What do you DO all day?

March 9, 2010

Sharyn

A few of my fellow bloggers (Raquel, Lisa, and Jimmy) here on TUoutreach have touched on what they “do all day” and now it’s my turn. My title is multimedia supervisor. Most people wouldn’t even dare to guess what that means so I’ll provide you with some background and then dive into the type of work I’m doing now.

When I first started working at the Center for GIS, my title was graphic design specialist. My primary job responsibilities included

  • supporting the design requests associated with the development of web mapping applications and
  • promoting an annual event that required the creation of a theme based logo, and several printed pieces to encourage proposal submission, exhibitor commitment, registration, and a program for the event, as well as other design related tasks.

Over the years, my role has expanded quite a bit! This is due to the creation of our division (DECO) and the increase in graphic design support requested. I still support CGIS projects needs, but I also support requests that include:

  • maintenance of the DECO web site
  • creation of print materials to promote new initiatives
  • e-marketing campaigns for events or programs
  • blog and social media application oversight (with Bobbie)
  • event planning support
  • deco client design requests

So, you’re still wondering what all this means? Let me provide you with a couple of examples of two projects I really enjoyed working on.

  • Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) web site – CUMU’s international headquarters are housed at TU. In 2006, I was approached about designing their site and provide continued maintenance. The really fun part about this web site is that each year they host an annual conference and I have the opportunity to work with the conference host on designing the site for the year’s event. CUMU is planning to add an enhancement to the site in the next six months that will provide a library of best practice resources to their members. We’re excited about the opportunity to implement this for them.
  • Mapping Solutions Microsite – As part of Towson’s “Thinking Outside” campaign, mapping solutions CGIS has created were highlighted. Many of you may have seen the commercial while watching Raven’s games in 2008. When you caught the commercial and wanted more information about what you just saw, you would have visited the microsite to find out more. The site was a team effort where I worked with several people across campus to get the site up. It was an exciting project because of variety of content that was incorporated and the impact it would have on the university.

Every day is different when I enter my office which is the main reason I do love my job. I may be working on a web site for an upcoming event, designing a survey tool for a project, or creating a logo for a new initiative, but whatever it is, I’m always on my toes and ready for the next challenge.

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Posted by Sharyn Kuczka

Let me introduce you to Ken, an energetic guy to work with!

February 15, 2010

Sharyn

Ken Juengling is a project manager at the Center for GIS (CGIS) and was also recently elected Vice President of ESRI Mid-Atlantic User Group (ESRI-MUG) at the organization’s annual conference. I have first-hand experience with Ken’s high energy approach, because I’ve worked with him on many projects in the past couple of years. It doesn’t surprise me that he’d take on an extra role like Vice President of a regional organization even though his to-do list is pretty long. He took some time out for a brief interview, so read on to find out more about his hefty work load and his passion for GIS!

What is the primary role you will focus your attention to as Vice President?

I will conduct outreach to existing and new members, support ESRI-MUG’s President with a variety of tasks, and facilitate regularly scheduled conference calls in the President’s absence.  We are always looking for innovative presentations for the annual conference, so to all of the ESRI software clients out there – feel free to contribute your work and participate!

Tell me more about ESRI-MUG and their goal as regional user group on the east coast.

ESRI-MUG is a multi-disciplinary organization sponsored by ESRI (a leading developer of commercial GIS software and GIS products) that serves a membership base of users who apply GIS technology and applications in both private and public areas. Membership covers a 121,000 square-mile geographic extent, including Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, and West Virginia. Through meetings, conferences, and the ESRI-MUG Web site, the organization educates members about GIS trends, ESRI product development, local and regional applications, and events of interest.

You’ve been working for CGIS for 2 years now as a project manager. Can you expand on a couple of projects you currently manage?

I currently manage several large projects for CGIS.  I’ll highlight a couple:

Through the Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program, CGIS is working with the University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security to survey and identify non-NIMS emergency resources tracking systems in the six states that comprise FEMA Region 3. CGIS will create a regional view of the survey results, map selected resources, and recommend ways the various systems’ interoperability can be improved across the region.

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) provides accessible transit networks for the State, and in doing so, handles various products that can affect the environment. To respond to complex transit and environmental challenges, MTA partnered with CGIS to conduct a GIS needs assessment and develop a GIS-based centralized resource center that supports MTA’s daily operations and promotes continuous improvement. CGIS created a Web-based Geo Information System and GIS map viewer for MTA that enables ready access to reference materials and recordkeeping, and allows personnel to explore the MTA terminal map to find useful geographic information for compliance enhancement, utility reference, project activities, and other essential operational processes.

Prior to beginning this full-time stint at CGIS, you had a long-standing relationship with CGIS dating back to 2002 where you partnered with them to offer ESRI Authorized training. Does CGIS still offer training to GIS professionals?

Absolutely!  CGIS has always recognized the importance of providing technical training to those who use GIS technology.  I personally believe strongly in empowering clients and helping them to grow expertise at the pace they are comfortable with.  Our ongoing offerings can be viewed here. In addition to open enrollment offerings, CGIS can conduct on-site training for clients anywhere in the United States.

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Posted by Sharyn Kuczka

Two Diverse New Entrepreneurial Ventures Latest to join Towson University’s Global Business Incubator

February 8, 2010

Clay

Demonstrating that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and strong in Baltimore County, Vulcan Furniture, Inc. and Study Abroad Counselor, LLC, have become the latest companies to join TowsonGlobal, Towson University’s international incubator for startup ventures.

Vulcan Furniture, Inc. specializes in the supply and wholesale of office furniture, systems, seating, cabinets and accessories.  The company provides office furnishing solutions to architects, designers and businesses seeking an upscale image. The firm represents high-end international brand manufacturers, primarily from Asia.  Vulcan is a U.S.-incorporated affiliate of an established furniture company in Pakistan.  According to Shoaib Mastoor, CEO, his grandfather established Vulcan as a steel fabrication company in 1948 after immigrating from neighboring India.

Study Abroad Counselor, LLC, (SAC) is an online-based organization dedicated to assisting students around the world in pursuing studies outside their respective countries. Initially, the company will target smaller colleges in the Mid-Atlantic region and focus on programs in Spain. SAC’s founder Amine Faridi developed the concept for this one-stop-shop web-based business in light of his own experience of being a foreign student in Spain and in helping many other students prepare for study abroad opportunities, while realizing there was no easy way to navigate through all the information spread around the Internet.

Although these companies work within separate industries, both will bring valuable products and services to our region as well as internationally.  And, importantly, they will create new jobs and contribute to the overall economic strength of Baltimore County.

Since the mission at TowsonGlobal is to help both domestic and foreign entrepreneurial ventures learn how to compete in the global economy, we are excited to add both companies to the already diverse mix of startups here at the incubator.

View the press release here.

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Posted by Clay Hickson

Behind the Scenes of the Economic Outlook Conference

January 28, 2010

Raquel

In less than three weeks, RESI will be hosting our yearly Economic Outlook Conference.  Preparations for this have been underway for months and its crunch time for everyone on staff.  I thought it would be interesting to go “behind the scenes” here at RESI to get a small glimpse of everything that goes on in anticipation of our big yearly event.

It all begins months ahead of the scheduled event when a variety of staff members begin to brainstorm themes and ideas for the next conference.  Generally, the theme of the conference ties in to the current economic climate.  For example, the last two years, our conference has been focused on green or environmental topics.  We have hosted a variety of subject matter experts and have (hopefully) sparked more conversation about the significance of these ideas to Maryland’s future economy.

Click here to see full graphic.

A couple of months ahead of the conference our group begins to brainstorm possible indicators and the layout of the Outlook Presentation.  The Outlook presentation, presented by Daraius Irani, is the kick-off event to the conference.  It’s a detailed look at the current and future state of the economy – both here in Maryland and the US.

Once we have a theme, we are able to run with that idea.  Everyone has a hand in collecting data, making charts and graphs and making sure that the presentation is clear and concise.  It’s a lot of work and requires a keen eye for detail and (I think) a little bit of creativity.

Our print deadline usually comes a week before the event.  This is the time when we must have the presentation ready to head off to the printers to get jazzed up and be ready for the conference.  It’s a mad scramble those last few days to check and double-check data and formatting.  Once that’s off it’s a big sigh of relief.  The final hurdle comes just a week later when the presentation finally goes ‘live’ in front of the attendees.  At that point, our job is done and it’s Daraius’ turn to wow everyone with his insight and analysis.

Although Conference preparations take a lot of staff resources, it’s a great time for everyone to work together as a team for one common goal (the celebratory happy hour after the event!).

Click here to register for the 2010 Economic Outlook Conference!

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Posted by Raquel Huezo

Lunch with a purpose

January 12, 2010

Raquel

Just this past week I had the privilege of attending the Baltimore CFA Society’s (BCFAS) 2010 Market Outlook.  The luncheon kicked off with a speech by the current BCFAS president Niall O’Malley followed by presentations from two portfolio managers.  It was a very informative hour in which the presenters discussed their thoughts about the year ahead for the finance community.  They focused on a variety of topics, but not surprisingly, I was most interested in hearing how they viewed the current economic climate and what effects they thought it would have on the markets going forward.  I got the idea that both presenters were actually very optimistic about what lies ahead and expect a less tumultuous 2010 – which is certainly good news for all investors!

click here to view the publication

The second reason for the luncheon was to kick off the inaugural issue of the Baltimore Business Review.  The publication is part of a collaboration between the BCFA and Towson’s College of Business and Economics.  There were 10 contributors ranging from investment advisors, portfolio managers, professors and me!  I really enjoyed working on this project because I got to see all the work that goes behind putting together such a publication.  There were countless hours of editing, reviewing drafts, and putting together the final layout.  It was very exciting to actually see it all come together.  If you are interested in reading the issue this link will take you to the PDF article Baltimore Business Review 2010.

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Posted by Raquel Huezo

CGIS launches an exciting new way to view shallow water habitat data

January 5, 2010
Steven

Steve

The Khaled Bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is a private organization dedicated to conserving and protecting coral reefs. In 2006, CGIS began working with the Foundation to develop a Web mapping application intended to disseminate data resulting from the Foundation’s research of the United States Virgin Islands. We utilized a template built from ESRI’s ArcIMS to develop the viewer. In 2009 the Foundation asked CGIS to provide a similar service to host research data for the Seychelles Islands, an Island nation off the coast of eastern Africa. We were eager to develop a new viewer using ArcGIS Server—ESRI’s latest Web mapping technology—and one of the new programming APIs (application programming interface) for Adobe Flex. The viewer recently went into production and is now publicly available. The Foundation is so pleased with the final product that we have been asked to update the United States Virgin Islands viewer with the new technology. The update will be publicly available soon.

Our video presents a brief introduction to the Living Oceans Foundation and a demo of the viewer’s capabilities.

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Posted by Steven Fabijanski

Get into step with the Maryland National Guard Forums

January 4, 2010

Sharyn

I’m planning to attend the Maryland National Guard Forum on Veterans Reintegration on January 12, 2010. I thought it would be interesting to hear first hand from Cheryl Mannon, from Towson University’s Academic Affairs division, about her experience planning the event and what attendees can expect. Here’s what she had to say:

Q: The Maryland National Guard is sponsoring a series of forums at Towson University. The first one is coming up on January 12 and the focus is on higher education and business. What can attendees expect?

A:    The first day is designed for post-secondary educators (community colleges, universities and trade schools) and will inform them about the unique challenges that returning veterans face on our campuses.  We have speakers who  have developed programs, MD National Guard experts in educational benefits and student and administrator panels to discuss their experiences on campus.   Educators will work in teams to develop ideas for action plans to  take back and implement on their own campuses.

Q: Who are the featured speakers for the forum on January 12?

A:  We’re very happy to have Dr. John Schupp, from Cleveland State University, who has started a unique veterans program on his campus and Buzz Williams, a Towson alum and author of “Spare Parts:  A Marine Reservist’s Journey from Campus to Combat in 38 Days”, a memoir of his experience as a student being deployed during the Gulf War.  We have reintegration  and benefits experts from the MD National Guard, several behavioral health professionals discussing challenges to the individual and to families and a chaplain to talk about community support for our student vets.

Guest panelists from local schools include representatives from Anne Arundel Community College, Community College of Baltimore County, University of Maryland, University College, Towson University and Montgomery Community College.    Each of the panelists have worked on veterans programming at their institutions and will share their successes and challenges.  Finally, there will be a veteran student panel to talk about their experiences on campus with ideas on improving our support systems.

Q: How did Towson University get selected to host the event?

A:  One of our adjunct professors in the Psychology Department, Dr. Christine  Harnett , works with the MD National Guard on reintegration issues and recommended us to the director of reintegration programs, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Gafney.

Q: What other events are planned as part of this forum series?

A: On January 13, the second day of the series will focus on employing and integrating veterans in the workforce.  There are many government programs available to employers who hire vets and many employers who promote hiring and training of veterans.   We’d like to begin a network for veterans across  the state of educators and employers.

A third conference may be held in June on campus and will focus on medical and behavioral health professionals in the community.

Q: What is the cost to attend the forums and how does someone register? Can anyone attend the forum?

A:    The Maryland National Guard has sponsored this event with the stipulation that it be free to all participants.    Registration is online at www.towson.edu/nationalguardexpo .  The event is open to all registrants (space available) although it is tailored specifically to post-secondary educators.

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Posted by Sharyn Kuczka

It’s a Beautiful Day in TU in the Community

November 5, 2009
Lindsey

Lindsey

As a child of the 90’s, I fondly remember Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, a fun show with that catchy song including the lyrics: “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”

I couldn’t help but think of that familiar tune when I heard about the Community Ambassador Program with Towson Manor Village. Launched in fall 2009, it’s “designed to implement new approaches to building community in the neighborhoods and assist students with their transition to living off campus through a peer led education program.” Goals of the program include enhancing communication between the University, students living off-campus and neighbors, instilling responsibility, and improving the quality of life in the communities. Students elected as Community Ambassadors live in specific Towson neighborhoods and are trained to help other students make the transition to community living.

With such a positive community program there is no doubt people will be asking “Won’t You Be my Neighbor?”

communityambassadors

Click here to read more about the program.

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Posted by Lindsey Meyer

Windows 7…Windows Heaven!

October 20, 2009

Jimmy

Jimmy

Every couple of years, we all wait for the release of the latest Microsoft Windows operating system.   We listen to the talk, gear up for all of the hype, and we get the idea in our heads of how great the next version will be.  Well, that time has come with Microsoft’s latest release of its popular line of client-side operating system products: Microsoft Windows 7.  But before we dive into Windows 7, let’s visit a familiar ghost of Microsoft operating systems’ past that really didn’t make a good impression and truly became the catalyst for Microsoft’s latest operating system.

In January of 2007, Microsoft finally released Windows Vista to the world after a postponed Christmas 2006 release date.   Many users have long awaited the next release of Windows, especially since its predecessor, Windows XP, has already been around for well over 5 years.  Within several weeks of release, many problems, complaints, and criticisms of Windows Vista began to arise.  Many users and critics did not appreciate the new interface, obtrusive operating system features, and the overall general “hands on” user experience.  Computer companies such as Dell and HP have even offered customers ‘XP Downgrade’ licensing to avoid using Windows Vista, and many organizations decided to bypass upgrading to Vista entirely.

Though Windows Vista was not the most appreciated operating system, its core features (and of course, Microsoft’s good intentionsJ) paved the way for Windows 7.  The new operating system retains many of the same background features of Vista, but users should feel more comfortable with the user interface and have more delightful experience with newer operating system features.

windows7

Windows 7 ‘Aero’ Desktop

I have enjoyed Windows 7 so far and note the following improvements from my personal experience:

  • Less obtrusive features – Nagging features in Windows Vista such as User Account Control (UAC) have been modified in Windows 7 to have customizable notification and threshold settings.
  • Smoother desktop and taskbar – In Windows 7, the user has more options to customize the desktop and taskbar.   New features include pinning, interactive grouped thumbnails, and jump lists.
  • Faster application and computer response – Programs and applications load quicker and execute faster.  Memory and computer resource management in Windows 7 is superior to that of Vista and XP.
  • Better power management – Battery life for laptops last longer with new Windows 7 power features.

The public release date of Windows 7 is scheduled for October 22, 2009.   Upgrade to Windows 7 and experience a taste of Windows Heaven!

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Posted by Jimmy Bayne

Welcome to Baltimore–Supporting the families associated with BRAC

October 8, 2009
Jeremy

Jeremy

A few months ago I knew I was going to move, I just didn’t know where.  I knew I wanted to have an easier commute to work but I also wanted to reduce my reliance on my car for regular trips to destinations like the bookstore, coffee shop, park, restaurants, and grocers.  After a month of searching I found a place in Baltimore City’s Canton neighborhood that fit my requirements.  Now I frequent Patterson Perk for coffee and reading, Patterson Park for jogging, a long list of restaurants for dining, and Safeway for groceries all by walking to them.  Even the commute to work has improved since I no longer have to fight against Beltway traffic.  The only major drawback is trying to find a parking spot late at night.  Apparently the later you arrive home, the longer you hunt for a parking spot but I can live with that.

Photo credit - New York Times

Photo credit - New York Times

All of these experiences made me think of the thousands of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) employees associated with Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) that are in the process of relocating to Maryland.

  • Where are they going to locate in Maryland?
  • Will some of them be moving to Canton for the same reasons I did?
  • Does it make sense for them to move to Baltimore City?

There is no doubt that Baltimore City officials and organizations are trying to attract future APG employees, as indicated in a September 16th article in the Baltimore Sun “City gives Army workers a neighborhoods tour.”

We all know that choosing your neighborhood is about more than restaurants and shops, it’s also about proximity to schools, universities, and services you and your family need! Towson University has made an effort to assist BRAC residents in their moving process by providing valuable information regarding educational and training programs and veteran services.  Additionally, RESI Applied Economics completed the Educational Needs Assessment for the Department of Business and Economic Development associated with BRAC.

To see entire map, click here.

To see entire map, click here.

Towson University has also provided BRAC residents with information regarding commuting times to APG from surrounding locations.  A little over a year ago, Towson University’s Center for GIS created two drive time analysis maps for the APG-CSSC Regional BRAC Office using ESRI’s Network Analyst extension.  The maps illustrate drive times from Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Harford County to surrounding areas a different time scales: one map illustrates drive times at a 5-minute interval while the other illustrates drive times at a 15-minute interval.  These maps, along with other information, are available for future APG employees relocating to Maryland during the realignment process.

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Posted by Jeremy Monn

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