SFU Geography student’s love of maps leads to passion for Geographic Information Science (GIS)

Evie Lapalme has always been drawn to maps. In high school she was able to convince her drafting teacher to let her make a map for her final project. Fast forward – Evie is looking to create a career out of maps.

Evie has since completed an Associate’s Degree in Geography at Langara College and now a BA in Geography with an Archaeology minor and GIS certificate at SFU, and she’s not done yet.

Along the way, Evie found ways to exercise her interests through her studies. She applied her love of maps in her GIS certificate, and participated in the Hellenic Studies Field School in Greece to supplement her Archaeology minor. Evie also joined the SFU Co-operative Education Program and completed a work term with Environment and Climate Change Canada mapping weather stations across Canada.

Evie made it a priority to get involved in the SFU student community and took on roles in the Geography Student Union, the Faculty’s FROSH events, mentorship program, SFU’s Tea Club, and SFU’s Women’s Centre.

“I got involved pretty early on. That’s one of the reasons I’m glad I came to SFU. I got to meet people, join clubs, and have that university experience,” says Evie.

After her time at Langara College and SFU, Evie understands the importance of keeping your wellbeing top of mind and encourages students to take advantage of what SFU offers to its community.

“I feel like students don’t realize all of the free services SFU offers. Like the Women’s Centre. It’s a really great program,” says Evie. 

Starting this fall, Evie is excited to get back to maps and start an Advanced Diploma in GIS program at BCIT where she hopes to gain an even deeper GIS specialization and be learning in-person again.