Meet Nicole (she/her), a 5th-year Cognitive Systems and Co-op student at the Emerging Media Lab. As the Lab Coordinator, she plays a big role in overseeing daily operations and supporting project teams in achieving their goals. For Nicole, working at EML has helped her build a strong skillset in project management, web design, and public speaking. To find out more about Nicole’s role, check out the interview below!
What are your responsibilities as a Lab Coordinator?
In this role, I have many responsibilities. This includes coordinating all of EML’s resources, onboarding new student members, and providing ongoing administrative support. Documentation is extremely crucial at EML, and I have been assisting with the technical documentation of our lab process.
I also organize internal/external meetings and events for EML, as well as liaise with industry partners to provide guidance for students. Finally, I’ve done quite a lot of work on the EML website through customization and redesign of different pages, especially the Projects page.
What learning opportunities this position provides you with?
Since I had no leadership experience before EML, I find this position extremely valuable in growing my confidence and public speaking skills. EML has also given me a chance to branch out of my comfort zone, learn HTML and CSS for UBC websites using WordPress, and develop new ideas on how to improve the lab. They’ve given me immense support in my learning objectives, which include knowledge on the growth of emerging technology, web design and development skills, as well as project management and coordination. With EML, I’ve gotten to improve my organization skills and task prioritization, while also touching on communication skill building through diverse client interactions (whether with staff, faculty, students, or external clients).
How would you describe your experience working at the EML?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at EML. This lab has provided me with such a welcoming and supportive environment for my growth and development, and I’ve learned so much. I also took on different tasks that I’ve never handled before, which made this job even more rewarding.
Would you recommend other students to apply?
I could not recommend working at EML enough. I come to work in the lab every single day, and there hasn’t been a time where I didn’t have a smile on my face. EML is all about the people, and it really shows through all the different connections I have made during my time here. Of course, I’m not forgetting about the amazing and innovative projects that EML supports. Working at EML is an amazing opportunity if you’re looking to build personal and technical skills through collaborative prototyping processes. If you’re looking for an environment where you have the chance to learn and test things out, along with the permission to FAIL, or if you’re looking for specific research endeavours and want to pursue a project in a lab, EML is the perfect place to go.
Interested in connecting with Nicole? Here is her LinkedIn!
If you’re interested in getting involved with EML, check out our student opportunities here, come to our drop-in hours, or send an email to emergingmedia.lab@ubc.ca.