UJIMA Research Scholar Trinity Collier Selected for Geospatial Intelligence program

Hosted by Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis, Missouri, the highly competitive program brings together students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the nation to explore careers in geospatial intelligence, geographic information systems (GIS), satellite imagery analysis, data analytics, and national security. Through hands-on learning experiences, mentorship from industry professionals, and exposure to emerging technologies, participants gain valuable skills that prepare them for careers in one of the nation’s fastest-growing workforce sectors.

Collier’s selection reflects her commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and research engagement at Miles College. She currently serves as a CITI Certified student researcher on the National Science Foundation-funded Ujima Collective (NSF Award 2430319) under the leadership of Dr. Jarralynne Agee, Principal Investigator and Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Miles College.

Collier’s participation in the Ujima Collective included completion of a cross-campus research training curriculum designed by Dr. Rashunda Richardson and Dr. Tangela Towns of Winston-Salem State University and instructionally designed for online delivery by Dr. Wendy Stewart, Associate Professor of Business Administration at Miles College. Hosted through the Miles College Learning Management System, the curriculum provides students with foundational research competencies, including research ethics, responsible conduct of research, and research administration.

The HBCU Immersion in GEOINT program was established by Dr. Freddie Wills, Vice President for STEM Initiatives and Research Partnerships at Harris-Stowe State University, to increase awareness of geospatial intelligence careers and strengthen the pipeline of diverse talent entering the field. The program has become a nationally recognized opportunity for HBCU students interested in technology, analytics, intelligence, and emerging workforce opportunities.

According to Harris-Stowe State University, citing career data from Zippia, the geospatial science industry is projected to grow by 16 percent, creating approximately 5,200 new jobs nationwide, with average annual earnings of approximately $111,782 per year. These projections highlight the significant opportunities available to students pursuing careers in geospatial science and intelligence.

Collier’s participation represents another example of how strategic partnerships, undergraduate research experiences, and collaborative HBCU initiatives are creating new opportunities for Miles College students to compete and succeed on a national stage. Through programs like the Ujima Collective and the HBCU Immersion in GEOINT, students gain access to experiences that expand their professional networks, enhance workforce readiness, and prepare them for leadership in emerging industries.

Miles College congratulates Trinity Collier on this outstanding accomplishment and looks forward to the knowledge, skills, and experiences she will bring back to campus following her participation in this transformative national program.

Source: Harris-Stowe State University, Establishing Geospatial Science at Harris-Stowe State University – HBCU Immersion in GEOINT.