Mapping the Future: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at UCR

Esri Innovation & Demo Day

April 15, 2026 | 10:00AM – 1:45PM

Rivera Library, Room 140

Join to learn about the exciting developments and growing impact of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at UC Riverside. Through a series of 3 workshops, get an inside look at how GIS is shaping:

1. Research

2. Policy

3. Science

4. Engineering

5. Business

6. And beyond!

This free event is open to all UCR students and faculty and includes faculty research showcases and career conversations with industry experts.

A great chance to learn how spatial thinking is transforming the future, and connect with industry leaders if it might be a complimentary path for your work or studies. Learn about new possibilities and gain a few new partnerships across campus. We’ll also have a table in the Rivera Arches with information and resources. Be sure to stop by. 

>> RSVP here. Space is limited, sign up for a workshop or two today!

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

All workshops in Riviera Library, Room 140

UCR GIS Research & Resources

10:00 – 11:00 AM

Explore campus GIS tools, StoryMaps, data access, infrastructure, and support services. Discover how GIS connects research across disciplines and learn more about the new GIS minor. 

Presenters: 

• Janet Reyes, Geospatial Information Librarian
• Edward Helderop, Associate Director, Center for Geospatial Sciences
• Canserina Kurnia, Senior Solution Engineer, Esri
• Wei Kang, Assistant Professor, School of Public Policy

Faculty Research Showcase & Panel

11:15 AM – 12:30 PM

Hear from leading faculty across public policy, environmental sciences, ecology, business, statistics, and more as they discuss applied GIS research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Panel: 

• Mark Long, Dean, School of Public Policy
• Ran Wei, Associate Professor, Public Policy
• Paulette Brown-Hinds (‘92, ‘98), Founder, Voice Media Ventures

Presenters: 

• Wei Kang, Public Policy
• Hoori Ajami, Environmental Sciences
• Helen Regan, Evolution Ecology & Organismal Biology
• Kan Wang, Business
• Loralee Larios, Botany and Plant Sciences
• Edward Helderop, Public Policy
• Yuzhou Chen, Statistics
• Ahmed Eldawy, Bourns College of Engineering 

Career Panel with Esri Alumni

12:45 – 1:45 PM

Gain insights into careers in GIS and geospatial technology from UCR alumni working at Esri. Learn how to translate your academic experience into industry impact. 

Following the workshops, be sure and join us for:

Chancellor's Distinguished Lecture Series 

2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

University Theater

Join Esri President Mr. Jack Dangermond and UCR Chancellor S. Jack Hu as they discuss Mr. Dangermond’s journey with Esri, key lessons learned, and how digital twins and AI are reshaping GIS applications.

>> Register here for the Lecture: https://events.ucr.edu/event/chancellors-distinguished-lecture-series-a-conversation-with-jack-dangermond.

* Registration for the workshops and lecture are separate so be sure to sign up for both events.