Sathya Ramesh

When Sathya Ramesh arrived at the University of North Texas from halfway across the world, she found not just a graduate program but a home. “As an international student thousands of miles away from home, our Geography building became my second home,” she wrote. “Everyone was welcoming, and that made all the difference.”

Building a Foundation at UNT

Sathya earned her M.S. in Applied Geography with a minor in Computer Science in 2009, completing the program in just one year. Her fascination with GIS and geospatial data began in high school when she was first introduced to remote sensing in 2003. That early spark led to a dual undergraduate background in GeoInformatics and Information Technology, a combination that gave her both the scientific and technical foundation she continues to build upon.

At UNT, Sathya found mentors who would shape her both academically and personally. “Dr. Pinliang Dong was my advisor and well-wisher throughout my UNT journey,” she said. “And I’ll never forget Dr. Joseph Oppong. His family even invited a few of us students for Thanksgiving, which made us feel like family.”

During her time on campus, Sathya served as both a research assistant and teaching assistant, while also completing an internship at a small oil and gas company in Dallas. That experience proved to be a turning point in her career path.

A Career in GIS and Energy

Today, Sathya is the GIS Supervisor for Enbridge Gas Transmission Midstream in Houston, Texas, where she leads a cross-border team of 11 GIS professionals supporting business development, field operations, pipeline integrity, and risk management across the United States and British Columbia.

“My first corporate job was with Williams Energy, supporting GIS business users,” she explained. “Later, at Occidental Petroleum (Oxy), I led both GIS and Survey teams across exploration, midstream, and downstream operations. The oil and gas industry constantly challenges you to find new ways to use spatial intelligence, and I love that.”

Sathya takes special pride in applying the project-based learning she experienced at UNT. “We were taught to think critically and solve real-world problems with geospatial tools,” she said. “That mindset is something I use every single day.”

A typical day for her involves leading her Houston and Calgary teams, designing desktop and mobile geospatial solutions, and conducting field visits to collaborate directly with operations teams.

Giving Back and Paying It Forward

One of Sathya’s proudest moments came during her time at UNT when she won an award for her presentation at the Southwest Division of the Association of American Geographers (SWAAG). “As a bilingual international student, that recognition lifted my confidence enormously,” she said.

Now, she channels that same spirit into mentoring others. “I volunteer as a career counselor for students and professionals in the U.S. and India, raising awareness about GIS as a high-demand career path. It’s my way of giving back to the community that gave me so much.”

The Broader Impact of Geography

At Enbridge, Sathya sees geography as a tool for meaningful change. “We provide geospatial solutions that keep our people and the environment safe while bringing energy to homes,” she said. “I’m proud to know that my work contributes to something that matters.”

Her team’s recent projects include the development of air quality data systems for field technicians, with plans to expand into noise level mapping, personal protective equipment tracking, and other safety-related programs in collaboration with Environmental Health and Safety teams.

Words of Wisdom

For current students, Sathya offers clear and practical advice:

“If you get the chance, do project-based learning. Solve real-world problems during your coursework because it strengthens your résumé and skillset. Attend conferences, write papers, and build connections. I landed my first corporate job through a conversation at an ESRI conference.”

She adds that building a professional network early can make all the difference. “Traditional job applications are important, but your network often opens doors you didn’t even know existed.”

Memories that Last

Reflecting on her time at UNT, Sathya highlighted the community that shaped her experience. “Ms. Tami Deaton and Ms. Eva Duvall always had the brightest smiles and made everyone feel welcome,” she wrote. “And I’ll never forget our department potlucks. Everyone loved my Indian cooking.”

If she could return to UNT, she knows exactly which class she would take: Economic Geography with Dr. Murray Rice. “His scenario-based teaching was so engaging. Even though I don’t use it directly at work, the concepts still fascinate me.”

From a student far from home to a leader shaping geospatial innovation across North America, Sathya Ramesh embodies the curiosity, compassion, and applied expertise that define UNT Geography alumni. Her journey shows that geography is not just about where things are located but about how knowledge, people, and purpose connect to make a lasting difference.