Je'aime (Jamie) Powell attended Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) for both his undergraduate and graduate studies. He received his bachelor's degree in computer science with a minor in aviation, and received his master's in mathematics with a concentration in remote sensing. Although Powell takes a keen interest in computer science he has always had a heart for environmental issues.

By doing research as a student for the Center of Excellence in Remote Sensing Education and Research (CERSER), and later becoming ECSU's Polar Grid Project manager, he has found a way to integrate both of his passions in a way that can help others. Powell's role as grid manager helps provide funding and research opportunities for CERSER. One of the reason's that Powell was attracted to CERSER was because of its partnership with the Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets (CReSIS). CReSIS investigates the Polar Regions glacier melting problems.

The Polar Project's goal is to create a large-scale distribution system to process data collection during their polar expeditions. Powell is able to use his computer science and remote sensing background as a way to collect and share data nationwide. Powell is also a mentor to undergraduates on the Polar Grid Team, whose work is a major contribution to the ECSU Polar Grid Project. Powell trains students in college skills in remote sensing, geographic information systems, global positioning systems, Mac OS X and Linux computing operating systems.

In addition to managing major research projects and mentoring students, Powell is currently attending MOVA Southeastern University where he is pursuing a Ph.D. in computer information systems.

USBE&IT Conference Edition 2013