Good afternoon, my name is Gerhard Gross. I am a Senior majoring in Social and Behavioral Sciences/Geographical Information Systems (GIS) at California State University, Monterey Bay and will be graduating in Spring 2022. My first independent GIS project had me mapping historical land grants for the Monterey County Historical Society. My GIS experience culminates with my CSUMB Capstone project, which focused on identifying hotspots of vulnerable populations in the Monterey Bay Area, determining driving accessibility to hospitals, and assessing availability of ICU beds in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. I also gained professional research experience during my time at CSUMB, as evidenced through my entry, along with my research partner, into the 35th annual CSU Student Research Competition during the Spring of 2021. As a licensed pilot, I have acquired valuable skills in decision-making, environmental analysis, geography, and planning. My flight training has also led me to volunteer with a pilot-led organization that coordinates relief flights in the event of natural disasters. Additionally, along with my extensive experience as a remote pilot, it has kindled my interest in remote sensing techniques, which I gained a useful survey of by attending the UC Informatics and GIS Program’s Drone Camp during the Summer of 2020. I have part-time work and volunteer experience with a variety of community-based organizations, including CSUMB. Being a CSUMB orientation leader during the Fall 2021 semester gave me vital interpersonal and teamwork experience, and strengthened my resource management skills. During my service, I quickly learned how to meet the informational needs of a large body of incoming students while keeping them engaged and enthusiastic through team building activities. What I gained from the aforementioned position continues to serve me as a customer service representative with CSUMB’s Student Engagement & Leadership Development (SELD) department. As the welcoming face of SELD, I am furthering my leadership development by taking initiative in marketing and assisting with the hosting of department events while providing excellent customer service. From them, I have gained valuable skills in not only my field of study, but effective communication as well.