ESRGC Spring Spotlight 2025
- Ryan Mello
- May 5
- 3 min read
"I've learned a lot while working with the ESRGC from field work to working in an office. The one thing that surprised me was the amount of organizations that use GIS on the Eastern Shore"
Name: Garrett Ackerman
Graduation date/ School: (Expected) December 2025/ Bachelors school of science / Geography (GIS Track), Salisbury University
Hometown: Millerton, NY
When did you first use GIS?
I first used GIS my freshman year Fall of 2022 in introduction to GIS 219 course with Dr. Harris.
What is something you wish everyone knew about GIS?
Well I wish everyone knew it existed and what it stood for. I can't count how many times I’ve had to explain to my family and friends what GIS is and what I can do with my major, and often they just come to the conclusion that I am just the map guy. I don't think many people realize how many companies and organizations use GIS and how important it can be.
What interested you in working with the ESRGC?
Seeing the different organizations that the ESRGC works with really interested me. Looking at the different projects interns get to work on I knew I’d get good real-world experience of which I’ve had little before starting at the ESRGC.
What tasks do you work on at the ESRGC?
So far at the ESRGC I’ve worked on several projects. From the digitization of soil maps for the National Resources Conservation Service and USDA, field work with Worcester County and assisting the Town of Ocean City’s GIS coordinator with several different projects.
While working with the ESRGC what surprised you most or what is something that you learned from it?:
I've learned a lot while working with the ESRGC from field work to working in an office. The one thing that surprised me was the amount of organizations that use GIS on the Eastern Shore. I knew GIS was very diverse in how it can be applied to different fields. But working with the ESRGC I’ve worked with several different local organizations and I realized how important GIS is in the local community.
Dream job? (doesn’t have to be GIS/ESRGC related)
I don't know if I have a specific dream job. I would like to continue working with GIS somewhere in the outdoor industry for companies like onX, REI, or Patagonia.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love spending my time outdoors. Growing up in the Hudson Valley of NY I was surrounded by the Catskills, Berkshires, and Taconics. I spent most of my time outside as a kid, skiing, skating, kayaking, running, hiking, and camping. I've always liked to spend my time outside. When I'm not outside I do like to watch documentaries, shows, and movies about history, or play the occasional video game.
Do you have a LinkedIn ?
The Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative (ESRGC) at Salisbury University regularly features a current or former intern for our Intern Spotlight. The ESRGC provides geographic information system (GIS) technology, data, technical support, and training to governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations in Maryland and across the Mid-Atlantic. Since launching in 2004, the ESRGC has provided valuable paid internships to hundreds of Salisbury University students, allowing them to learn real-world skills that prepare them for a direct transition to the workforce. ESRGC internships range from analyzing databases for local governments to field verifying broadband access in rural areas, and everything in between. For more information on how your organization could leverage the advantage of this inexpensive, highly-motivated, technical GIS intern, or how to apply for an internship, please contact Lauren McDermott.
