Two MSU alumni shine as Geographic Information Systems engineers for City of Murray

 

MURRAY, Ky. – Two Murray State University Earth and Environmental Sciences alumni, Marshall Thompson and Logan McGowan, demonstrated their impressive Geographic Information Systems (GIS) knowledge during a presentation of their work on grave mapping at the City of Murray Cemetery and various utility features throughout the City during the Murray City Council meeting on Thursday, Nov. 14.

The City of Murray Director of Planning Carol Downey said Thompson and McGowan are doing an outstanding job in their roles as GIS engineers for the City.

“Their work involves more than maintaining geographic information,” said Downey. “Daily, Logan and Marshall assist various departments, as well as field inquiries from citizens. They have successfully developed applications, and continue to do so, within the GIS system to assist and modernize processes within the City of Murray. The knowledge obtained and guidance received during their years at Murray State University enabled them to succeed. We are fortunate to have Logan and Marshall on our team!”

Murray State Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences Chair Dr. Robin Zhang is unsurprised the pair are thriving in their current roles. She said both Thompson and McGowan earned the department’s Outstanding Senior Award the year they graduated.

“I had both of them in various classes and know them well,” said Zhang. “They interned with the City before they became full-time employees. They are very hard working, always open to learn new things and always carry the ‘can do’ attitude. They are exemplary graduates.”

Murray Mayor Bob Rogers said that after their internship, everyone at the City was so impressed with Thompson and McGowan, they had to hire them both.

“We were extremely impressed with their knowledge, skills, work ethic and attitude,” said Rogers. “They were able to do some things that previously had to be contracted out. When a position came open in that department, with the urging of department heads, I offered both a position, and they accepted. We’re very pleased with their performance. Congratulations to the staff at Murray State University who prepared these men with the skills to be successful.”

Thompson, of Murray, Kentucky, graduated with his bachelor’s degree in environmental science in 2022.

“The department of Earth and Environmental Science at Murray State did a great job preparing me for my current role,” said Thompson. “Although my degree was in environmental science, I was encouraged by my professors to take other classes that would award me a Geographic Information Science certificate, which shows you are proficient in certain GIS/mapping software. Learning these programs through my degree demonstrated what kind of work would be expected of me after graduation.”

McGowan, of Princeton, Kentucky, graduated with his bachelor’s degree in earth and environmental sciences/geography and GIS track in 2023.

“The ability to solve problems, help others, accomplish tasks, understand information and analyze the world around me—these are just some of the skills that Murray State provided me during my time there,” said McGowan. “At Murray State, I was given access to a wealth of knowledge and opportunity that made a lasting impact on my life and career. I am forever thankful for the staff at Murray State helping me develop my passion. I also want to specifically thank Dr. Robin Zhang of the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department for pushing me to do better every single day. Go Racers!”

McGowan and Thompson are preparing to share GIS data for the City publicly via a GIS Data Portal, which is still in development. The public GIS Data Viewer is live at bit.ly/3UTl0ec. Other GIS details are available at murrayky.gov/planning/gis/.