Case Western Reserve offers students a number of ways to find meaningful real-world experiences.
Bailey Kaplan is a rising junior and triple major in computer science, cognitive science and psychology. Her goal is to become a psychologist who conducts research as to how technology and big data can benefit children struggling with mental health issues and their families. With her experiential learning opportunities through Case Western Reserve, she is one step closer to reaching her goal.
What was one of the reasons that helped you choose to attend CWRU?
“When I was touring other schools I was told I wouldn’t be able to double major in subjects as different as computer science and cognitive science, but at CWRU not only was this easy to do, but it was encouraged! And I just recently picked up psychology as a third major. My professors have constantly encouraged me to take leaps, pick up majors, immerse myself in everything the school has to offer and more. I could not be happier with my decision to attend.”
What is xLab and why did you decide to take part in it?
“xLab is a program through the Weatherhead School of Management that partners tech-inclined students from a variety of disciplines with Midwest companies to complete a project for class credit during the semester. The course is led by Professor Yoo, a world-renowned design and innovation professor at CWRU. I learn best when I’m hands-on, and I wanted to do real work for a company during the school year, without having to give up time on campus.”
What was the project you and your team worked on in xLab?
“My team and I worked with Penske Trucking Leasing Co. on their mobile app to help make the brand seem more approachable for a younger generation. Our team ended up creating prototypes, designing an algorithm and planning a marketing campaign. I gained a lot of knowledge both technical and professional.”
What other experiences have set you up for long-term success?
“My internships have been extremely valuable, but also student clubs and my classes. I am in a club called Design for America that splits students into teams to solve a community problem with a different organization every year by using design thinking. One of the companies we partnered with was Edwin’s, a local restaurant that helps those who were formerly incarcerated and gives them training so they can re-enter the workforce.
One of my favorite classes that I will take with me to the workforce was computer game design. Our final project was to design and develop any game we could imagine. We had complete creative liberty when programming our game, so we ended up learning a lot on our own to make it function the way we intended.”
Article Date
July 02, 2020
