William Romanyk named Outstanding Senior in Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences

April 29, 2025

We are proud to announce that William Romanyk has been named the Outstanding Senior in Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences by the MSU College of Social Science. We recently sat down with the graduating senior from Ada, Michigan, to talk about his time in the department.

What were your major and minor areas of study?

Major: Geographic Information Science

Minors: Cities: Design, Environment, and Society AND Social Science Quantitative Data Analytics

What does being named Outstanding Senior of the Year in Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences mean to you?

It's truly an honor to be recognized as Outstanding Senior by the Department and the College. Over these past four years, I have worked hard and learned a lot about so much within the geographic discipline. I am proud to represent the MSU geography graduates this spring.

How did you become interested in Geography as a major?

From a young age, I loved looking at all kinds of maps and knew how to get around everywhere. As I started looking through degree programs, geography appealed to me because it could be a unique way to explore my passions through geospatial technologies.

Did you participate in any GEO-based clubs or organizations during your time at MSU?

I have been a member of the MSU Geography Club and served as President this year. I am also a member of Gamma Theta Upsilon, the International Geographical Honor Society.

What is your favorite MSU Geography memory?

I enjoyed going to the American Association of Geographers East Lakes/West Lakes meeting this past October. I saw so many interesting presentations and posters, and I got to know Dr. Henebry a bit better on the car ride. I also made it back to East Lansing in time to cheer on the GEO Department's float at the homecoming parade that day!

What was your favorite Geography professor or class?

I can't pick just one, but I enjoyed learning about advanced GIS techniques in GEO 425: Problems in GIS. That class helped me to become more familiar with ArcGIS Pro and learn skills that helped me at my internship last summer. I was also able to display work from a group project that I took part in at the MSU Museum's Science on a Sphere exhibit.

Do you have any specific plans following graduation?

I hope to find a job in the GIS or transportation field in Michigan.

Congratulations, Will! We have thoroughly enjoyed having you as such an active student in the department. Your passion for the discipline of Geography shines through. We wish you the best of luck in all of your endeavors.