Professor Polack
Professor Polack, a distinguished computer science professor at the University of Mary Washington, possesses a deep curiosity for global exploration. Driven by a desire to broaden her understanding of different cultures and technological landscapes, she aspires to study abroad in countries across the world. Professor Polack's ambition to study abroad exemplifies her commitment to enriching both his own academic perspectives and the field of computer science as a whole.
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Iceland, where we spent weeks exploring the stunning landscapes of this Nordic island. One of the highlights of the trip was driving around the famous ring road, a 1,332-kilometer highway that circles the entire country. Along the way, we marveled at cascading waterfalls, rugged coastlines, and towering glaciers. We had the chance to immerse yourself in Icelandic culture, sampling traditional cuisine and learning about the country's history and geology. This unforgettable journey through Iceland's dramatic beauty left a lasting impression all of us.
View UMW Trip 2023
After leading a study abroad trip to Brazil and Argentina, where the students explored the wonders of the Amazon Rainforest, embarked on a captivating river cruise along the Amazon, and marveled at the breathtaking Iguazu Falls from both sides of the border, Professor Polack decided to create a photo book. With meticulous attention to detail, he curated a collection of photographs capturing the vibrant landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and joyous moments of the trip. I aimed to provide a visual narrative that would forever remind the students of their remarkable journey.

Learning About Audio Storytelling

Part I: Radio Broadcasting

This radio broadcast is a window into how life used to be. It is an example of how storytelling can transcend across time. The quality of the audio and the diction of the speaker highlight the differences between then and now

Part II: Ira Glass Storytelling Talks

Ira Glass discusses unlearning everything you were taught about storytelling in grade school. Reintroducing the concept of storytelling, with a huge emphasis on “the power of the anecdote.” The anecdote can apparently transform the most boring story into something that is still able to captivate and entertain an audience.

In this video, Ira Glass talks about the process of finding and telling stories. They also talk about the trial and error process of storytelling, where if something that you thought would work out well doesn’t end up doing so, you don’t always have to stick with it.