My name is Frensha Shunel Slaughter. I am anticipate graduating from Alcorn State University in 2012, in Geographic Information Science and Technology (Homeland Security). College became a goal for me on August 29, 2005, when hurricane Katrina hit. Katrina made a huge impact on my life because it forced me to see those individuals, including myself, who were really in need. I never expected to be standing in the rain waiting for help, but with the assistance of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) my family and I were relocated to a safer area as a result of the use of Geographical Positioning System.

Two years later I made one of the most important decisions in my life by attending Alcorn State University. My freshmen year is when it all started to come together. In the fall semester, I was taking classes under Dr. Yaw Twumasi. Dr. Twnmasi was the first professor who served as a mentor by providing sound academic and moral advice. One day he told me that he believed in me and that the challenges that I had faced should be an inspiration for me to give back to the community in a positive way. GIS (Homeland Security) was the way to go. He continued to instruct me through the necessary steps to develop a strong foundation and referred me to work with Dr. Linda B. Hayden. After applying for the internship in the Undergraduate Research Experience in Ocean, Polar, and Marine Science, I was accepted for the summer of 2009. The very first day of the program, there was a speaker who said these words, “You are not seen in my eyesight”. The statement was very unusual to hear but it opened my eyes to the reality of the world. I realized that as a minority, I must make a difference.

As the program has progressed, I have been introduced to JavaScript, Linux, Statistics, Digital camera, water quality motioning, and more Geographical Positioning System. My research during the URE program was Visualization of the CReSIS Greenland Datasets for the PolarGrid High Performance Computing System. The research program has taught me how to work with others on a team and how to produce quality results in a timely matter in order to produce one final project. I have learned how to analyze data, use Excel to its fullest potential, and commence to .CSV. The use of .CSV (comma spate by value) is to produce maps in Google map. Gaining all of the techniques, skills, and input responses I know that my future research will be more improved. My scholarship at Alcorn is from Homeland Security. The program will also support my graduate studies at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, obtaining my masters degree in Homeland Security related topic. This is a goal I have set for myself because I am sponsored through the Homeland Security in Washington, D.C. I would also like to help other students to get involved with the sciences so that they can also see what a good learning experience it can be.