The New Media Certificate has offered me the opportunity to expand my knowledge of emerging technologies and develop meaningful projects/skills that will aid me in my future endeavors.

I started my New Media certificate journey the fall semester of my junior year and fell in love with the content of the Intro to New Media course. We discussed the history of computers, major tech companies, and various topics all centered around the growing field of technology. As a former biological engineering major, my passion has been designing medical equipment, interfaces, and prosthetics to help those in need of it most. With the high pace environment of the health care environment, I wanted to design new, innovative products that will decrease the cognitive strain put on doctors and other medical professionals while treating patients. I have always wanted to use my talents in analytical problem solving and innovative creativity to make products that will make a meaningful impact. However, I shortly realized that the engineering field was not what I was truly passionate about and decided to switch to psychology where I got to explore the human mind and cognition which has always interested me since I was a child. But there was still something missing. And I came to realize how I was neglecting the very same interest for design and technology that had made me want to pursue engineering.

Then I found the New Media Institute and finally discovered an intersection of studies that embodies all my interests and passions! Furthermore, this program has exposed me to the field of User Experience (UX) Design & Research in which I wish to pursue using my background in psychology in the development of innovative technological interfaces and products that are designed for the user in mind.