Psychology and Human Factors ambassadors are student representatives selected by the director of the psychology and human factors program at Michigan Tech. The role of the ambassador is to promote Tech's undergraduate degree program and to inform the campus and local communities of the psychology and human factors profession and its myriad real-world applications. The psychology and human factors majors comprising the group have very diverse backgrounds and interests, unified by a love for psychology and human factors and a desire to help others with everything from navigating campus to finding their calling within this broad discipline.
The ambassadors are very active on campus. They have spoken with prospective Tech students at the University's Open House, given presentations to undecided majors in general education classes, and supported current students through coordinating undergraduate research opportunities in psychology.
If you see an ambassador out and about, which is likely, don't hesitate to ask a question—or just say hello. Also feel free to contact them via email. Psychology and Human Factors majors interested in applying for the ambassador role should contact Kay Tislar.
Viviana Cotter
Major: Psychology
Class: Sophomore
Areas of interest: Clinical/Counseling, Social, and Psychopathology
About Viviana:
Within the department, I serve as a Student/Administrative Aide, Teaching Assistant, and Research Assistant. As a student ambassador, I support outreach efforts by promoting and communicating the opportunities the program provides to prospective students and faculty. Beyond the department, I am the Treasurer for both the Association of Psychology Students and the Law Club at Michigan Tech. In my free time, you can either find me hiking throughout the Keweenaw, snowboarding at Mont Ripley in the winter, or engaging in creative interests such as baking, cooking, and drawing.
The psychology program provides a wide range of opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. The faculty and staff are highly supportive, helping students access research and teaching opportunities. Additionally, the program fosters an environment that promotes creative, critical, innovative thinking. Since the department is so small, you are able to build meaningful relationships with both professors and peers. With the support of instructors and staff members, I have been given the opportunity to collaborate on a faculty research project as well as conducting my own independent research. This program prepares students by ensuring that they receive a well-rounded education, ranging from expanding their knowledge to its application.
Izzie House
Major: Human Factors
Class: Senior
Areas of interest: Situational Awareness, UX/UI, Usability
About Izzie:
I spend my free time hiking, doing graphic design, and gardening. At Michigan Tech, I am involved in the Association of Psychology Students and the Plant and Garden Club. I also work in the Psychology and Human Factors department as an office aide and in Athletic Communications as a sports statistician. I contribute to outreach efforts by introducing others to the field of Human Factors through Summer Youth Programs (SYP) and by connecting with prospective and current students about our programs and minors.
One thing I love about our program is that, as a smaller department, it creates a strong sense of community that I haven’t seen in other programs at Tech. This environment allows us to build meaningful relationships with both our peers and faculty. The program also has a hands-on, applied focus, which gives us many opportunities to use the skills and knowledge we’ve learned in class to explore real-world topics and research methods used in both industry and academia. With the support of faculty and mentorship within the department, I’ve been able to develop skills in usability, research, and user-centered design that are preparing me for graduate school and a future in the field.