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Will Elkins

Degree Program: PhD

Research Areas

  • Spatial Statistics
  • Network Analysis and Optimization
  • Issues and Applications of the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem
  • Law Enforcement, Civil Rights, Election, and National Security Applications of Spatial Analysis

Bio

Education:
  • BA, International Studies, University of Alabama, 2015
  • AA, Arabic, Defense Language Institute, 2009
Will’s research focuses on issues stemming from the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP) in public policy, including intentional applications (such as gerrymandering in redistricting) and unintentional applications (especially in the distribution of public funding based on census or other aggregate data). He serves as a Senior Geospatial Developer in the US Federal Government, has worked as a Senior GIS Analyst with the US Department of Justice, and a GIS Analyst with the City of Tuscaloosa. Will enjoys using GIS to assist with political and non-profit campaigns, spending time with his wife, playing with his dogs, running, reading, hiking, and playing the piano.