Past Short-term Working Group Projects
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Neuroscience of Addiction Textbook Creation
Faculty Member: Dr. Francesca Filbey
School of Behavior & Brain Sciences
Students will assist in all aspects of writing a 2nd edition of a textbook on the Neuroscience of Addiction. They will be engaged in conceptualization, literature search and review via public databases, organization of materials using tools, formatting and reference compilation via reference managers, creation of images, proofreading, etc. Students will be exposed to the process and actively contribute to a product.
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Project Steamboat
Faculty Member: Dr. Christine Veras
Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology
In January 2024, Disney Studios pioneering animation Steamboat Willie (1928) became public domain. In this SWG, I propose deconstructing what the character means, adding its popular and controversial meanings related to Disney Studios’ history as a re-animation of segments of Steamboat Willie. This experimental animation will be created on paper, with the film frames printed and Mickey Mouse’s character cut out frame by frame manually. In the void left by the character, different textures and quick snapshots of highlight moments of the studio will blink, helping to reshape the character’s meaning. This re-animation- must will be submitted to Aurora’s 2024 Video Art Night in downtown Dallas.
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Hydroponics System Creation
Faculty Member: Dr. Stephanie Taylor
School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Students will investigate, plan out and build a hydroponics set up for home/classroom use. This will involve (1) choosing plants that can grow in such setups, figuring out how to germinate seeds or start with grown plants, (2) selecting the most economical nutrition/chemical balances, as well as testing and measuring procedures to check on the health of the plants, (3) determining materials and building supplies needed to create the set up itself and (4) building as well as tear down and storage. (On one hand it would be nice to build on the 3rd meeting so the students could see a few weeks of growth/development, but this will depend on how the first two sessions go.) We’ll also use Safety Data Sheets and have discussions about proper safety.
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Graduate Infant Development Course Creation
Faculty Member: Dr. Melanie Spence
School of Behavior & Brain Sciences
Students will help to develop course materials for an entry-level graduate course focusing on the development of infants from the prenatal period until the age of two years. A reading list will be developed for course topics and assessment questions relating readings to the text will be developed. Two learning activities designed to steer students to critically evaluate research in infant development will be designed.
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K-12 Engineering Education Project
Faculty Member: Dr. Ben Porter
School of Engineering and Computer Science
Students will develop a project to teach the basics of engineering design. This project will be used by K-12 teachers to educate their students about the engineering process. Members of the SWG will learn about engineering design, demonstrate creativity and problem solving skills, and learn about creating assessment materials.
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Business Communication Textbook Edits
Faculty Members: Drs. Sarah Moore and Kathryn Lookadoo
Jindal School of Management
Have you been assigned a textbook to read for class? Did you love/like it? Did you hate it (and maybe not read it…shhh, we won’t tell)? If you answered “yes” to these questions, this SWG is for you! We are writing a business communication textbook for first-year students and want your input on what students like and don’t like in textbooks and what helps you learn. You will consult on textbook content, innovate learning and training in business education, and create the type of textbook content you would want to use.
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Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Faculty Member: Dr. Maria Hasenhuttl
Jindal School of Management
Join the Neurodiversity Celebration Week Team! We’re inviting enthusiastic students from all fields to plan and execute unique events in March 2024. You’ll get to brainstorm workshops, connect with alumni and faculty, and promote programs for neurodivergent individuals. We are looking for students with a passion for learning and making a difference. Whether you’re neurodivergent, know someone who is, or just want to make a positive change to our campus community, we welcome you. Apply now to contribute to memorable events. Let’s make a real-world impact together!
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A. Maceo Smith Historical Website
Faculty Member: Dr. Kimberly Hill
Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology
The Working Group collaborated to create a multi-page website on the archival collection of Dallas civil rights leader A. Maceo Smith. Hosted by the African American Museum of Dallas, the virtual exhibit showcases Smith’s life. The group enhanced historical details provided by Brenda Lakhani, a UTD Ph.D. student, determining optimal formatting and visual aids. This joint effort provided students with the opportunity to develop skills in web design, copy editing, media analysis, and organization. Through the process, they gained valuable professional experience by incorporating feedback from faculty, museum staff, and community members of various ages.
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NIH Scientific Rigor Improvement Project
Faculty Members: Drs. Salena Brody, Ben Kolber, & Regina Ybarra
School of Behavior & Brain Sciences
Students had an exciting opportunity to work alongside three professors, Drs. Salena Brody, Ben Kolber, & Regina Ybarra, on a National Institute of Health (NIH) funded project aimed at improving rigor in science. The project involved the development of creative and engaging modules to showcase the decision-making processes involved in scientific research and how unintentional shortcuts undermine rigor. Students curated content for teaching modules and contributed to the development of narrative arcs and storyboards for interactive online modules. The program welcomed students with research methods training who could think creatively about narrative arcs for the “choose your own adventure” style training envisioned.
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Early Childhood Intervention Course Development
Faculty Member: Dr. Meridith Grant
School of Behavior & Brain Sciences
Students had the opportunity to contribute to the development of course materials for a graduate-level course focused on toddlers’ and preschoolers’ development, emphasizing information relevant to early childhood intervention (ECI). They created a reading list tied to core course topics, such as physical, cognitive, and social development, and developed in-class collaborative learning activities and individual assessment questions from those readings. Alongside deepening their content knowledge, students refined their research analysis, course design, and assessment development skills. The materials they worked on were implemented in the Spring 2024 course.
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Health Psychology Course Materials
Faculty Member: Dr. Heidi Kane
School of Behavior & Brain Sciences
Students assisted in co-creating course materials for a Health Psychology course, contributing content like news articles, podcasts, YouTube videos, and empirical readings for Perusal Guided Reading assignments and class engagement activities. They developed skills in course design, inclusive teaching, group collaboration, and public speaking within a supportive environment. This experience provided insight into the behind-the-scenes process of course design.
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Criminology Collaboration Database Development
Faculty Member: Arthur Vasquez
School of Economics, Political & Policy Sciences
Students assisted in developing a working list of potential agencies interested in collaborating with the Criminology and Criminal Justice Department. They cultivated skills in organization, communication, networking, and writing. The experience emphasized the significance of networking in establishing partnerships beneficial to students, the university, and agencies. The goal was for students to gain practical knowledge of professional development and collaboration while exploring diverse career opportunities. The group focused on four sessions to identify and connect with area agencies keen on establishing a working partnership with the Criminology and Criminal Justice Department.
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Electricity & Magnetism Course Development
Faculty Member: Dr. Lamya Saleh
School of Natural Science & Mathematics
Students assisted in the preparation of educational online materials for an “Electricity and Magnetism Course.” They developed skills in utilizing online resources and art materials, while also exploring the incorporation of AI in material development. Applying their knowledge in Electricity and Magnetism, students assessed suitable methods to demonstrate concepts.
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Music & Generative AI Interactions
Faculty Member: Dr. Katrina Rushing
Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology
Students assisted in a research project exploring the intersection of music and generative AI. The project assessed the capabilities of current AI platforms in creating, analyzing, and describing/writing about music. Additionally, the team developed recommendations for optimal use of AI in the creative process, targeting both students and instructors. While the students were required to read music, enrollment in music courses at UTD was not a prerequisite.
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Elementary Engineering Design Basics
Faculty Member: Dr. Ben Porter
School of Engineering & Computer Science
Students developed a project to teach the basics of engineering design and will be used by K-12 teachers to educate their students about the engineering process. members learned about engineering design and how to create assessment materials, demonstrating creativity and problem solving skills.
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Environmental Justice Course Creation
Faculty Member: Dr. Torrie Cropps
School of Interdisciplinary Studies
Students assisted in developing new content/material for a relatively new course – environmental justice. Students with basic knowledge and/or environmental justice were a good fit for this program.
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Building a Dinosaur
Faculty Member: Dr. Christine Veras
Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology
Students assisted with creating a 14-foot dinosaur to help promote the play Winsor & Gertie performed on campus in the fall of 2023. They helped research the best solutions to build Gertie the dinosaur and built it during four sections in the summer. This Short-term Working group was open to students with drawing and sculpting skills from any major. From character accuracy to developing visual-spatial abilities, the in-person meetings covered collaboration and crafts skills to build something together. The dedicated team consisted of six undergrads and one graduate student. More information and behind-the-scenes of this project is available here: https://labs.utdallas.edu/experimental/building-a-dinosaur/
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Social Psychology Course Creation
Faculty Member: Dr. Salena Brody
School of Behavioral and Brain Science
Students assisted with co-creating course materials for a Social Psychology course. Specifically, students contributed relevant content (e.g. news articles, podcasts, YouTube videos) for the 15 Perusall Guided Reading assignments that were in development. Students developed skills related to course design, inclusive teaching, and online pedagogy.
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Bioconcrete Functionality Research
Faculty Member: Dr. Kelli Palmer
School of Natural Science and Mathematics
Students assisted with evaluating the use of bioconcrete for building infrastructure on other planets. They developed skills related to scientific research, presentation of research and experimental design. Students worked together to identify the strengths and weaknesses of using bioconcrete in space and to identify the most important experiments to be done to address unanswered questions in the field. These activities will be used in applications to NASA spaceflight experiments and for design of course-based research experiences at UT Dallas. Experience in biology, chemistry and/or geosciences coursework was recommended but not required.
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Bioengineering Boot Camp
Faculty Member: Dr. Ben Porter
Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science
Students assisted in the planning and execution of a new student boot camp for bioengineering students held at the end of the summer. They helped determine the topics to be covered, researched the topics and prepared background information, determined an appropriate schedule, and helped present the information.
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Chess Instruction Modernization
Faculty Member: Dr. Alexey Root
School of Interdisciplinary Studies
Students modernized, with algebraic notation and inclusive language, Howard Staunton’s The Blue Book of Chess. They developed chess skills, English language skills, and webpage design skills. The objective was to put Chapter I: Introduction of this public domain book on accessible webpages. Chapter I is approximately 14,000 words plus numerous chess diagrams. Each of the four sessions tackled approximately 3,500 words.
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DEI Principles Textbook Material Creation
Faculty Member: Dr. Meghna Sabharwal
School of Economic, Policy, and Political Science
In our project, students will work collaboratively to create engaging and visually captivating instructional materials for a textbook titled “Managing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Public Service Organizations: A Liberatory Justice Approach” published in June 2024. This project is a unique opportunity for students to apply their digital skills, creativity, and understanding of DEI principles to produce high-quality PowerPoint presentations, suggest podcasts, and other multimedia resources that enhance learning. By participating, students will gain practical experience in translating complex concepts into accessible and interactive materials. No specific prerequisites are required, but familiarity with DEI concepts and a strong interest in instructional design will be beneficial. Let’s collaborate!
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Digital Game Storytelling Course Creation
Faculty Member: Dr. Monica Evans
Bass School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology
Students will assist with co-creating course content for an advanced course in digital game storytelling, focusing on games with single-player, multi-linear narrative experiences. Students will examine, analyze, and help develop assignments centered on games with strong characters, dialogue, plot, worldbuilding, and settings/environments, as well as games with unique structures for interactive storytelling and strong representation of diverse characters and cultures. Students will develop skills related to game design, narrative structure, course design, and inclusive teaching.
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MoGraph Lab Promo Video
Faculty Member: Prof. Eric Farrar
Bass School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology
Join us in crafting a promotional video for the MoGraph Lab at the BAHT School! Dive into the world of motion design – where graphic design meets animation – by participating in our short-term working group. Learn to capture dynamic live-action interviews exploring the essence of “motion design.” Whether you’re a newcomer ready to explore the world of motion design or a seasoned animator seeking to refine your skills, there’s a place for you here. Dive into live-action interviews, learn editing/animation tools, and elevate your skills alongside a diverse team of creators.
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Lifespan Development Redesign
Faculty Member: Dr. Kristin Atchison
School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences
Students helped redesign Lifespan development (PSY/CLDP 2314) for diverse student needs. Students helped tailor content to the needs of psychology and child learning and development majors, as well as students taking the course for preparation for the MCATs or working in healthcare. Student best suited for this project had taken Lifespan Development and ideally also had insight into the needs of students in various groups. Students also helped design active class assignments where students can more deeply engage with the content to develop a richer understanding.
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Pediatric Disorders Case Files
Faculty Member: Dr. Conrad Capili
School of Behavioral & Brain Sciences
Students of all disciplines are invited to help develop a series of case narratives to illustrate different perspectives on pediatric disorders. This series will be integrated into a longitudinal learning activity for undergraduate and graduate level courses centered on child health and well-being. Each collaborator will create a detailed fictional patient for learners to follow on a journey through diagnosis, accessing supportive resources, and gleaning practical insights. Participants will gain experience in educational design, creative writing, storytelling, online research skills, cultural sensitivity, clinical reasoning, and professional communication.
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Studying Guideline Creation
Faculty Member: Dr. Karen Huxtable-Jester
School of Behavioral & Brain Sciences
Did anyone ever teach you how to study? Are you still figuring it out? This group will prepare guidelines about how to learn. These will come from research the group reads on what learning science reveals about what works. The group will collaborate to decide how to communicate their findings and to whom and then will create this product. Possibilities include an infographic, social media content, podcast, video, or presentation. In addition to learning effective study strategies, students will learn about research methods and communicating research results to non-experts.
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SPAU Communications Course Development
Faculty Member: Dr. Emily Touchstone
School of Behavioral & Brain Sciences
Students will work directly with me to develop a census-style, lower level, core curriculum course that satisfies the requirements for the UTD transcript and follows the rules set by the UT System. Communication courses that are currently available are not related to speech, language, and hearing science, the associated developmental processes and associated differences and the societal impacts those differences pose.
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Energy Alternatives Board Game
Faculty Member: Dr. Stephanie Taylor
School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Comparing alternative energies is challenging, especially when they often come with different scales. The goal of this SWG is to compare different power plants, and work to design a simple board game so students could play it to get an idea of how upfront costs and perpetual costs and upkeep interplay into the question “which alternative energy is best?”
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Software Engineering Course Materials Creation
Faculty Member: Dr. Srimathi Srinivasan
School of Engineering & Computer Science
Students will help to develop course materials for an undergraduate level course on Software Engineering. I want to develop the course more in a practical approach rather than a theoretical way of learning. Students will help me in the course design. Their experience in learning this course last semester with me and they can offer insight into discrepancies they saw in this course will help me make this course better. The students are willing to make the course interesting for future students to do this course based on what is relevant for them today in industry.
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Accommodations Incorporation Research
Faculty Member: Dr. Ben Porter
School of Engineering & Computer Science
Student needs for an equitable education vary drastically. I am interested in developing best practices to make student accommodations a norm instead of an exception. My goal for this project is to research the most common needs of students with accommodations, find methods for incorporating them into class and curricular design, and to find research indicating that including these techniques are beneficial to all students without reducing rigor or creating additional burden on faculty.
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Friend-Making Study Development
Faculty Member: Dr. Ben Porter
School of Engineering & Computer Science
Making friends and social groups can be an essential step in a student’s success at college. I have tried a method for encouraging students in my classes to get to know each other that I would like to conduct a study on. This SWG will aid in my development of that study and begin the process of getting approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to conduct the study.
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Theatrical Play Critique
Faculty Member: Prof. Christine Postolos
Naveen Jindal School of Management
Students will participate in reading aloud and critiquing a draft full-length play to help the author improve it. We will have a fun read-through each week and develop the skill of articulating feedback about the play’s merits and opportunities.
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Gaming in a Professional Setting
Faculty Member: Dr. Timothy Christopher
Bass School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology
Calling all gamers! This work group will enlist students to aid with analyzing the logistics of running a multi-session, multi-player, no-elimination game in a professional academic setting. The students will fill the roles of players participating in a short 4 session competition. The goal is to create a concise list of concepts and guidelines for designing games to be played for educational purposes in classroom settings.
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Political Donation Data Analysis
Faculty Member: Dr. Andrew Krajewski
School of Economic, Policy, & Political Science
I am working on a research project that examines campaign contributions to criminal justice elections. Montgomery County, PA provides campaign contribution reports on their website as PDFs. These reports detail the amount contributed, the recipient of the donation, and whether the donor is an individual, business, or Political Action Committee (PAC). Students will be trained to transcribe/quantify the information from the PDFs. Students will then help develop an activity that teaches students how to visualize and understand the structure of campaign finance networks.
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Sci-Fi Game Analysis
Faculty Member: Dr. Monica Evans
Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology
Students will assist with identifying, categorizing, selecting, and analyzing between twenty and thirty science fiction games as part of the research process for a book project. Analyses will focus on single-player digital games released within the last two decades, ranging from large-scale triple-A releases to small independent titles across multiple game genres and platforms. Students are expected to have experience in playing digital games at various difficulty levels. Our sessions will explore the relationship between science fiction as a narrative genre and digital games as an interactive, mechanics-driven medium.
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Online Student Magazine
Faculty Member: Dr. Torrie Cropps
School of Interdisciplinary Studies
Students will help to develop an online journal/magazine for student publications. We will choose a name, format, platform, develop the artwork for the cover (or at least an idea of what it could look like), content plan, and branding. Students interested in print and digital media, environmental sciences, and publishing (e.g., op-eds, poetry, book reviews, etc; not journal manuscripts) would be great for this SWG. The deliverable will be available for UTD students interested in publishing previously mentioned works by the end of Spring 2024. I would also like participating students to consider (definitely not required) serving on the Editorial Board.
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Robot Boot Camp
Faculty Members: Dr. Waseem Abbas & Dr. James Yurkovich
School of Engineering and Computer Science
In this project, students will learn about cutting-edge technologies, including digital wearables and multi-robot systems, with a focus on harnessing these innovations systematically to address pressing societal challenges. Students will explore the potential of these technologies and then propose creative ideas for engagingly presenting their findings, particularly for high school students attending a summer boot camp and workshop. The sessions will involve interactive discussions, activities in our multirobot systems lab, and interactions with multiple faculty and graduate students. The project participants will not only acquire knowledge about these emerging technologies and their practical applications but also work collaboratively to present and disseminate them to a broader audience, preparing themselves for impactful roles in the technology-driven world.