2023 URISA Dr. Marilyn O'Hara Ruiz Young Professional Scholarship

Apply by June 1.

This scholarship fund was established in 2018 and honors Dr. Marilyn Ruiz. During Dr. Ruiz's career at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, she provided her undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral students with excellent research experiences in her laboratory which helped them to have successful careers in academia, government and industry. Marilyn was passionate about her role as a mentor of graduate education. The scholarship fully supports young professional participation in the conference, fostering their professional connections and educational development.

Eligibility and Attendance Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a URISA member in good standing (join to apply)
• Be a first-time attendee at GIS-Pro
• Work directly in GIS or working with GIS in a closely related geospatial field (surveying, planning, engineering, etc.)
• Have confirmed ability to secure travel to/from the conference (costs will be reimbursed up to $500)

Summarize your conference experience and incorporate how you will incorporate this experience and knowledge into your own career path and professional development by December 1 to be included in a URISA newsletter. The summary must be received prior to expense reimbursement.

To Apply:

Complete the application

Send your resume, a letter of employer support on letterhead (if applicable) and a professional reference/recommendation familiar with your work. All materials must be submitted directly to wnelson@urisa.org with the subject line: URISA Young Professional Scholarship

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated work and/or research within the GIS (or related) industry
• Quality of responses to essay questions
• Impact of work, contributions to the GIS field
• Letter of recommendation

Selected Scholarship winners will receive ($1850 value + professional growth and networking experience!)

• Free registration to attend GIS-Pro
• 5-night hotel single/double room accommodations at the conference hotel
• $500 expense reimbursement towards meals and travel
• Obtain professional continuing education credits for GISP, AICP and others
• Opportunities to meet and network with other young professionals, Vanguard Cabinet, URISA leaders and key national and international industry leaders

Learn More at URISA.org