Class of 2026: Zach Sherman named the College of Natural Resources and Environment's outstanding master’s student

Zachary Sherman directed his wanderlust into an academic journey that’s resulted in traveling around the world to gain a global perspective. He worked in the GIS field before returning to Virginia Tech, his alma mater, to work on a master’s degree, researching the intersection of geospatial science and generative artificial intelligence that tackles real-world challenges, including access to health care.

His work has earned national attention and peer-reviewed publication, along with partnerships with organizations such as the American Dental Association and Esri. 

Recognized for scholarship that reflects maturity beyond the master’s level, Sherman was named the H.E. Burkhart Outstanding Master’s Student for his research, leadership, and commitment to Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) in the College of Natural Resources and Environment. 

With a mantra of “If you are just wandering and treat everything as a gift, you can never be lost,” Sherman explores the world for research and personal enjoyment.

What was your academic journey to this point? 

I came to Virginia Tech as an undergraduate in 2020 and graduated in 2023, originally in environmental science. My brother one night suggested I investigate geography. I didn’t do much research; I just switched with zero ideas of anything. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend that approach, but in my case, it worked out incredibly well.

As an undergraduate, I was driven more by a desire to explore the world and I discovered undergraduate research could be a gateway to travel, so I created my own project focused on water transport. Through that work, and funding from Virginia Tech, I traveled to New Orleans, Idaho, and Edinburgh in the U.K. I began to realize how this mindset could translate into meaningful research and future opportunities for travel.

After graduating, I worked as a GIS Analyst at Harvard University Center for Geographic Analysis where I contributed to a National Geographic initiative called the Out of Eden Walk, led by Paul Salopek, a two-time Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist. His project involves walking across the world, starting in Ethiopia and continuing to the southern tip of Argentina while documenting the human journey along the way. Being part of that work completely reshaped how I think about storytelling, especially how maps and interactive visuals can communicate human experience in powerful ways.

I was invited by [Department of Geography Assistant Professor] Junghwan Kim to speak as a panelist for one of his GIS classes. We didn’t know each other, but we later realized we had both worked at the same center at Harvard. That shared connection led to further conversations, and he asked if I’d be interested in joining his research group as a master’s student.

What was the scope of your work here? 

My work during graduate school at Virginia Tech was primarily research-focused, with elements of teaching and mentorship through presentations and guest lectures.

I was part of an Industry-University Cooperative Research Centers research initiative from the National Science Foundation that operated more like a startup than an academic lab. Our goal was to partner industry with academia. We engaged with over 50 industry partners across a wide range of sectors. That experience reinforced how unpredictable and interdisciplinary applied research can be, and how critical it is to adapt quickly and translate technical skills to real-world problems.

My research looks at geospatial analysis, healthcare accessibility, and Generative AI. I developed national- and state-scale models to measure access to dental care using advanced spatial methods. This work was conducted in collaboration with the American Dental Association and resulted in both a peer-reviewed publication and an interactive dashboard used for policy exploration.

In parallel, I focused on advancing GeoAI systems, specifically how large language models can be integrated with geospatial workflows. I published research on fine-tuning GPT models to convert natural language into executable Python code for spatial analysis, significantly improving accuracy and efficiency. I also helped developed a GenAI-powered geospatial dashboard that allows users to query complex policy data through natural language and receive maps, charts, and analytical outputs in real time (currently under review).

What attracted you to grad school here?

What really drew me back to Virginia Tech was a new perspective on both the school and the town.

Anyone who’s been a Hokie, or lived in Blacksburg, knows the town grows on you. During undergrad, I lived on campus all three years without a car, which limited how much I could explore. I appreciated Blacksburg at the time, but I don’t think I fully understood what made it special.

Coming back as a graduate student completely changed that. Having the ability to get around opened the nearby hiking trails and access to the unique mix of people from all over the world. Even things like seeing black bears around town became part of the experience.

It’s a combination of great people and a tight-knit, small-town environment. It’s something that’s easy to overlook when you’re here every day, but once you leave and come back, you realize how unique it really is.

You’ve demonstrated success here. What are your greatest achievements?

To me, success is simple: do the things most people aren’t willing to do.

A lot of my opportunities came from just saying yes, whether it was applying for scholarships, grants, or taking on projects that others might overlook. Many of the awards I received weren’t because I was the most qualified, but because I consistently put myself out there. There are far more opportunities available than people realize, and often the competition is smaller than you’d expect. If you’re willing to act repeatedly, it adds up. Being rejected is better than no trying at all.

While I’m grateful for the awards I’ve received during both undergrad and graduate school, I don’t see them as the most important measure of success. Awards should be a byproduct of the work, not the goal itself.

What matters most to me is outside of that. Being an uncle to six nephews and two nieces, who call me the “funcle” (fun-uncle) means more than any recognition. And more importantly, trying to live out my faith and follow God to the best of my ability is what I would consider my greatest achievement.

Any thoughts on CNRE and prospective grad students considering coming here?

For anyone considering grad school in CNRE at Virginia Tech, I’d say this: your experience is really what you make of it.

Grad school can feel like just a continuation of undergrad, or it can feel like a full-time job. But if you lean into the opportunities here, there are countless ways to grow and achieve at a high level. CNRE gives you the environment, resources, and flexibility you just must take advantage of it.

One of the most valuable parts of my experience was the people. In Blacksburg, you’re in a small town, but you’re surrounded by a truly global community. I’ve met some of my closest friends here from nearly every continent. Literally every continent except Antarctica, but even then, because of CNRE I know people who have travelled to Antarctica. You build deep local connections while gaining a global perspective.

What’s next?

After defending my master's thesis, I spent time in Alaska returned to Blacksburg, then spent two months solo hiking over 500 miles across the Dolomites, Italy, and the Lofoten Islands, Norway, with essentially no plan. The only things I booked ahead of time were a one-way flight and my first night’s stay.

Sometimes not having a plan is the best plan. It forces you to adapt, take risks, and fully embrace the journey as it unfolds. 

At the same time, I’ve been building one of the fastest-growing geospatial communities on LinkedIn, which recently passed 23,000 followers. It’s been incredible to connect with people all over the world who share an interest in mapping, storytelling, and geospatial thinking. 

Alongside that, I’m continuing to grow a geospatial startup and will be working with NASA this summer in technology mapping.

I’m not exactly sure where everything is headed and that’s kind of the point. I’m focused on continuing to explore, build, and say yes to opportunities that come my way.