Salute to Seniors
It’s that shining time of the semester when the UNC students who have churned through the rigorous coursework, long days, and short breaks of their degrees can brush themselves off and say goodbye. Or, at least, we can say goodbye to them as they graduate.
This May, the Reese Innovation Lab congratulates five departing fellows who have supported its projects through their engineering, design, and communications. Before they head off on their next ventures, we celebrated their accomplishments, inquired about their time at the Lab, and learned of their post-grad plans.
Natalie Huggins
Bachelor’s in Media and Journalism & Computer Science
Front-End Developer/UX Designer at the Lab | Worked on HallPass and Greet Health
“I’ve learned so much, both from the projects I’ve been a part of and those I have seen develop through the Lab. My time here has allowed me to collaborate with many amazing individuals that are passionate and extremely talented. I’ve not only learned from them, but I’ve also made great friends in them. After gaining experience as a user experience designer on HallPass for the Carolina Together Testing Program, I’m interested in pursuing a future career in UX/UI design or front-end programming.”
Addison West
Bachelor’s in Computer Science
Front-End Developer at the Lab | Worked on both the Tiny Homes project and the Health Greeter Kiosks
“I only worked at the lab for three months, but I enjoyed every hour I spent figuring out how to program for emerging tech like AR or picking up tips from the senior developers. Steven, Max, and Daniel knew exactly how to leverage my skills while still teaching me and involving me in so much of the work that needed to be done. I can’t thank them enough for making me feel as prepared as I do for my next role as a software architect at Accenture!”
Halynna Snyder
Bachelor’s in Media and Journalism & English and Comparative Literature (with a concentration in Film Studies)
Developer at the Lab | Worked on Greet Health and the Lenovo Project
“Working at the Lab was one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of my time at UNC. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to learn from such inspiring, hard-working people whom I feel lucky to call my friends! After graduation, I’m excited to join wikiHow as a Project Management intern, where I’ll use my skills in development and design to optimize accessible education for all.”
Kevin LaTorre
Master’s in Strategic Communications
Communications Specialist at the Lab | Worked on the Greet Health campaign
“Though my time with the Lab was short, it proved pivotal because of the environment I encountered there: one of exploration and collaboration, where fellows and staff members join together each day to improve their work. As a communications specialist, I was lucky to follow the inspiring stories that members of the Lab have to tell about their work (especially the work done on the Health Greeter Kiosks and HallPass systems). I’m thankful for what I learned working alongside RIL members, in part because it has prepared me to join the Six Sails Group as a public relations specialist after graduation.”
Hannah Towey
Bachelor’s in Media and Journalism & Global Studies
Project Manager at the Lab | Worked on both the Tiny Homes project and Gear Up VR
“Tiny Homes and Gear Up VR were amazing projects to be a part of. Both use emerging tech to help local communities in uniquely different ways. As a project manager, I loved being able to communicate with both the Lab’s developers and our clients to problem-solve and get things done. I learned so much about augmented reality, and about combining emerging tech with initiatives for social good. Best of all, I had the opportunity to work with collaborative, smart and kind coworkers. The Reese fellowship has prepared me to tackle the world of tech reporting at Business Insider following graduation!”
As a team at the Reese Innovation Lab, we’re thankful for these students and their contributions to our work. Director Steven King reserves high praise for them: “They have really contributed to our work and been able to give us both their perspectives and their good, hard problem-solving. They have been really valuable to the Lab, the school, and the communities they’ve served.”
They’ve all devoted immense amounts of time and effort to their coursework as students and professionally at the Lab. They are dedicated learners. Additionally, they capped off their UNC careers amidst a global pandemic that spurred unprecedented changes in how we all work and learn. They are flexible innovators. They have risen to meet the challenges of this year and contributed impactful solutions to help keep our communities safe. They are change-makers.
We are beyond excited to see what they accomplish in their next roles and future careers.
Class of 2021 — we salute you and thank you!
