Ashley Nepp

Ashley Nepp serves as the GIS Lab Instructor and Lab Supervisor in the Department of Geography at Macalester College, teaching introductory and advanced courses including Introduction to GIS (Lecture/Lab), Advanced Cartography and Geovisualization, and Cultural Atlas Production.

Her educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Macalester College
• Master of Science in GIS from the University of Minnesota

Nepp's research focuses on creative cartography and geovisualization, emphasizing design principles and narrative storytelling through spatial data. Her work bridges technical GIS skills with community engagement, exemplified by the "Curious City" cultural atlas of Saint Paul developed in her Cultural Atlas Production course. She explores data-driven visualizations to communicate complex geographic concepts accessibly.

Professional recognition includes:

• Educator of the Year Award (2017-2018), a student-nominated Community Recognition Award at Macalester College

As Lab Supervisor, Nepp mentors students in GIS software, cartographic design, and spatial analysis during coursework and independent projects. Her industry experience at Hedberg Maps informs practical curriculum development, though specific research grants are not documented. The GIS Lab under her direction serves as a technical hub for the Geography department's teaching and student research initiatives.