Accessible Human-Centered Computing graduates land big jobs

The first cohort of students to earn a Master of Science in Accessible Human-Centered Computing (AHCC) from Gallaudet walked the stage at Commencement last month. This summer, they are taking the next steps in their careers, starting positions at major companies where they will be influencing the future of technology. “Deaf and hard of hearing people have long solved accessibility problems in response to community demand. This program provides DHH people with the training and tools to do so,” says Dr. Raja Kushalnagar, who co-directs the program with Dr. Christian Vogler.

Molly Feanny, ’22 & G-’24, is assuming the role of Senior Advisor, Machine Learning Engineer at Dell, where she also interned last summer. “I am most excited to see what kinds of projects I will be working with,” says Feanny, whose internship focused on improving a business chatbot. “I was basically making the responses less overwhelming and more user-friendly to work with,” she adds.

This is exactly what Feanny has been training to do over the past two years at Gallaudet. “Learning about technology skills, and accessible standards relating to technology, as well as working with UI/UX design and human computer interaction definitely helped me become more aware of what users — especially DHH and disabled users — want with their technology experiences,” she says. “Working with a diverse set of people at Gallaudet also helped me learn about how to work together with teams and develop my interpersonal skills, which helped a lot through my Dell internship, and hopefully, with this position.”

Alison Nana, G-’24, will be a UX Research Lead Senior Associate at J.P. Morgan, shaping product design for the financial services firm. She is grateful for the practical experience she received through the AHCC program. “I also had the opportunity to attend conferences thanks to Gallaudet, which helped me broaden my knowledge and network with industry professionals,” Nana says. “I got the job offer on my graduation day at Gallaudet, so it was a double celebration.”

Kushalnagar notes that there will be more news to celebrate soon: Procter & Gamble has committed to hiring three interns from the AHCC program.