Austin M. Lavorata

Team Member at NASA Langley Research Center

Participated as a team member in a 10-week health and air quality analysis project for Chatham County, Georgia. Performed research in methods for detecting increasing urban heat buildup. Utilized ArcGIS and QGIS to create map layouts and representations of data. Worked and communicated with project partners and Chatham County officials to ensure product needs and wants were met.

GIS Analyst at City of Youngstown Water Department

Aided in forming a new emergency response plan for the Water Department to meet EPA standards. Performed field work in collecting data points for the GIS system. Conducted meetings with engineers and staff to explain capabilities of the GIS system. Maintained and updated the Water Department GIS with new feature layers to reduce water loss. Created a large-scale grid map to ensure accuracy between the GIS system and physical field book maps of water infrastructure (hydrants, turn valves, etc.).

GIS Analyst at Columbiana County GIS

Gathered lot and occupancy data on cemeteries within Columbiana County. Updated old GIS data and created new GIS data for the cemetery in Leetonia, Columbiana. Utilized ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online for projects in the county.

Student Researcher at Youngstown State University

Worked with a team to produce a package for the town of Leetonia on a new civic center. Provided research and data on accessibility to the location. Gained insight into working in teams, creating project deliverables, and communication between a customer and professional GIS analyst/researcher.

Student Researcher at Better City Co

Provided data tables of relevant information for a grant infrastructure program. Used GIS to chart relevant locations within Ohio counties for economic plans.

Student Researcher at Youngstown State University

Worked closely with professors to compile data and imagery of local parks. Created an educational plan to teach younger audiences about local parks. Received training in GIS and other programs used for compilation of research and data. Learned skills such as data collection, planning of educational packages, and cohesive team projects.