FEATURED STORY
NASA Earth Observatory
Michala Garrison '19, Senior Graphic Designer
Garrison majored in geography with a sustainabilty studies minor. She currently resides in Portland, Ore.
What does your job entail?
I make maps, charts and visualizations about the environment, climate and Earth systems. Each day of the year, our small team of data visualizers and writers publish the Image of the Day (IOTD), which usually features an interesting image of Earth alongside well-researched reporting. The IOTD ranges from highlighting new research and data to covering natural hazard events like a hurricane or wildfire. For example - a map of nitrogen dioxide concentrations during a wildfire, a story about new research findings and dataset on land motion in California, or just a pretty satellite image of wintery Chicago. I often meet with scientists to discuss how to best visualize their research findings or to understand data from a new instrument or satellite.
Why is this your “dream job”?
I get to see the world through a variety of satellites each day, either tracking a particular event or coming across a unique cloud formation that can turn into a story. I also enjoy the process of mapmaking and cartographic design. Overall, I like the role of communicating earth science using free, publicly available data from NASA satellites and instruments.
How did FSU prepare you for your current position?
I spent most of my time in the Department of Geography where I learned how applicable and ever-expanding the field is. The department is small, yet the professors represented a wide range of topics, from GIS and remote sensing to climatology and critical cartography. Not only was practical experience emphasized through lab courses, but students were also provided with a well-rounded understanding of geography and the many areas of interest within the discipline.
Outside of majors, students were incentivized by the University to venture out into different departments, so I took courses in graphic design, photography, philosophy and so on. These helped me develop skills I would have missed out on. For example, I learned how to use Photoshop and Illustrator in graphic design, two programs I use to design maps and charts every day.
Did you have an FSU mentor? If so, who were they and how did they help you?
My FSU mentor was Dr. Tianna Bogart, an associate professor in the Department of Geography who taught courses on climatology, meteorology and atmospheric science. After learning I was interested in graduate school, Dr. Bogart organized a visit to her alma mater, the University of Delaware. Meeting with professors and current students during the visit provided a closer look at graduate school.
Many professors at FSU shared useful information for picking a school, finding potential advisors and tips for applying. As a first-generation college student, I had no clue how graduate school worked.
What is a future career goal?
To continue working somewhere that has a positive impact on humanity and the environment.
What is a future personal goal?
To read more! I’ve realized that scrolling is not learning. If you have the time, you must read books and essays or watch longform videos to keep learning about the world.
What advice would you give a recent graduate in pursuing his/her/their “dream job”?
There are practical things you can do like creating a portfolio or website, gaining experience through an internship (hopefully paid) or tailoring your resume/CV to each application. Overall, pick something you enjoy doing or learning about and take every opportunity that steers you in that direction.
