Shelby Clarke
Undergraduate Research Assistant in Marketing and Design at UMBC
Major: Visual Arts with Graphic Design Concentration
Briefly describe your research position including your day-to-day tasks and responsibilities.
Computing Education for the 21st Century (CE21) is an NSF funded project that strives to create a network of computer science professionals and gather data that will aid in increasing the support of CS education. I work to create web and print material that promotes CE21 and its programs. My coworkers and I analyze data from surveys to determine the needs of CS education – like diversity and greater public interest. We also work together to complete the tasks required for our events, always considering the best way to approach our target audience and to gain their support for CE21.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company and what have you found most challenging?
In my group of fellow researchers – three computer science students and one chemical engineer – I find that though I am the only visual artist, my internship is an opportunity to learn from all of the experience that this group has to offer. I always feel encouraged to share my own ideas and to create my very best design work. I occasionally find it difficult to complete tasks when I first have to get help or permission from others, or when I don’t have the means to get something done as quickly as I might on my own. However, this has taught me the value of delegating tasks and how to cooperate with my coworkers in order to finish a job.
What have you gained from your experience that you could not have gained from another summer activity?
As a visual arts major, any opportunity to use and improve my design skills is another chance for me to grow and learn in my field. Each opportunity is different, and the CE21 project has allowed me to learn more about web design and event management. I have also been able to expand my personal network with Maryland education officials and computer science professionals.
How do you see your summer work as meaningful? Has it given you a chance to work on issues or with communities that matter to you?
Although I am not a computer science student, the CE21 project has helped me to reevaluate the condition of education in Maryland high schools. While we address and plan to overcome the inconsistencies in computer science education throughout the state, I can see how this type of project could be replicated in any elective. In particular, I have realized how the arts could greatly benefit from the creation of a network of art educators who are determined to improve curricula and inspire their students. Because of the importance of CS in such a technological world, I am proud to be helping to address and solve the issues that face computing education and those who desire this course of study.
How has your summer experience shaped the way you think about your power to impact the world?
Prior to this position, it was tough for me to see myself as a professional or as someone who has sway over the professional world, but I have seen that this is not true. My supervisor, Dr. Susan Martin, has confidence in my abilities as a graphic designer, and the tasks I am assigned help me to constantly test and expand my skill set. Even among my coworkers I can see and value the diversity of thought that comes from being in a group. I am now more confident in my skills as an individual, and I know that though I will always still be learning, I am an artist, I am a designer, and I am a professional.
Undergraduate Research Assistant in Marketing and Design at UMBC
Major: Visual Arts with Graphic Design Concentration
Briefly describe your research position including your day-to-day tasks and responsibilities.
Computing Education for the 21st Century (CE21) is an NSF funded project that strives to create a network of computer science professionals and gather data that will aid in increasing the support of CS education. I work to create web and print material that promotes CE21 and its programs. My coworkers and I analyze data from surveys to determine the needs of CS education – like diversity and greater public interest. We also work together to complete the tasks required for our events, always considering the best way to approach our target audience and to gain their support for CE21.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company and what have you found most challenging?
In my group of fellow researchers – three computer science students and one chemical engineer – I find that though I am the only visual artist, my internship is an opportunity to learn from all of the experience that this group has to offer. I always feel encouraged to share my own ideas and to create my very best design work. I occasionally find it difficult to complete tasks when I first have to get help or permission from others, or when I don’t have the means to get something done as quickly as I might on my own. However, this has taught me the value of delegating tasks and how to cooperate with my coworkers in order to finish a job.
What have you gained from your experience that you could not have gained from another summer activity?
As a visual arts major, any opportunity to use and improve my design skills is another chance for me to grow and learn in my field. Each opportunity is different, and the CE21 project has allowed me to learn more about web design and event management. I have also been able to expand my personal network with Maryland education officials and computer science professionals.
How do you see your summer work as meaningful? Has it given you a chance to work on issues or with communities that matter to you?
Although I am not a computer science student, the CE21 project has helped me to reevaluate the condition of education in Maryland high schools. While we address and plan to overcome the inconsistencies in computer science education throughout the state, I can see how this type of project could be replicated in any elective. In particular, I have realized how the arts could greatly benefit from the creation of a network of art educators who are determined to improve curricula and inspire their students. Because of the importance of CS in such a technological world, I am proud to be helping to address and solve the issues that face computing education and those who desire this course of study.
How has your summer experience shaped the way you think about your power to impact the world?
Prior to this position, it was tough for me to see myself as a professional or as someone who has sway over the professional world, but I have seen that this is not true. My supervisor, Dr. Susan Martin, has confidence in my abilities as a graphic designer, and the tasks I am assigned help me to constantly test and expand my skill set. Even among my coworkers I can see and value the diversity of thought that comes from being in a group. I am now more confident in my skills as an individual, and I know that though I will always still be learning, I am an artist, I am a designer, and I am a professional.
