KGS welcomes Emily Morris as new cartographer

Emily Morris, who joined the KGS Geologic Mapping Section Jan. 2, collected GIS field data, designed maps, and conducted GIS analysis in her previous work before coming to the Survey. “I helped work on some maps for conservation organizations, which was fun because I had some creative leeway and got to map things like state parks and recreation areas.” Morris has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geography from Appalachian State University and the University of Oregon, respectively.

She applied for the cartographer’s position at KGS because she is also interested in geology and enjoys working in a university environment. Her KGS duties will involve production of publication-quality maps and illustrations, including U.S. Geological Survey–supported geologic maps and other KGS scientific publications. “I was also attracted to the job for its focus on cartography and GIS data management. I haven’t been able to spend as much time as I would like on those skills in previous jobs.” She has worked as an environmental technician with Brushy Fork Environmental Consulting in Mountain City, Tenn., and most recently as an environmental specialist at McGill Associates in Boone, N.C.

Morris is originally from Texas, but has lived in North Carolina for most of her life. “Outside of work I like to compete in weightlifting and CrossFit. That usually takes up most of my free time, but I also like hiking. My cat, Alaska, and I are looking forward to living in Kentucky!”

She will fill a position that became vacant when long-time KGS cartographer Terry Hounshell retired in 2017.