I view myself as a spatial scientist interested in applying the tools of GIS in combination with field work and statistical analysis to understand complex ecosystem dynamics, such as headwater stream systems. My research focus is hydrology. Broad scale patterns of spatial and temporal variability are key in my system of study, making GIS a critical tool for a variety of analysis. I will analyze spatial trends in water quality, rock type, vegetation etc as I go through my PhD allowing me to better understand spatial and temporal trends in the headwaters of Tenderfoot Creek. Throughout my coursework, I have developed a strong knowledge of tools in Esri's ArcGIS software, troubleshooting skills, sourcing geospatial data, and applying the techniques developed in my coursework to future problems. I cultivated my map making and spatial analysis skills  through my GPHY 504 coursework. Perhaps more importantly, this graduate level course focused on reading scientific literature that utilized GIS tools and this component of the class, sharpening my understanding of the breadth and depth of GIS applications. This part of the classwork has shown me a wide variety of ways GIS can be a valuable tool, and paired with increased computing abilities, an important pillar of my research goals is going beyond one site and deriving process-based conclusions. Using geospatial tools will make it easier to scale my conclusions to region and global skills. I look forward to continuing to use GIS in my PhD program and beyond. My goal for post-graduation is to work in an applied research setting, in which GIS will be a key tool in my tool belt.