UM-Flint student veteran discovers geographic information systems, earns national recognition

Sometimes life pulls you off one path and points you toward another. That's exactly what happened to one student veteran who discovered geographic information systems, known commonly as GIS, through the University of Michigan-Flint's College of Innovation & Technology.

Christopher Mayes of Auburn Hills, Michigan, served his country for four years as a motor transport operator in the U.S. Marine Corps. After his service, he pivoted to civilian life and enrolled at UM-Flint, where he began studying wildlife biology. Mayes was still intent on serving others, but his focus had shifted from the battlefield to biodiversity.

"My initial idea was to use my degree to become a conservation officer for the Department of Natural Resources," said Mayes, who is now in his senior year. "But because of service-related disabilities, I realized I might be prevented from doing that job to the best of my ability."

That caused Mayes to pivot again, but thanks to his wildlife biology studies at UM-Flint, he would soon find a new path forward in the form of a GIS certificate.

"I didn't actually know about GIS until partway through the curriculum," he said. "There are a couple of GIS courses that are mandatory for wildlife biology. The first GIS course really intrigued me; I really liked what the technology is capable of."

GIS is a computer-based system for managing and analyzing spatial data. With technological advances and new data sources such as IoT sensors, aerial surveys and smart devices, GIS allows organizations in nearly every industry to solve spatial problems in real time. GIS professionals help organizations describe the locations, characteristics and spatial features of roads, parcels, infrastructure, natural features, human behavior and more in a timely manner.

Mayes found the technology intuitive. GIS would enable him to become a steward of the outdoor spaces he loved without ever having to leave his desk.

"I'm definitely more of a visual learner, and after going through the GIS coursework, I discovered I liked using some of the spatial analysis tools," Mayes said. "I like working with data and numbers, and being able to turn that information into something anyone can use - like a map or a dashboard - was really interesting to me."

His newfound GIS passion recently earned him national recognition. In July, Mayes was selected to travel to San Diego as an Esri Student Assistant for the 2025 Esri User Conference, a highly competitive opportunity that only 60 students were selected for from more than 500 applicants nationwide. Esri is widely considered the leading global provider of GIS software, location intelligence and mapping solutions, and the company's eponymous conference brings together GIS professionals from around the world.

Mayes helped ensure attendees had the best conference experience possible while gaining invaluable networking opportunities and professional development.

"The Esri conference was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I will carry with me my entire professional career," he said. "The conversations I had have helped me narrow my focus and shape what my future will look like in the field. I am forever grateful for the student travel grant from CIT and will do my best to pay it forward. I urge people to submit an application and try for the Esri student assistantship - you will not regret it."

Mayes credits his success to the comprehensive support network at UM-Flint, particularly mentorship from his instructor, Greg Rybarczyk, professor of geography; and resources provided by the Student Veterans Resource Center, managed by Helen Budd.

Rybarczyk mentored Mayes, sharing articles and personal experiences while encouraging him to pursue learning opportunities beyond the classroom through Esri Academy courses and the university's Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program.

"He definitely pushed me to continue learning and applying outside the classroom as well as inside the classroom," Mayes said. "I don't think this opportunity would have been possible without his guidance."

The Student Veteran Resource Center provided crucial support throughout Mayes's transition from military to civilian academic life.

"They've been a constant resource, always saying, 'Hey, we're here. Reach out if you need anything,'" Mayes said. "Helen and the rest of the team go out of their way to help if you get stumped or hit a bump in the road."

Mayes exemplifies how student veterans can successfully transition into new academic fields while contributing to their professional communities-no matter how many twists and turns their paths may take.

"I wanted to find a job that could help others," Mayes said. "Whether it be people, wildlife, the environment, the Earth, whatever it may be, anything to help benefit society. Getting actively involved in the GIS community was a great first step in getting there."