How do you launch a new program in an emerging field at an established design school – data, information, and visualization. When the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) decided to create a new graduate program in Information Visualization, there was a document and a great deal of confidence that the program would help take the college in a new direction. This talk will tell the story of pits and perils of how the program moved from an idea, to launch, to bringing its fourth year of students, and how data, information, and visualization was the pilot, engineer, and passenger.
Heather Bradbury, Director of MICA’s Masters of Professional Studies programs in Information Visualization and the Business of Art and Design, comes to MICA with over 15 years of experience in the fields of creative and educational project development and strategic communication. Heather’s background and broad professional experience, including Communications Specialist at the Maryland State Department of Education, Office of the State Superintendent; IDEAS Grants Manager and Education Specialist at the Space Telescope Science Institute (Home of Hubble Space Telescope); and co-owner of Balance-the Salon, an award-winning hair salon and photo gallery, provides her with a unique perspective in business operations and management as well as communication through various mediums to tell stories. Heather has additional experience working in the fields of architecture/interior design, engineering, catering, and production pottery.