My path in Geographic Information Sciences at Texas A&M University has
led me to a myriad of opportunities. Whether it be in participating in the oil and
gas industry or conducting academic research, I have yet to find a field where GIS is
not valuable. Throughout coursework and experience, I have found a special niche in cartography.
This as well as my passion for the arts allows me to transform what is understood with logic into creative
visualizations that inspire a new perspective and understanding of the dynamic world around us. I believe there is great value in being able to communicate large concepts with creative visual designs such as maps, infographics, diagrams, charts and much more.
I consider myself a creative person. When I am not studying, I enjoy painting with acrylics or experimenting with pastels, and I love playing the piano. I also practice boxing and crocheting as a way to keep busy. Born and raised in Texas, I appreciate family-style barbecue and the occasional night out two-stepping with friends.
Interestingly, I originally found my way to GIS and Cartography through an Intro to Geology course, when I was absolutely captivated by the chapter on soils in my textbook; following my graduation in December 2018, I achieved a minor in Geology. In addition to a deep appreciation for earth systems and geologic processes (as seen here), my international travels have also given me diverse cultural experiences. Having awareness and passion for both the earth and the people in it gives me a unique point of view of what and who we are mapping.
The world is constantly changing, and studying GIS helps me to tackle new challenges with a spatial perspective,
while creating a keen skill set for critical and creative problem solving.

Cartographer. Educator. Researcher.
Heather
Swienton
Photographer:
CURRENTLY: I successfully defended my doctoral dissertation in April 2026, and will be graduating in May with a PhD in Geography with a research focus on cartographic design and communication.
FUTURE FOCUS: I am ambitious about curating a career where I can combine my deep passion for cartographic design and cartographic education.
Click to access:
Education & Experience
Texas A&M University
Jan 2019 - June 2019
ConocoPhillips
Summer 2018
Post-Graduate Researcher
Conducted geoscience research with a focus on paper writing and publishing. Projects include: personal research, data visualization, analysis of GeoJobs in today's industry, and more.
Land GIS Analyst Intern
Summer internship at company headquarters in Houston, Texas. Expanded core knowledge of oil and gas lease and land skills with a spatial analysis perspective. Collaborated across multiple departments to ensure shared vision of projects such as designing enterprise-wide webmaps utilizing ArcGIS and web servers.
Texas State University
Aug 2019 - May 2026
Graduate Assistant (Teaching + Research)
Funded graduate teaching assistantship with responsibility to lead undergraduate students labs in Historical Geology, Maps and Mapmaking, and Advanced Cartographic Design. Later became an Instructor of Record for the Maps and Mapmaking course. Served as the PhD President of the Graduate Forum.
Texas State University
Jan 2022 - May 2026
Texas State University
Aug 2019 - Dec 2021
Texas A&M University
Aug 2014 - Dec 2018
Doctor of Philosophy 4.00 GPA
Geography, focus in Cartography
Graduate Assistantship (2022-2025), Fellowship (2025-2026)
Instructor of Record: Maps and Mapmaking (GEO 3411)
Teaching Assistant: Maps and Mapmaking (GEO 3411),
Advanced Cartographic Design (GEO 5417)
Master of Science 4.00 GPA
Geography, focus in Cartography
Graduate Assistantship
Teaching Assistant: Historical Geology (GEOL 1420)
Bachelor of Science 3.68 GPA CUM LAUDE
Geographic Information Sciences & Technology,
concentration in Earth Systems Analysis
Minor in Geology
Summer 2017
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Summer 2016
Exhibits Department Intern
Summer internship in Dallas, Texas. Collaborated with multiple museum departments to identify and resolve exhibit issues, and evaluated museum design and functionality to enhance visitor enjoyment.