For master’s student Ellie Karst, geography isn’t just about maps—it’s about helping communities thrive.
Karst, who is pursuing a master’s degree in the School of Earth, Atmosphere, and Sustainability (SEAS) after earning undergraduate degrees in environmental science and public health from Taylor University, recently presented her research on green space accessibility in rural communities at a regional GIS conference and came in first place in the Emerging Professional Group poster competition. Her project uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) alongside community interviews to better understand how residents of Hartford City access parks and other natural spaces.
“Green spaces have well-documented physical and mental health benefits,” Karst said. “If people aren’t able to access them and use them well, then what’s the good of having them?”
Hartford City serves as the ideal case study. With a population of about 6,000, it represents many small Midwestern communities working to grow sustainably. Karst also developed relationships with local leaders while attending Taylor University, making the community a natural fit for her research.
Using GIS mapping, Karst is identifying neighborhoods where access to green spaces is limited. She will complement those maps with interviews from local residents, allowing her research to combine spatial analysis with firsthand community perspectives.
“I’ve always loved GIS,” she said. “It’s a practical way to apply what I’ve learned and create something that’s easy for people to understand.”
Karst hopes her research will help Hartford City prioritize future investments in parks and recreation while providing a model that other rural communities can adapt.
After graduating from Ball State University next spring, she plans to pursue a career using GIS in the environmental field, with environmental consulting among the possibilities. She also hopes to continue her education in the future.
“I think of myself as a lifelong learner,” Karst said. “I want to continue building my GIS skills because they’re such a valuable foundation, no matter where my career takes me.”
