Interview with 2023 USRA recipient: Amanda Dam

Can you start off by sharing the title of your 2023  Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) project?
Amanda Dam: Artistic Live Coding of Computational and Educational Concepts

Can you tell us about your research project?
Amanda Dam: The aim of my research project was to identify how computational concepts can be effectively implemented with live coding languages to foster education of these concepts. To approach my research question I began by understanding how computational concepts have been implemented with live coding languages. I did this by learning to use 6 different live coding languages. Additionally, I complied and analyzed academic sources to help me better understand the applications of live coding in education. Then using what I learned, I developed my own live coding language implementing aspects I found to be effective in communicating computational concepts.

Looking back now, can you share a bit about your experience working on this project?
Amanda Dam: As an Arts and Science student combined with Media Arts pursuing a minor in computer science, it is quite evident that I have an interest in various fields. Being a USRA recipient has allowed me to explore my interdisciplinary interests and better understand the field of study I would like to pursue in the future. Since the USRA involves a self-directed project, I had the freedom to choose what I wanted to research and how I wanted to research it. Having this freedom was a learning process as the progress of my project relied on my own ability to contribute to it. However, the experience was very rewarding as I developed self-discipline and learned more about the research process. I also had the opportunity to work alongside a professor whose work I am interested in, and this experience allowed me to become more familiar with what he does.

How did the USRA complement or build on your studies in the Arts & Science Program?
Amanda Dam: As I previously mentioned, I am pursuing a Combined Honours in Media Arts as well as a minor in Computer Science. My research relates to my combined honours and minor as it involves the creation of media, namely audio, with code. The interdisciplinary nature of my project also aligns with the values of the Arts and Science program as it encourages students to engage with a vast variety of subjects. Arts and Science courses also encourage students to be concerned with methods of pedagogy and provide students with tools to challenge these methods. Similarly in my research, I was concerned with how computer science has been taught and how it can be taught in a way students are more receptive of.

Do you have any advice for students interested in applying for an Arts & Science USRA in future?
Amanda Dam: My advice would be to just do it, apply! Use the USRA to explore your interests and figure out the fields you like or dislike. It’s an opportunity to learn and guide your own research. It’s also a great opportunity to work with a supervisor who you can build a connection with and learn from.

Click here to read interviews with the other 2023 USRA recipients.