Victoria Hart, an associate academic advisor for the Bridging Disciplines Program (BDP), joined the team in the summer of 2023. As the first BDP staff member to be an alum of the program, she brings a unique perspective to her role. Victoria graduated from the University of Texas with a BDP certificate in Children and Society. Her personal experience as a BDP student has deeply informed her work, and she has quickly become an outstanding advisor, with a particular focus on enriching student engagement and promoting the value of interdisciplinary learning.
"I decided to return to my roots in Austin and work for the BDP team that helped shape my love for interdisciplinary learning, pushing myself to experience the world around me, and stay connected with students who love all the same things!"
Since returning to the BDP team, Victoria has revitalized the BDP Student Ambassadors program, ensuring that it plays a central role in strengthening the community and impact of the BDP. Under her leadership, the ambassadors now take a proactive role in coordinating community-building events within clusters of thematically related BDP certificates. This initiative not only fosters deeper connections among students with similar academic interests but also lessens the need for staff involvement in logistics, allowing for more student-driven activities. Victoria has also been instrumental in creating more opportunities for student engagement across the BDPs, such as organizing a New Student Welcome Social each semester.
Her UT Journey
Victoria has felt the pull towards UT since childhood. Her aunt attended UT, and her uncle even played in the Rose Bowl in 2005. When it came time to apply to college, she applied to only one school: UT Austin. During her undergraduate years, Victoria was highly involved in extracurricular activities and double-majored in English and Psychology. Through the Rapoport Scholar Program, she pursued a BDP certificate in Children and Society, inspired by her volunteer work at a local high school, which sparked her passion for working in educational settings. Motivated by her experiences as a student and volunteer, Victoria set out to inspire students in the classroom and beyond.
After earning her degree, Victoria went on to teach AP Literature and AP Psychology at another high school, where her students fueled her continued love of learning. This passion led her to pursue a master's in literature in London. It was the collegiate setting that drew her back to UT, once again. Victoria then found a job working the BDP team that helped shape her love for interdisciplinary learning. She has even been able to guide some of her former students through their own BDP journeys, further illustrating the lasting impact of the program.
About the Bridging Disciplines Program
The Bridging Disciplines Programs (BDPs) allow undergraduates to develop a secondary area of specialization that complements their major. To earn a BDP certificate, students must complete 19 credit hours combining interdisciplinary coursework, hands-on research, internships, and creative experiences. By studying an issue from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, they become more flexible, versatile thinkers, prepared to collaborate, innovate, and adapt in a professional world that values interdisciplinary knowledge.
Interested in interdisciplinary learning? Visit the BDP webpage to learn how you can start your own journey.