By Blake Jackson
Kentucky State University will host its annual GIS Day on November 18, 2026, offering high school and college students an opportunity to explore careers in geographic information systems (GIS), geospatial technology, and drone applications.
The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the fourth-floor Student Center Ballroom under the theme “Powering Purpose and Innovation.”
The program will include career presentations, live drone demonstrations, student research posters, and GIS trivia. Lunch will be provided and advance registration is encouraged to help organizers prepare for attendees.
GIS technology connects geographic locations with different types of information, allowing researchers and professionals to identify patterns and make informed decisions. At Kentucky State, geospatial research supports projects involving soil and water quality monitoring, vegetation recovery, and landscape changes.
Organized by the Center for Geospatial Intelligence and Environmental Security within the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, the event aims to introduce students to professionals working in the field and explain potential educational and career pathways.
“We want students to see a place for themselves in this work,” said Dr. Buddhi Gyawali, Professor of geospatial applications, human dimensions, and climate studies. “Meeting people who use GIS every day and seeing the technology in action can help students connect their own interests with a college program and a career.”
Dr. David Padgett, Associate Professor of Geography at Tennessee State University, will deliver the keynote presentation at 10 a.m., discussing emerging employment opportunities and future career prospects in GIS.
Other presentations will feature Daren Jones, a GIS analyst with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, who will discuss professional opportunities through the Kentucky Association of Mapping Professionals.
Charles Altendorf, Senior GIS Specialist at Kentucky American Water and adjunct geography instructor at the University of Cincinnati, will share his professional experience.
Drone technology will also receive significant attention. Representatives from Seiler Instrument & Mfg. Co. will introduce practical drone applications, followed by Jeremy Sandifer, Kentucky State's state specialist in agricultural technology for small farms, who will discuss drone use in research, education, certification, and high school programs. An afternoon drone demonstration is scheduled for 1:15 p.m.
The event will also feature student poster presentations, awards, a raffle, and information about Kentucky State's academic programs, admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and dual-credit opportunities.
For additional information, contact Dr. Gyawali at buddhi.gyawali@kysu.edu.
Photo Credit: istock-psisa
Categories: Kentucky, Education