Student Profile: Troy Harbin
Major: GIS with Design Thinking minor
Year: 4th Year
Hometown: Flossmoor, IL (just outside Chicago)
As soon as she experienced the Buckeye spirit at a minority breakfast during her senior year of high school, Troy Harbin knew she was bound for Ohio State. “When it came down to decision time, I just appreciated that they had so many different majors. I actually started off as a data analytics major.” As she got into her classes, she realized that she was much more interested in data visualization than she was in the data analytics themselves. She found a perfect fit for her interests in the GIS major in the Geography department.
Troy speaks highly of the department’s ability to share resources and opportunities with students. This year, Troy has worked at the Center for Urban and Regional Analysis (CURA) as an Undergraduate Research Associate, a job that was recommended to her by her advisor. She also spoke highly of her experience in Remote Sensing with Dr. Tammy Parece. “That course was very different for me, something I wasn’t necessarily used to, but got me to think about ways to see more than just the map, to see other things that are happening.” She also mentioned GeoVisualization with Chayanika Singh. “Being able to explain data and make sure that it’s digestible and comprehensive for the end user, the person you’re making that visualization for, is a really helpful skill.”
In the future, Troy hopes to integrate drone mapping into serving local communities with data analysis needs. She recently received her Part 107 remote pilot certification for flying UAV (Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles). “I was worried about passing,” she said, “but it wasn’t bad at all. As long as you dedicate some time to studying, you should do just fine.” Troy hopes that these skills in drone data collection will go well with her skills in data visualization, cartography, and design thinking to tell local stories to increase community engagement.
When asked about what advice she’d give to future students, she encouraged students to never turn down an opportunity. “Even if it’s something that exercises your weakest areas, it’s a chance for you to show up and learn. “Even if you’re not able to achieve perfection, you’re still going to be getting something out of it and that might guide you into the next step in your career.”
When asked where in the world she’d like to go, she said that she’d like to find a good beach anywhere. “I’m not picky, any beach with clear blue water and a place to enjoy the sun.
Find out more about the GIS major or Design Thinking minor.