William Craven

Hello, I am Will Craven and am currently in my final year of pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science at Saginaw Valley State University. My academic journey began with an introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in my first year, which sparked my interest in electronic mapping and cartography. This passion led me to gain experience in remote sensing, earn a GIS certification through SVSU, and obtain a minor in geospatial techniques. As part of my minor, I undertook an extensive internship as a GIS Technician at the Saginaw County Mosquito Abatement Commission, where I gained hands-on experience in applying GIS technologies to real-world challenges.

During my junior year, I developed a second passion for chemistry, which deepened my understanding of chemical reactions and their applications in the natural world. Building on this, I took upper-level courses including analytical and environmental chemistry, which led to my second minor in chemistry. These courses have provided me with a comprehensive foundation in chemical processes and their relevance to environmental science.

Over the past three years, I have sought out valuable seasonal positions and internships to build on my skills and advance my career. As an Aquatic Technician, I learned to apply herbicides effectively and interpret safety guidelines, which enhanced my understanding of chemical safety in environmental settings. I also spent two summers working with GIS through Saginaw County, gaining proficiency in ESRI software such as ArcGIS Pro and its various extension apps. Through both remote sensing and in-field data collection, I contributed to key projects that benefited the organization and sharpened my technical skills in GIS.

As a Geographic Information Systems Technician with the Saginaw County Mosquito Abatement Commission, I supported the management of an 800+ square mile master map by editing multiple data layers on a daily basis. My role involved converting geospatial files for compatibility across platforms such as ArcPro, MapStar, and FieldSeeker GIS, and updating existing datasets through both fieldwork and remote surveys. I developed custom data-collection tools using ArcGIS QuickCapture and conducted spatial analyses utilizing various geoprocessing tools, primarily in ArcPro. Additionally, I created detailed, user-friendly cartographic maps for pesticide application routes and collaborated with team members to build interactive online maps for field use.

In my role as an Aquatic Technician at LakePro Inc., I worked to control the spread of invasive plant species across Michigan’s aquatic ecosystems by applying herbicides through manual labor. I used sonar equipment to collect data and calculate water volumes, tailoring herbicide application strategies to specific environmental conditions. I also generated GIS data by identifying aquatic species with Garmin technologies, contributing to data-driven treatment plans. My responsibilities required a strong understanding of aquatic systems, and I earned a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License with a specialization in Category 5 to support this work.

In May of 2025, I will graduate from Saginaw Valley State University with a Bachelor's of Science Degree. My major is Environmental Science, and I doubled minored in Geospatial Techniques/Technologies and Chemistry. I also obtained a SVSU Geographic Information Systems Certification and a FAA Unmanned Aircraft Certification while attending University.