Geographic information systems master’s student honored for applying skills to environmental challenges
Professor Robert Balling and Kylee Fleckenstein at the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning’s 34th annual Awards Celebration, where Fleckenstein was awarded the Balling Family GIS Fellowship Endowment for outstanding performance. Courtesy photo
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2025 graduates.
Kylee Fleckenstein was honored at the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning’s 34th annual Awards Celebration on April 17 for demonstrating exceptional academic and technical skills throughout her time in the Master of Geographic Information Systems (MAS-GIS) program.
This spring, she received the Balling Family GIS Fellowship Endowment, an annual award that recognizes outstanding performance among MAS-GIS students at Arizona State University. Recipients are selected based on a combination of academic achievement, participation and other performance measures as defined by the selection committee.
As the Balling Family GIS Award recipient, Fleckenstein has excelled in the MAS-GIS program and shown strong technical and spatial analysis capabilities. Her previous research focused on renewable energy and wildlife conservation in the Southwest, and she is now expanding that work to a national scale. Passionate about applying geographic information systems to solve environmental challenges, she is building on her prior experience and current coursework to complete a capstone project in the GIS field.
While completing her degree, Fleckenstein has continued to grow her expertise in the field through her role as a GIS Technician II with Actalent and previous experience as a data analyst at ASU.
"Balancing work, school and life is hard. However, I am very lucky to be working in GIS and studying GIS. I really enjoy my job even though there are very long days between work and classes," Fleckenstein said.
ASU News spoke with Fleckenstein, a Phoenix native, to reflect on her journey and discuss her future plans.
Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
Answer: I have always had a passion for the environment and wildlife conservation, but when I was completing my bachelor’s degree in natural resource ecology, I took Professor Fabio Suzart de Albuquerque's remote sensing course and loved it. Before that course I had no idea what GIS was. That class really changed the course of my academic and professional career. The more I learned about GIS, the more I loved it and wanted to continue my education, which led me to pursuing my master's.
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: I really have learned to love academics during my time at ASU, and I have found that I am much more capable than I realize.
Q: Why did you choose ASU?
A: I made the decision to go back to school a little later than most. The Earned Admissions program really opened the door for me. Without that opportunity, I am not sure what I would have done otherwise.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: I honestly cannot point to just one lesson. I have been so lucky to have so many influential professors that I consider as mentors. I would say my former professors at the ASU Polytechnic campus, Professor Fabio Suzart de Albuquerque, Professor Adam Stein and professor Heather Bateman. I am incredibly grateful for their support and guidance; they really inspired my love for research. My current advisor and professor, Stephanie Deitrick, has been an incredible influence and has pushed me outside of my comfort zone.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: Ask questions, even if you are not comfortable asking questions in class, and do not be afraid to email your professor. There is no such thing as a dumb question. Once I got over feeling awkward about asking questions or reaching out for clarification, I started seeking advice and feedback — and things just started to click.
Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?
A: I enjoyed using the study rooms in Hayden Library — it made a big difference by helping me eliminate distractions.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: While I plan to continue working as a GIS Technician II with Actalent, I’m also interested in pursuing a PhD in the future. For now, my goal is to advance from my current position after completing my master’s degree.
Fleckenstein is on track to graduate in summer 2025, as all MAS-GIS students complete their program in the summer.
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