Alumni Spotlight: Allison Padgen

Catch up with ESS alumni Allison Padgen! Allison received a Masters of Science and Technology in Environmental Science with a focus in GIS, and is now making waves as a GIS Specialist at Bike Utah. 

Why did you choose your ESS program? 

I've always had a deep love for the outdoors and a curiosity about how our ecosystems work. I originally pursued GIS because I heard it was a valuable skill that would make me more marketable as an environmental science major. Over time, though, I came to genuinely appreciate the power of GIS—not just as a tool for mapping, but as a way to generate actionable insights and real-world solutions to environmental challenges.

What have you been up to since graduation? 

Currently, I work as a GIS Specialist at Bike Utah, a nonprofit organization committed to making Utah a healthier, more sustainable, and better-connected state through active transportation. In my role, I support planning and policy initiatives by leveraging a variety of GIS tools and analyses. I’m excited to continue using spatial data to inform decision-making and promote equitable, environmentally-conscious transportation solutions across the state.

How would you describe a day in your position? 

Every day looks a little different, but at its core, my role revolves around using GIS to solve problems and tell stories with data. I often work on multiple projects at once—ranging from spatial analyses that inform planning decisions to creating visualizations or interactive platforms that make important information clear, engaging, and accessible. Whether it's mapping infrastructure gaps or designing user-friendly tools for community stakeholders, I’m focused on turning complex data into actionable insights.

What advice do you have for current ESS students? 

Really think hard on what kind of job you want after you graduate and make sure you have the necessary skills to get it. If you aren't sure what job you want, use connections through teachers and advisors to find people who work in sectors you are interested in. Ask if you can schedule a chat with them to talk about their jobs, and what some necessary skills are, so you can make sure to get the necessary certificate, or take the related classes. I didn't know I liked GIS until I tried it, so get out of your comfort zone and try to take some classes to see how you like it.