Mary Kate Hale
About Mary Kate
Year: Senior
Major: Elementary Education; minor in Special Education
Hometown: Olathe, KS
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Matthew Clay
Research Recognition: 2023 Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar
Learn more about the Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar Award
Describe Your Research
Dr. Clay, another student, and I went to Rocky Mountain National Park and filmed 360 degree videos in 6K around the park. We spent multiple days going to various trails and sites to get impressive shots of the Rockies. These videos can be used as immersive experiences for students. I have started creating Special Education lesson plans for elementary use.
What was it like sharing your research?
We presented our research at the 2023 Kansas Undergraduate Research Days. We created a poster to summarize our experience of our trip to the Rockies, and what we plan on doing with the videos and information that was collected while we were on our trip. We completed this presentation virtually since we all live in separate places. I am extremely proud of the work that is being done with these 360 degree videos between my peer and I. This was a really cool experience getting to share our hard work with others.
What are your future career goals?
I have accepted a position in human resources with recruiting, training, and onboarding in the auto industry. I have learned so much during my time in college about how to teach other people, so that will definitely help me when training. This project has helped me learn to create lessons and instruction that is neat, comprehensible, and functional. I plan on transferring those skills when onboarding, training and welcoming new employees.
Why should other students get involved in research?
This experience was one that I will never forget. I encourage all students to find some way that they can get involved in scholarly activities. Especially online students. It seems so easy as an online student to just get through the degree, and never actually meet any of your peers or professors. However, this experience really changed how I view online schooling. There are awesome and exciting opportunities for students like us! I have to give a huge thank you to Dr. Clay for being a professor who wanted to give online students this kind of experience.