Geomatics top student 2016
Jonathan initially considered pursuing studies in computer science and environmental issues separately, so was pleased to find a program that combined both passions. Graduating with the highest average in Geomatics this year, he was also known by his professors for having the best co-op reports every term (winning the Faculty of Environment Work Term Report Award three times) and for his ability to bridge academic and professional work.
Among his many accomplishments at Waterloo, Jonathan is particularly proud of his honours thesis, which evaluated the creation of basemap data (such as streets and building footprints) in developing countries where traditional sources of geographic data are unavailable. This kind of data is highly valuable in responding to humanitarian crises and natural disasters.
Additionally, Jonathan has been honoured with various awards, including:
- Esri Development Centre Outstanding Student of the Year Award (2014), in recognition of his performance in GIS courses and contributions to the development and usability testing of an online volunteered geographic information application
- Association of Ontario Land Surveyors Educational Foundation Award (Jan 2014), awarded to the top two students in the program who have completed the Geodesy and Surveying course
- Several scholarships, including Esri Canada Geomatics Entrance Scholarship, University of Waterloo President’s Scholarship and the Casey Family Undergraduate Scholarship
Jonathan now works at Esri Canada in the Education and Research Group, where he works closely with higher education institutions using Esri software for research projects.