Job: Director, Center for Geospatial Science and Technology at CSU, Northridge
Bio: Danielle Bram is a GIS Professional with over 20 years of experience in the higher education, public and nonprofit sectors. Her applied research interests and experience cover a variety of topics such as municipal, environmental and water resource GIS. In addition to her work experience, she has served as a GIS instructor for both university students and local government staff. Most recently, Danielle serves as the Director of the Center for Geospatial Science and Technology, where she develops partnerships and collaborations with researchers, public agencies, nonprofit groups and the private sector in order to provide students with hands-on, real-world experience and career pathways in the field of geospatial technology.
Projects:
In addition to her administrative work, Danielle has the occasional opportunity to oversee and advise on actual GIS projects. Danielle truly values engaging in projects where the outcome or product provides a demonstrated benefit to the public and community.
She is currently PI on the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) Update project for California. Updates to the NHD are critical, as an accurate dataset of surface water features can inform policy and decision-making at multiple levels.
Danielle is also PI on the data management and development component of a project focused on water resources and underserved communities. WaterTalks is a public program designed to generate and increase community involvement in planning a sustainable water future for California. Its goal is to explore the strengths and opportunities of communities facing ongoing economic and environmental distress, and to gather input to prioritize and recommend water-related projects based on issues of greatest concern.
Another major project taking up much of her time is related to a collaboration with a GIS Center at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). The two teams are developing a US/MX Border Region Geoportal to host, disseminate and analyze data and information for the border region).
Anything about yourself?
Danielle spends much of her free time with her family, especially her precocious 10-year old daughter. When she does have free time now and then, she loves to mountain bike and hike in the Santa Monica Mountains or read a good book. Danielle is also passionate about supporting women in the field of GIS, and is one of the co-founders and the former president of the Women in GIS organization, an international nonprofit.
Danielle has a severe hearing loss, so if she ever answers your question with a peculiar answer, or you think she is just ignoring you, please check-in with her again! It is not intentional. You can find more information about Danielle on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-bram/).