Fleming GIS Student Awarded 2nd Place at International Competition
Fleming College congratulates Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Application Specialist student Venkat Rahul Chandra for achieving 2nd Place at the Student GIS Challenge competition held at Claremont Graduate University in Southern California. Rahul developed a GIS software application for transportation safety and presented his “Simulation of traffic accident changes resultant from major commercial development” project to a panel of experts in the GIS field. He was the only Canadian to win this new American scholarship.
“I am very proud of Rahul and congratulate him on his achievement,” stated Fleming’s GIS Professor and Specialist Coordinator Lawrie Keillor-Faulkner. “Rahul has made a significant contribution to the Fleming GIS Specialist program by working as a peer tutor and a class representative. I wish him continued success in his future work and studies in the GIS and geomatics fields.”
As a 2nd place finalist, Rahul received $500 cash and the option of a $5,000 scholarship to Claremont University’s Master’s program. In addition, he was awarded with a trip to California during GIS Week.
The contest recognizes and rewards the students who best use GIS technology to help address some of society’s most pressing problems. It challenged recent college graduates and undergraduate students who are approaching graduation to develop GIS software applications in one of two areas: public health and humanitarian issues or transportation safety.
More than 90 students from around the world registered for the competition after it was unveiled in September. The winners were announced at the Claremont Colleges as part of Claremont Graduate University’s celebration of International GIS Day.
Geographic Information Systems is a growing industry. Over 2,100 Canadian geomatics companies operate in a $2 billion market and employ about 27,000 people. The technological skills of Canada’s geomatics professionals form a significant competitive advantage on an international scale.
Why Choose Fleming’s GIS Application Specialist Program
Fleming’s track record and their constant evolution to provide the latest in technology and quality teaching are two very good reasons to consider Fleming’s Geographical Information Systems Application Specialist program. Fleming was the first college to offer GIS training in Ontario, and has been doing so for over 20 years – all other college GIS programs have only been established in the last few years. Fleming College constantly upgrades and changes their program to suit the current and future demands of the field. For instance, new courses in remote sensing, web applications and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for spatial data are included in the curriculum. As well, graduates of this program receive an Ontario College Graduate Certificate – a credential that recognizes the comprehensive and advanced level of study required in this program.
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Business and Technology, Continuing Education and Skilled Trades, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Visual Arts, Education, Health and Wellness, and Law, Justice and Community Services. Fleming College has 6,000 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and more than 60,000 alumni.
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For more information:
Paula Walton, Communications Officer, 705-749-5530 x 1370 or paulaw@flemingc.on.ca