Learning Spaces

Transcript

Okay, everyone. Mary is here to take us through some amazing spaces for learning. She’s an alumni and a graduate student in computer science who studied in Moscow and at the campus in Coeur d’Alene. And she spent a lot of time with a robot named Larry. Let’s find out more.

– Thanks so much, Alex. Hi, everyone. When I first came to the University of Idaho, I was interested in everything and had no idea what to study. I had joined a business club in high school, so I decided to apply to the University of Idaho’s College of Business and Economics. One of the great things about U of I is how many opportunities there are. You can try everything. I joined several clubs on campus and got a job as a video editor for the biological engineering department. I got to spend time in the biodiesel production lab with the Clean Energy Club, help a friend with an ad campaign in the library’s video recording studio and learn about tech startups in the IRIC. As an undergrad here on the Moscow campus, I got to spend a lot of time in spaces like this, the Assistive Robotics Lab. When I transitioned to graduate school in computer science at the U of I Coeur d’Alene campus, I would study in a classroom right on the water, before going down to work with our 700 pound robot arm, Larry, in his lab downstairs from our office. I think every day we try something new. I’ve been grateful for all of the spaces U of I has provided to support learning how to tackle difficult problems. From labs to studios to classrooms, there are always resources available to help you find innovative solutions. We’ve had a lot of interest from employers based on the types of skills we’re building in our programs here, and I really feel that the program has set us up for success in the computer science and robotics industry. I never thought I would end up in a STEM field, but the University of Idaho made it possible for me by providing great programs and incredible mentorships. I’m excited to continue working and I can’t wait to see where the industry goes. That’s it for me. Back to you, Alex.

– Mary, it’s amazing to hear that all those learning spaces helped you refine the pursuit of your education, and even better, that the types of skills that you’re learning at the U of I are the kind that employers are looking for. Thanks again, Mary.