Click on a student’s name or picture to learn more about their experiences with the Bridging Disciplines Program.
As a research assistant, Environment & Sustainability BDP Student Danielle Zaleski collected sediment samples from Austin's lakes, which was used in a project that studied the correlation between sediment microplastics and population density.
"Seeing samples from Austin's lakes that are full of microplastics helped put into perspective the urgency of plastic pollution, cementing my plans to find a career that allows me to protect the environment.”
Through her internship with the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, Human Rights & Social Justice BDP Student Anusha Hansraj had the opportunity to evaluate civil liberty violation cases and conduct legal research.
"This experience helped me realized I would love to do more non-profit and social justice work.”
As a Policy and Government Affairs Intern, Public Policy BDP student Ashley Smith experienced how non-governmental organizations (NGOs) impact the public policy process through her work with plastics-related legislation.
"I gained a better understanding of how government relations teams at NGOs interact with the public, other NGOs, and government officials to drive their agenda.”
As a Patients, Practitioners, & Cultures of Care BDP Student, Arti Madan measured policy and spatial indicators to analyze how Austin contributes to the health and well-being of its citizens.
"The most rewarding part of the Connecting Experience was being able to learn more about how my city, Austin, contributes to the health and well-being of its people, as well as the ways in which city leadership can better support its people.”
Inspired by a trip to Barcelona, Digital Arts & Media BDP Student Will Moore-Jones created Silent Echos, a short film about the unspoken struggles of loneliness.
"The foundation I gained will be invaluable on my journey since it has broadened my understanding of health disparities, barriers to healthcare, disease prevention, health systems and policies, and evidence-based medicine.”
Social Inequality, Health, & Policy BDP Student Shriya Swamy conducted research on cardiovascular disease mortality with the University of Houston’s Tilman J Fertitta Family College of Medicine.
"The foundation I gained will be invaluable on my journey since it has broadened my understanding of health disparities, barriers to healthcare, disease prevention, health systems and policies, and evidence-based medicine.”
Through the Urban Information Lab, Smart Cities BDP Student Margaret Liu collected spatial data and information for a research study on robot delivery systems.
"This connecting experience has confirmed my interest in doing research in spatial analysis for urban settings and problems.”
Digital Arts & Media BDP Student Julianna Valle explored the intersection between traditional art and the digital world through creating horror rhythm game Zombeats.
"I am able to show off to the world that not only can I transfer my traditional art skills into the digital world, but I am also able to understand and use other disciplines in the gaming world.”
As an intern with Medic Outpost, Patients, Practioners & Cultures of Care BDP Student Joyce Zhuang, helped design a first-aid curriculum tailored to the unique needs and resources of rural African tribes.
"The most rewarding aspect of my Connecting Experience was visiting Kenya, where I was able to meet locals, experience a new culture, and connect with healthcare professionals on the other side of the planet.”
BDP student Janelle Mendoza developed Click Wizard, a short visual novel, about a wizard that lives in a computer, for her Digital Arts & Media Creative Project.
"This foray into game design has given me tools to be able to discuss the topic with my future students. I now teach middle school art, and being able to instruct kids in digital media and share game dev experiences has been super helpful to getting them engaged in art making!”