Creative Collaboration in Computer Science
Fourth year BMS student Hailey Mah describes how she found a passion for Computer Science, and the subsequent creative connections it has formed throughout her degree.
One of the First
As one of the first students to participate in the BMS program, Hailey Mah has a unique perspective on the program, and how it’s changed her experience at UBC. From her explorations of Computer Science to her participation in the Work Learn program while editing an on-campus academic journal, Hailey has immersed herself in a multitude of different opportunities at UBC while finding ways to tie them all together in the BMS.
Initially, she was drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, for both its theory and practice. For Hailey, the non-competitive energy between her classmates has inspired her to collaborate with others in their niche areas of interest, while creating a community in a smaller, interdisciplinary program.
Computer Science as a Team
While embracing new theoretical and informational media theories in English and Information Studies, Hailey also thoroughly enjoyed her Computer Science courses. Along with two other BMS students, she even became a TA for CPSC 344. Although she was intimidated in her first Computer Science course, having friends from Media Studies made her feel supported, and lead her to declare a minor in Computer Science.
The unique connections Hailey has explored in Computer Science, both in her work and with the community, lead to working with the UBC SPIN (Sensory Perception and Interaction) lab on the EEG (Electro Encephalography) Emotion Models Project. At SPIN, Hailey and her team measure brain potential to detect physiological signals of emotional transitions. Hailey says she works in a collaborative community with a culture of mentorship in the lab.
“Detecting Emotions Through Physical Interaction”
UBC SPIN Lab
Opportunities
Along with her academics and UBC SPIN, Hailey is the current Editor in Chief of UJAH (Undergraduate Journal of Art History & Visual Culture) and works with the MOA (Museum of Anthropology) as a Communications and Shop Assistant. Hailey joined UJAH as a second year student, starting as a Peer Editor, and now looks after the administrative and managerial operations of the student-run publication.
With her Work Learn position with the Museum of Anthropology (MOA), Hailey has been connecting the experiences that museum visitors have in the exhibits to what they can touch, feel, and take home with them. According to Hailey, both UJAH and the MOA are excellent references for undergraduate students – one as a safe space for students to have work peer edited and published, the other as a quiet space, both indoors and outside.
The Undergraduate Journal for Art History & Visual Culture – Issue 6
UJAH Facebook page
“Collaboration happens at UBC”
When asked about her many connections on campus, Hailey explains that with UBC’s size and depth as an institution, there comes a multitude of opportunities for students that can be overwhelming. She encourages students to use UBC’s resources, like the Careers & Experience page, and program emails. Most importantly though, she emphasizes the importance of talking to your peers about their own projects and collaborations, and seeing where and how your classmates ideas can grow in the BMS.
“Within the cohort, there was never a sense of competition between students – everyone had their own pockets of interest but always supported each other.”
-Hailey Mah
