Kirsten Johnson
GIS Data Specialist
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Full Name: Kirsten Johnson
Grad Year: 2023
Degree: MS in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science
Current Title: GIS Data Specialist
Current Employer: Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Job Summary: I analyze crash, roadway, and traffic data to support safety improvements across Massachusetts. My work includes building interactive GIS dashboards, conducting spatial analyses, and developing tools to help MassDOT and local agencies identify high-risk areas for vulnerable road users. I also support public outreach campaigns and data storytelling to inform policy and programming.
How did you find your current position? I found the position on MassCareers in 2020, before I started the DACSS program. It aligned well with my interest in using data and GIS to inform public policy and transportation safety
Favorite part of your job? Using data to make a tangible impact on road safety. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work contributes to reducing crashes and saving lives.
Are there any skills or lessons learned while in your program that you use often? R/Python, machine learning concepts, data visualization, and spatial analysis are central to my work. Beyond technical skills, DACSS taught me how to communicate complex findings to non-technical audiences, which is critical in a public agency setting.
How did your program/degree prepare you for this role and career? Since I was already in this role when I started the program, DACSS helped me deepen my skills and take on more complex projects at work. It gave me stronger technical tools and taught me different ways to to approach data problems at work.
What advice would you give to current or future students? Take as many coding classes as you can, even if you don’t plan to be a full-time programmer. Having a solid foundation in coding will set you apart in any data-related field and open doors you might not expect. It’s a skill that gives you flexibility, boosts your confidence, and makes you much more versatile on any team.