply myself more academically, which was a little tricky since COVID was going on. During that time, I became interested in the environmental studies class my high school offered. My high school never really had general geography courses, making it more of a passion to learn it once I got into it. In my first year of college, I was undecided but took a couple of courses in geography, to see how I would like it. As time passed, I found myself very interested in geography, learning about physical and human geographical content stood out to me than any other subject I was looking into.
What was your favorite geographic topic or concept that you learned from the classes?
Most geography courses I have taken have taught me something I will hold onto. I enjoy physical geography topics such as human-environment interactions. With a focus on GIS in my geography program, I like to apply mathematics to situations that involve geographical factors. I have always been gifted with mathematics and have always been interested in solving math problems. I enjoy the crossover of statistical analysis for geographical problems.
What jobs would you prefer to pursue after graduation?
I would like to pursue jobs that work with geospatial technology, maybe start off with more hands-on fieldwork such as land surveying. Some sort of work on the field where I go out and obtain the data seems like a good start. I believe it will help me in the long run with GIS jobs in the future.
What is your strategy to keep work (study) and life balance?
I would say I am an organized person/student. I believe I have a good understanding of what my priorities are most of the time, focusing on the big things first, like school and work. I typically plan out my days for the week and figure out which days I can have more free time and days I spend more on my studies. Knowing other people’s schedules helps with this kind of agenda, too, making it easier to do my assignments when others are busy and then being able to socialize once I am free. Making sure I have enough free time to do something I like, such as playing games with friends or going out, is what drives me to be consistent with my schoolwork and work tasks to ensure I have time for myself or for others.
Congratulations to Our December 2024 Graduates
Geography Undergraduate
- Michelle Schaeffer (BA)
- Danny Lee (BA)
- Alison Reinhoffer (GIS Minor)
- Andre deMoya (Geography Minor)