Vance Harris

Professional Experience

I am committed to leveraging my expertise in data analysis, software development, and geospatial technologies to deliver innovative solutions that drive informed decision-making and efficiency.

My Skills

With a solid foundation in programming languages, databases, and frameworks, I create scalable applications. I blend creative problem-solving with technical skills to advance project goals and enhance functionality.

Projects

I work on diverse projects that involve GIS data visualization, interactive web applications, and machine learning integrations. Each project embodies a hands-on approach to combining theory with practical implementation.

Interests

My passion for nature and the environment sparked my interest in analytical programming, which eventually led me to software development. Now, I have found that i get a lot of my prefessional value from problem solving in general.

Senior GIS Research Associate: FHI 360

I play a pivotal role in transforming geospatial data into actionable insights. I design and implement automated systems that streamline the collection, processing, and analysis of large datasets from diverse sources. By applying machine learning techniques, I develop predictive models that identify patterns and trends within geospatial data, supporting data-driven decision-making. My work bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world applications, ensuring that FHI 360’s projects in public health, development, and environmental monitoring are powered by accurate, automated, and insightful data.

Primary Skills

Notable Projects

  • Geostatistical Analysis, Modelling, Visualization
  • Designing ETL pipelines
  • API Integration
  • System Architecture
  • Data Warehousing
  • Machine Learning Applications
  • Workflow Automation
  • Team Leadership
  • Accesibility to Healthcare Analysis
  • Diagnostic Network Optimization
  • Act West Spatiotempral ML Model
  • Climate Risk ML Modeling
  • Cloud Enterprise Systems Deployment

GIS Research Fellow: Umass Amherst Family Forest Research Center

I serve as the prime researcher on a project developing a comprehensive GIS layer that assesses both land ownership and land cover. In this role, I lead the integration of geospatial data with advanced data engineering techniques to build scalable systems for processing and analyzing these datasets. I have designed and implemented a cloud-based architecture to efficiently compute and manage large volumes of data, ensuring high-performance data processing and storage. Additionally, I focus on automating data workflows and applying machine learning models to identify key insights that support land management and conservation efforts for family forest owners.

Primary Skills

  • Problem Solving
  • Designing ETL Pipelines
  • AWS Cloud Computing
  • Parallel Processing
  • Database Management
  • Designing Machine Learning Algorithms
  • Geostatistical Analysis, Modelling, Visualization
  • Paper Writing
  • Conference Oral Presentations

Challenges Overcome

  • Matching non-standardized data
  • Classifying string-based ownership data
  • Implementing efficient data structures
  • Optimizing scalability
  • Parallelizing the algorithm
  • Designing the AWS architecture and pipelines
  • Memory and Storage Management

Harris Geospatial Consulting

I provide expert geospatial consulting services on a variety of small projects. I specialize in helping clients analyze and interpret geospatial data, offering services like spatial analysis, mapping, remote sensing, and GIS solutions tailored to specific needs. My experience spans multiple industries, including urban planning, environmental management, and data visualization. I focus on delivering high-quality, efficient solutions while maintaining flexibility and a personal touch with every project, ensuring clients receive targeted support that addresses their unique challenges.

Primary Skills

  • Customer service
  • Data Management and Quality Assurance
  • Workflow Automations
  • Publication quality mapping and visualizations
  • Project Management
  • Business Development

Additional Work History

  • Lead Geospatial Consultant: UCD FAST Lab (Jul 2019 – May 2020)
  • Graduate Research Assistant: UCD GES Department (Sep 2018 – May 2019)
  • GIS Field Technician: Utility Data Contractors (Nov 2017- Aug 2018)
  • Educator: Maitland Middle School: (Aug 2016 – Jun 2017)
  • Certified Snowboard Instructor: Breckenridge (Dec 2015 – Apr 2016)
  • Environmental Educator: McDowell Environmental Center (Aug 2014 – Dec 2015)
  • Project Manager: Krik Krak (May 2015 – Aug 2015)