Both awardees hold Masters Degrees from North Carolina Central University (NCCU). Dr. Rakesh Malhotra, their mentor at NCCU, commented that “Kibri and Peter are both outstanding students and I am thrilled that they were the first and second respectively, to receive the ASPRS provisional certificate in GIS.”  

Everett stated that she “decided to pursue this certification to further her professional knowledge in the field of GIS and remote sensing.  Preparing for the certification expanded her knowledge base and enhanced the skills she obtained from coursework and on-the-job training.  This demonstrates to her employer that she is committed to becoming a professional in this field.”  She is currently employed as an environmental scientist at RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

Muriuki is a current student member of ASPRS and was recently employed as an Environmental technician with the ERICC Project, Durham, North Carolina.  

The Provisional Certification Program was put in place by ASPRS in late 2006 and made available to graduating students in the spatial sciences who meet the educational and program requirements. The first of its kind, this program provides students with the opportunity to take the ASPRS certification exam as they are finishing their studies.  ASPRS is working with universities that offer spatial technology education to implement this innovative program. 

Eligible students can apply, pass peer review, and take the examination in their specialty (Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing, or GIS/LIS) while still in school, and become “provisionally certified.” They then enter the workforce and when they meet the job experience requirements, they become fully certified. Having both a Provisional Certification and a defined career path is a significant advantage when seeking employment.  Mike Renslow, ASPRS Chair of the Evaluation for Certification Committee, noted “Creating opportunities for graduating students to be recognized in our profession is a significant contribution to the future of our Society and practice in the spatial sciences.  As Kibri and Peter begin their careers, they now have distinctive qualifications and the support of ASPRS.”

North Carolina Central University is the first university to offer ASPRS Provisional Certification.  Malhotra further noted that “I could not have hoped for two better individuals to meticulously complete the requirements and then pass the rigorous certificate exam.”  Details of this program can be found in the Certification and Recertification Guidelines: http://www.asprs.org/membership/certification/certification_guidelines.html. 

Founded in 1934, ASPRS is an international professional organization of 6,000 geospatial data professionals. ASPRS is devoted to advancing knowledge and improving understanding of the mapping sciences to promote responsible application of photogrammetry, remote sensing, geographic information systems and supporting technologies.