AccessSTEM Team Postsecondary Members

Hi, I'm Brittany. I am a junior at Rochester Institute of Technology where I am majoring in clinical psychology. I enjoy the study of criminology (my minor) and analyzing different types of art (such as film or books). I am hard of hearing, have mild cerebral palsy, and a neurological disorder called mitochondrial disease which, coupled with the cerebral palsy, can be very draining and tiring. I enjoy reading, playing video games, browsing the Internet, and spending time with animals and friends.

Hi. I am Ryan. I work for the U.S. government as an information technology specialist with a focus on Section 508. Currently, I am training to be an assistant Section 508 coordinator at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I graduated from the UW with a bachelor's degree in political science. I have benefitted from AccessSTEM support since 2002. AccessSTEM supported my work as a technical intern at the UW Access Technology Center. I have participated in many AccessSTEM activities, including networking events, the Web Accessibility Training program in 2009, and UW Workforce Recruitment Program events, which are managed by AccessSTEM staff.

Hi, my name is Laura. I have a traumatic brain injury. I'm a senior majoring in secondary education and math at Seattle University. I am active in the AccessSTEM e-mentoring community and networking events.

Hi! My name is Kayla. I attend BC and City University where I am earning credits that will transfer to the UW. I am interested in disability studies and psychology. I have benefitted from AccessSTEM since 2005. I now serve as a member of the A-Team, a small group of student leaders that help direct and implement AccessSTEM efforts. I participated in the 2009 AccessSTEM Electrical Engineering Lab-called "Sounds You Can See." Last year, I worked as an accessible technology intern in the AccessSTEM project. I currently have a job as a student assistant in the DO-IT office.

Hi. My name is Christopher. I recently graduated from BC, where I received a certificate in desktop publishing for print and web. I also have a degree in journalism from Western Washington University. I just finished a technical design internship, and I am job hunting for a position in design. I benefited from an AccessSTEM-sponsored Web Accessibility Training at BC in 2010. I like to travel, read, and study history.

Hello everyone! My name is Erica; I have Erb's palsy on my right arm. I am a freshman at the UW. I am super excited to be attending college! I am interested in studying oncology and becoming a doctor someday. I began participating in AccessSTEM in 2008. I love tennis; it is my absolute favorite sport in the entire world!

Hi. My name is Ella Mae (a.k.a. Ellamaniac). I will graduate this spring from BC with an associate's degree in animation and graphics. I hope to work in web animation, marketing, or advertising to gain real world experience and build my portfolio. My graphics and animation portfolio is at http://www.monstermill.6te.net. Currently I do a variety of projects for the BC disability resource center and organize service opportunities for BC clubs. I participated in an AccessSTEM-sponsored Web Accessibility Training at BC in 2010, and I also worked as a game design artist intern. In my free time, I enjoy live music, including punk and the Seattle Symphony. I also play piano and guitar.

Hello, my name is Archana. I am a senior at the UW, and I will graduate June 2011 with a bachelor's degree in chemistry and biochemistry. I am looking for jobs in the pharmaceutical industry. I like outdoor activities and adventure. I joined the AccessSTEM Team in 2010.

Hi. My name is Kate. I recently completed my doctoral studies at the UW in computer science and engineering. My thesis is titled Understanding and Supporting the Adoption of Assistive Technologies by Adults with Reading Disabilities. My passion for reading was what drew me to this topic. As I learned more about the social aspects of disability, I found myself engaging in advocacy efforts and even came to realize that my depression and anxiety issues were disabilities. Since I earned my Ph.D., I have been a member of the AccessSTEM A-Team. I enjoy identifying new activities and recruiting and mentoring younger students. I am looking for a post-doc position in educational research. My goal is to become a professor in an education department, teaching about the various intersections of disability, literacy, and technology.

Greetings! My name is Matthew, and I'm a senior at the UW. I earned my first bachelor's degree in cinema and TV from the University of Southern California in 2002. I am now working towards my second bachelor's degree in aquatic and fishery sciences. My current internship, which is funded by AccessSTEM, is in a research lab. My research involves diseases of marine invertebrates. I hope to begin graduate school after I earn my science degree. I would like to work in disease diagnostics, environmental health, and toxicology. AccessSTEM staff helped me arrange housing for a new research internship this summer at the Dow Chemical Company.

Hi, my name is Samantha. I have a physical disability and am a student of applied mathematics and psychology at the University of Texas at El Paso.

Hello, my name is Alisha. I am deaf. I'm in my senior year at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., where I am majoring in biology. Someday I hope to work in biological research. I like to visit local museums and learn about Alaskan biology. I joined the AccessSTEM Team in 2005.

Hi, my name is Justin. I attend the UW where I am studying chemistry. I have a mobility impairment. I swam for the U.S. at the Paralympics in China. I joined the AccessSTEM Team in 2010.

My name is Dylan. I have left-side hemiplegia, which primarily affects my left hand and arm. I attend Skagit Valley College on South Whidbey Island. I'm planning on transferring to one of three universities—UW, Southern Oregon University, or Western Washington University. I hope to work with sound, lights, and video in some way, whether it be in theater, movies, or music. In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and using the computer for Internet, chatting, and music.

Hi. My name is Anna Marie. I earned an associate's degree in information systems from BC last year. I also have a .NET programming certificate and a bachelor's degree in communications and broadcasting from the University of Northern Iowa. Since graduation, I am learning how to create accessible websites and attended the AccessSTEM Web Accessibility Training at BC. I am currently completing an AccessSTEM internship to create an accessible website for a local deaf-blind service center. I am passionate about information technology, and I get excited about programming, databases, and technical support. I also enjoy mentoring younger students through the AccessSTEM e-mentoring community. My dream job would be an information technology position where I could make an impact on the accessibility of technology for people of different abilities. I believe that one motivated person has the ability to change the world.

Hi, my name is Robert. I'm in my junior year at Washington State University where I am majoring in electrical engineering. I expect to graduate in the spring of 2012. I would like to work in communications. My disabilities are anxiety, depression, and ADD. My interests include traveling and mountain bike riding. I joined the AccessSTEM Team in 2009.

Hi, my name is Lisa. I am a graduate student at the UW School of Forest Resources. My studies focus on the impact of climate change on the functionality of tropical hymenopteran parasitoids (bees and wasps) as biological control agents of pest species in Coffea arabica (coffee). In other words, I chase insects through steep, muddy coffee fields. Although most of my field work is based in Costa Rica, I've also worked in Kenya as a field research assistant examining how elephant disturbance of forested habitat affects the arthropod prey of an endangered bird species. More locally, I assisted with a U.S. Corps of Engineers study examining the role of freshwater fish predation upon salmon fry. My other recent work includes field studies examining both temperate and tropical insect biodiversity in agro-ecosystems. Through AccessSTEM funding, I am working as an intern in a UW biology lab examining the DNA and hormonal profiles of endangered species. In 2011, I was awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship.

Hi. My name is Collin. I attend Shoreline Community College on a soccer scholarship and would like to transfer to a four-year school. I am interested in becoming involved in politics after I graduate from college. I have dyslexia.

Hi. My name is Emily. I joined the AccessSTEM Team in 2008 while I was finishing high school. I am enjoying classes at BC. I started learning American sign language last year! I love science, but at this time have no idea where that will take me. Being a student with dyslexia and dysgraphia has proven challenging, but I find college to be a lot of fun. I participated in the AccessSTEM Summer Electrical Engineering Lab "Sounds You Can See" in 2009. The lab was taught by an associate dean of the UW College of Engineering. I am a member of the National Ski Patrol, and I also enjoy rafting, hiking, biking.

Hi. My name is Keiro. I'm a student at BC majoring in digital gaming and hope to someday work in the gaming industry. I enjoy editing and creating games. I have a learning disability, ADHD, and autism. I joined the AccessSTEM Team in 2010.

Hi, my name is Leon, and I have cerebral palsy. Currently, I am in my second year of graduate school at the UW's Information School where I am studying library and information science. AccessSTEM funded my library science research internship at a local public library. I also completed an internship at the LEAP program at the Seattle Public Library. I recently started working as a publications editor at the UW Disability Resources for Students office. I joined the AccessSTEM Team in 2005.

Hi, my name is Vanessa. I have cerebral palsy and am pursuing a two-year degree in computer technology at Walla Walla Community College. I joined the AccessSTEM Team in 2004.

Hi, my name is Alex. I'm a UW research scientist focusing on next generation sequencing technologies and applications. I am visually impaired as a result of Stargardt's disease, a genetically linked, juvenile form of macular degeneration. I joined the AccessSTEM Team during my senior year in high school. I earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from the UW. AccessSTEM has helped me secure multiple internships in biological research. Project staff also helped me find an informational interview at a company called Seattle Biomedical and hired me to deliver presentations. I also completed an internship funded by a NASA Space Grant and worked as a UW biochemistry Teaching Assistant. My hobbies include crafting, painting, skiing, hiking, Rock Band, and playing the guitar.

Hi, my name is Sean. I am a freshman at the UW. I would like to study computer science or informatics and work in the field of accessible technology. As a member of the AccessSTEM A-Team, I develop the project activities website and help with activities and events. I like playing guitar, boating, driving, and camping. I am an Eagle Scout, and my project was to create angled stretching platforms that I donated to Seattle Children's (hospital). I have Becker muscular dystrophy.

Hello. I'm Marco. I attend Highline Community College, where I am majoring in chemistry and minoring in biology. Once I earn my associate's degree, I plan to go to the UW and earn a bachelor's degree in biochemistry. I hope to work in the chemistry field, perhaps in pharmaceutical research and biotechnology. I have a new-found passion in software programming and design so I might minor in computer sciences. I also enjoy learning more about chemistry, botany (especially exotic and tropical flowers), and software design. In my spare time I like to visit museums, parks, and libraries. I joined the AccessSTEM Team in 2008.

Hi, my name is Brandon. I have hemiplegia. I earned a master's degree in psychology at the University of Puget Sound.

Hi. My name is Scott. I am interested in math and physical education. I have a learning disability called dyspraxia, which makes it hard for me to take notes when instructors are speaking or writing, so they make a copy of those materials for me. I attend Skagit Valley College. My career goal is to be a park ranger, because I like the outdoors and I like working with my hands. I enjoy tennis, soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, hiking, cross-country running, hanging out with friends, and playing games.

Hello! My name is Megan, and I'm a student at BC pursuing an environmental science and marine biology degree. In the future, I would like to work with endangered species and environment preservation. I joined AccessSTEM Team in 2007. I learned about web accessibility at an AccessSTEM-sponsored training at BC in 2010. In my spare time, I enjoy playing tennis and staring at my two pet frogs named Wallace and Gromit (Gromie).

My name is Annemarie. I have cerebral palsy and usually use a motorized wheelchair. In 2009, I graduated from the University of Portland with a major in English and minors in Spanish and political science. After taking a little break, I jumped back into the realm of academia rather than the real world and am currently a first year law student at Willamette University College of Law. I'd like to study international humanitarian rights law. My interests include tutoring, reading, cooking, baking, playing board games, traveling, hanging out with good friends, and good food.

Hi, my name is Dorothea. I recently graduated from the UW, majoring in biology and Norwegian. I am very active in the environmental community, and I hope to work with environmental policy in the future. AccessSTEM supported an internship for me at the Sierra Club of Washington in 2009 and at the Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Division in 2010.

My name is Nohemi. I am a student at Yakima Valley Community College, where I am pursuing an associate's degree in computer science. Once I graduate, I would like to transfer to Washington State University, or to Heritage University and earn a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or programming. My dream is to work for Microsoft or Boeing.

Hi, my name is Moha. I am working towards a bachelor's degree in medical engineering. I am very interested in public health and working in the medical field. I recently moved to the Northwest, and I enjoy the weather as well as attending the theater and visiting local museums. I joined the AccessSTEM Team in 2010.

Hi, my name is Jesse. I graduated from Goshen College with a degree in computer science. I recently finished a year of volunteer work in San Francisco with the Tenderloin Technology Lab where I taught unemployed and under-employed adults how to use a computer. I am now working as a software developer for a software consulting company in the San Francisco Bay Area. When I am not at work, I enjoy photography and taking advantage of all the great things to do in San Francisco.

Hi, my name is Mike. I have Asperger's syndrome, and I am pursuing associate's degrees in computer animation and photography at Shoreline Community College.

Hi, I'm Kaitlin, but everyone calls me Katie. I attend Washington State University where I am pursuing a degree in business accounting. I enjoy anime and playing video games.

Hi. My name is Wesley. I graduated from high school and plan to begin my college studies at Lower Columbia College. Someday, I hope to be a psychologist working with children or families. I use a wheelchair to get around because I have quadriplegia. I appreciate when people ask me questions directly instead of asking my nurse. I enjoy watching Dr. Phil and reading.

Hi, my name is Sara. I am a junior at Evergreen State College studying to become a clinical psychologist. I am involved with the campus disability club and the assistive technology lab. I love to write stories and read poems. I have a visual impairment.

Hi, I'm Steven. I received my bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Arizona. I am currently working for an Internet marketing firm. I compete in wheelchair track, and I had the honor of representing the United States at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics where I competed in the 400m, 800m, and marathon. I have my eyes set on the 2012 London Paralympics.

Hi. My name is Brianna. I attend Cascadia Community College. After I earn my associate's degree, I hope to transfer to a four-year university. I would like to work with children with special needs. I have cerebral palsy; I can walk, but sometimes I use a wheelchair. I also have some visual and hearing impairments. I use Pidgin Signed English to communicate in large crowds or in a classroom. In my spare time, I enjoy bowling, horseback riding, reading, and knitting.

Hi, my name is Daman, and I am a senior at Western Washington University (WWU) majoring in business administration and management of information systems and minoring in Internet resource creation and management. My goal is to work in project management at an information technology company. I joined the AccessSTEM Team in 2006. I am the president of Access Web, providing IT accessibility and disability advocacy services. I also work as an IT specialist remotely for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where I am working on PDF accessibility and Section 508 compliance. This past summer, I returned to Washington, D.C. and interned in the Chief Information Officer's office at NASA headquarters.

Hi, my name is Matthew, and I am a sophomore at the UW. I am pursuing a degree in computer science and a minor in mathematics. I am fascinated by computers and am an avid gamer. I joined the AccessSTEM Team in 2010. I hope to work in the robotics field. In 2009 I was able to attend an AccessSTEM-sponsored event on the UW campus called Microsoft Mentoring Day. I got to meet several employees from Microsoft and talk to them about their career. In 2010, I participated in the UW Workforce Recruitment Program, which is managed by AccessSTEM staff. I also participated in an AccessSTEM Web Accessibility Internship in 2011. Currently I am looking for an internship in the computer field. I have a circulatory condition and a factor V Leiden deficiency.