Goldwater Scholarship Recipient Tanisha Shende ’26 Aims to Make Virtual Reality More Accessible</h1> <article> <h1>Goldwater Scholarship Recipient Tanisha Shende ’26 Aims to Make Virtual Reality More Accessible</h1> <p>ygay — Thu, 01 May 2025 19:43:41 +0000</p> <span>Goldwater Scholarship Recipient Tanisha Shende ’26 Aims to Make Virtual Reality More Accessible</span> <span><span>ygay</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-05-01T15:43:41-04:00" title="Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 15:43">Thu, 05/01/2025 - 15:43</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Goldwater Scholarship, one of the most prestigious national undergraduate scholarships in the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics, provides funding for educational endeavors. Shende will spend the upcoming summer conducting research at the MIT Media Lab in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with plans to work on the ethics and governance of technology at Harvard University’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society.</p> <p>“I am still exploring research areas,” says Shende, “But I’ve already done a lot of work in making existing technology more accessible for disabled people and developing assistive technology. Regardless of my specialization, I want the technology I study and develop to contribute to social good.”</p> <p>Read more about Shende’s academic journey and career goals in this interview.</p> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Shende. Photo by Rosen Jones</figcaption> </figure> <p> </p> <p><strong>How does this scholarship align with your career goals?</strong><br> My goal is to earn a PhD in computer science and a JD or a graduate degree in technology and policy. I am still exploring research areas, but I’ve already done a lot of work in making existing technology more accessible for disabled people and developing assistive technology. Regardless of my specialization, I want the technology I study and develop to contribute to social good, so I want to conduct research in an academic or industry setting while also collaborating with non-profit organizations, legislative bodies, governmental agencies, etc. The Goldwater Scholarship provides logistical support—I will apply my award to my tuition—but more importantly, it has identified me as a high-performing and high-potential researcher to graduate programs and fellowships. This visibility and credibility will be crucial as I move toward my goals because I want to be a creative and influential voice in the field. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>How does this scholarship build on your previous studies and activities at 91ֱ��? </strong><br> My research areas include human-computer interaction, human-centered design, and accessibility. I study the ways that technology can reinforce and mitigate social issues, such as how AI can describe images and surroundings to blind and low-vision people, but also how it can perpetuate labor exploitation and environmental harm and how it can transcend geographical and physical limitations but remain a legally ambiguous space where digital harm outpaces existing regulation and case law. My work is inherently interdisciplinary, so I took advantage of 91ֱ��’s course offerings as a STEM major with a sociology minor. </p> <p>My computer science, mathematics, and data science education have been invaluable in developing my technical foundation, but I’ve found my humanities and social sciences courses to be equally useful. For example, during my first year, I wrote a review paper on the impact of stigma and forced assimilation on autistic people for my Research and Reasoning in STEM course under <a href="/gunnar-kwakye">Professor Gunnar Kwakye</a>. Then I studied the experiences of disabled people in healthcare and higher education in <a href="/alicia-smith-tran">Associate Professor Alicia Smith-Tran</a>’s Medical Sociology course. That summer, at Cornell University, I developed a research study on the experiences and challenges of autistic people in social virtual reality, and I contributed to a study on disability disclosure in the workplace, university, and social media. </p> <p>During my second year, I became more immersed in educational equity through my positions in <a href="/undergraduate-research">OUR</a> and <a href="/clear">CLEAR</a>, and I took <a href="/daphne-john">Associate Professor Daphne John</a>’s sociology course Unequal Educations. These experiences supported my summer research at Gallaudet University on the impact of augmented reality on d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing learners. My research projects at Cornell and Gallaudet were heavily featured in my Goldwater application. I highlighted my interdisciplinary interests and community involvement in my personal statements and activities section. My win symbolizes the culmination of these studies and activities.</p> <p><br> <strong>How did 91ֱ�� shape or influence you as an academic, thinker, and person?</strong><br> As a small, liberal arts institution, 91ֱ�� carries a love for humanity that’s inspired my work. From the long history of student protests to the multitude of community-engaged organizations, the people here hold empathy for each other and the world as a whole. I began college as a physics major, intent on studying galaxies and stars, but during a September night at the observatory, I found myself more interested in the happenings on the ground than in the stars. At another institution, I may have clung strictly to the sciences, but 91ֱ�� and its students hold so much respect for the humanities that I felt encouraged to embrace human-centered technology. There’s a real audience here for work that leverages academia and technology for social good. Despite being a computer science and mathematics major, I’ve been able to enter the spaces of other disciplines due to the many opportunities here, such as the Athens Democracy Forum Student Delegation and the Law and Justice Scholars Program.</p> <p>On a more personal level, I’ve appreciated the freedom and trust given to me by faculty and staff. I’m ambitious, and I’ve found many wonderful mentors here who’ve encouraged that fire and supported me professionally and personally. They’ve taken an interest in my ideas and goals, given me advice and opportunities, and nominated me for awards. Whenever I had an original idea for a research project or campus initiative, they supported me and gave me the connections and resources needed to execute it. I’m so fortunate to have people who recognize my potential and are committed to cultivating it rather than holding me back. Their confidence in me has boosted my self-esteem and self-efficacy. </p> <p><br> <strong>What are your plans for 2025-26?</strong><br> During the academic year, I will continue my ongoing research projects in computer science and education and prepare my papers for publication and presentation. Furthermore, I will apply to a variety of graduate programs, including PhD programs in computer science, JD-PhD programs, and master’s programs at the intersection of technology, public policy, and sociology. I am also preparing to apply for fellowships and scholarships, including the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Thomas J. Watson Fellowship. </p> <p>Beyond my academic work, I’m excited to continue working toward educational equity and responsible technology. I will attend the Athens Democracy Forum in October as a student delegate and implement programming on technology and democracy at 91ֱ��. Through my positions at OUR and CLEAR, my goal is to further boost the visibility and accessibility of STEM and undergraduate research through workshops, mentorship, and community-engaged research on systemic barriers. Finally, I will continue working with adult education providers and learners through the <a href="/bcsl">Bonner Center for Service and Learning</a> to design a technological system supporting educational attainment, retention, and success.</p> <p>Research is central to my character and the language through which I contribute to social good. I learned about the Goldwater Scholarship during my second year, and I read articles about 91ֱ��’s previous winners and wanted to be like them. Although the scholarship has financial benefits, its main draw for me was its status as a prestigious signifier of excellence and potential within research. It validates that I’m capable of the rigorous, advanced research I’ve always dreamed of doing. This recognition is meaningful for someone who has struggled with visibility, self-doubt, and exclusion, who has had to build her confidence brick by brick in spaces that don’t always recognize her right away. It tells me and the world that I belong here.</p> <p><br> <strong>What activities were/are you involved in at 91ֱ��?</strong><br> I am an <a href="/bcsl/programs/engaged-learning-lab/ell-current-projects">Engaged Learning Lab Research</a> fellow at the Bonner Center, working to systematize communication and transitions between adult education programs in northeast Ohio. I conduct research on computer science education under <a href="/cynthia-taylor">Associate Professor Cynthia Taylor</a>. Within <a href="/undergraduate-research">Undergraduate Research</a> and the Center for Learning, Education and Research in the Sciences, I am a research ambassador, <a href="/clear/tutoring/branches-community-leaders">BRANCHES</a> community leader, and <a href="/undergraduate-research/programs/strong">STRONG</a> scholar. I am a consultant within the 91ֱ�� Research Group, conducting political research sanctioned by the U.S. State Department, and I am a 2025-26 Law and Justice scholar. Additionally, I am a 2024-25 <a href="/career/set/obs">Ashby Business Scholar</a> and a peer career advisor for the <a href="/career/career-communities/finance-business-and-consulting">Business, Consulting, and Finance Career Community</a>. Finally, I serve on the <a href="/current-students/senate">Student Senate</a>’s Academic Affairs and Health and Wellness committees.</p> <p><br> <strong>What’s the best advice you’ve received at 91ֱ��?</strong><br> A healthy level of entitlement can be a survival skill. If there is a certain future you want, you need to convince yourself that you deserve it and you’ll do whatever it takes to obtain it. If you reject yourself before anyone else does, then you’re not allowing other people the chance to see you and believe in you. When you're already navigating a world that’s against you due to class, identity, or circumstance, you can’t afford to be one of the forces working against your own potential. This is easier said than done, and typically, the social factors influencing this mindset begin in early adolescence. Still, I think it’s helpful to fake it until you make it.</p> <p> </p> <hr> <p><em><a href="/fellowships">Connect with Fellowships & Awards</a> to learn more about the fellowships and awards opportunities available to students.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Shende is among 441 Goldwater Scholarship recipients from an estimated pool of 5,000-plus college sophomores and juniors applicants.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2025-05-01T12:00:00Z">Thu, 05/01/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Office of Communications</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>“Research is a central component of my character and the language through which I contribute to social good,” says Tanisha Shende ’26, a <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/computer-science">computer science</a> and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics">mathematics</a> major from Lodi, New Jersey. </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4150">Mathematics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4153">Computer Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3898">Stem</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2594">CLEAR</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/gunnar-kwakye" hreflang="und">Gunnar Kwakye</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/alicia-smith-tran" hreflang="und">Alicia Smith-Tran ’10</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/daphne-john" hreflang="und">Daphne John</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/cynthia-taylor" hreflang="und">Cynthia Taylor ’02</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics" hreflang="und">Mathematics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/computer-science" hreflang="und">Computer Science</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Tanisha Shende ’26 researches virtual reality to make existing technology more accessible for disabled people.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen Jones</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>91ֱ��’s Tanisha Shende Named National Student Employee of the Year</h1> <p>eburnett — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 14:42:55 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ��’s Tanisha Shende Named National Student Employee of the Year</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-04-11T10:42:55-04:00" title="Thursday, April 11, 2024 - 10:42">Thu, 04/11/2024 - 10:42</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Tanisha Shende, a second-year student majoring in computer science and mathematics, has been named National Student Employee of the Year and Student Employee of the Year for Diversity and Inclusion, twin honors conferred by the <a href="https://www.nsea.info/">National Student Employment Association</a> (NSEA) this week.</p><p>The accolades were made possible through the effort of the <a href="/human-resources/student-employment">Student Employment Office</a>, which coordinated the nomination process.</p><p>Originally from Lodi, New Jersey, Shende is a key supporter of STEM studies at 91ֱ�� and a driving force in the effort to ease the acclimation to college among first-generation and other underrepresented students. In the <a href="/undergraduate-research">Office of Undergraduate Research</a>, she serves as chair of the collective advocacy committee for Bridging Resources and Access to Nurture Community through Holistic Engagement in STEM (BRANCHES).</p><p>Shende is an active member of the <a href="/undergraduate-research/programs/strong">STRONG</a> (Science and Technology Research Opportunities for a New Generation) program and played a pivotal role in the successful merger of two other 91ֱ�� programs—Roots in STEM, an identity-based residence hall cluster, and the Center for Learning, Education, and Research in the Sciences, or <a href="/clear">CLEAR</a>—and improve student support in the process.</p><p>In her own research, Shende is part of a study examining classrooms and research spaces to identify barriers to STEM learning. She is also a member of a team working to make virtual and augmented reality technology more accessible to people with sensory processing disorders.</p><p>“Tanisha is one of those unique students who has a natural spark,” says Zach Slimak, <a href="/clear/employment">91ֱ��’s STEM program</a> coordinator, who nominated Shende for the NSEA honors. “She recognizes how hard it can be for a student to find a community and a sense of belonging. She cares deeply about her position and goes above and beyond every day. She’s always willing to learn, always willing to teach, and always willing to be a leader for change. I am honored to know Tanisha and be a small part of her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.”</p><p>Shende learned of the honors at an April 9 gathering on campus that—to her surprise—was held in her honor. The guest list included 91ֱ�� President <a href="/node/48561">Carmen Twillie Ambar, </a>Vice President and Dean of Students <a href="/node/362451">Karen Goff</a>, and Shende’s staff colleagues from the Office of Undergraduate Research—part of the <a href="/node/396216">Center for Engaged Liberal Arts</a>, or CELA.</p><p>The honors coincide with 91ֱ��’s celebration of National Student Employment Week.</p><p>“I’m so grateful to everyone involved for making the reception such a special moment,” Shende says. “It’s an honor to be recognized for my efforts and be surrounded by incredible supporters. I’m looking forward to continuing my work!”</p><p>The NSEA is dedicated to promoting professional development, recognition, and advocacy for student employees in higher education. 91ֱ�� joined the organization in 2022; this year marked the first time it has submitted a nominee for Student Employee of the Year. The NSEA confers awards in five categories: Community Service, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership, Technology and Innovation, and Critical Thinking, as well as the overall award for Student Employee of the Year.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Computer science and math double major is also a devoted advocate for other STEM students through her work with the Office of Undergraduate Research.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-04-12T12:00:00Z">Fri, 04/12/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2358">Undergraduate Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3898">Stem</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3846">Engaged Liberal Arts</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25321">Computer Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25401">Mathematics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/computer-science" hreflang="und">Computer Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics" hreflang="und">Mathematics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Tanisha Shende, pictured with her awards for National Student Employee of the Year and Student Employee of the Year for Diversity and Inclusion, which were presented in conjunction with National Student Employment Week.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>Health for All</h1> <p>tapplega — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 14:55:35 +0000</p> <span>Health for All</span> <span><span>tapplega</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-06-20T10:55:35-04:00" title="Tuesday, June 20, 2023 - 10:55">Tue, 06/20/2023 - 10:55</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Annie Griffith found her passion for reproductive health issues stoked by ongoing conversations soon after she arrived in 91ֱ��. Those campus connections inspired her to become involved on a national level—and this year led her to an Obie mentor in a somewhat unlikely place.</p> <p>In January, Griffith completed a Winter Term internship at All Families Healthcare, a reproductive health clinic in rural Whitefish, Montana, where she worked under the guidance of nurse practitioner <a href="https://www.allfamilieshealth.org/about-us">Helen Weems ’91</a>, the clinic’s director. A former <a href="/node/3196">environmental studies</a> major at 91ֱ��, Weems was celebrated locally for rebuilding All Families after its original location was intentionally destroyed, then for successfully suing the state of Montana to expand abortion access. Inspired by Weems' monumental victory—and with key support from biology professor <a href="/node/5196">Maureen Peters</a>—Griffith secured an internship at Weems’ clinic during Winter Term of her junior year.</p> <p>Now a rising senior with majors in <a href="/node/3366">psychology</a> and <a href="/node/3426">gender, sexuality, and feminist studies</a>, Griffith gained unique insight into the clinic’s day-to-day operations and the lives of the people who depend on them. "I was exposed to all aspects of a small, community-engaged, reproductive health-care clinic,” she says. “This included learning about administrative and clinical facets, research projects, continuing education, and community outreach." </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Annie Griffith turned to Montana to serve in an 91ֱ�� alumna’s reproductive health clinic.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-06-20T12:00:00Z">Tue, 06/20/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tyler Applegate</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2402">Winter Term</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3897">Internship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3830">Pre-Medicine</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3898">Stem</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25361">Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25286">Psychology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/maureen-peters" hreflang="und">Maureen Peters</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/sara-verosky" hreflang="und">Sara Verosky</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/gsfs" hreflang="und">Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology" hreflang="und">Psychology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/global-health" hreflang="und">Global Health</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Annie Griffith (right) with Helen Weems ’91, director of All Families Healthcare in Whitefish, Montana, where Griffith served as an intern.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy of Annie Griffith</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-32093" class="paragraph paragraph--type--pb-el-bq paragraph--view-mode--default"> <blockquote class="blockquote--quotemark" data-text-color-red data-text-size-large> <p>One of the things I find both interesting and disheartening about the health-care industry is the amount of medical gaslighting and trauma people experience upon entering a doctor’s office.”</p> <p style="text-align: right;"><em>— Annie Griffith</em></p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-27737" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <p>But the impact of Giffith’s experience extends far beyond the daily tasks she performed. From her clinic co-workers, and particularly Weems, she came away reassured by a field that had previously left her feeling discouraged. “One of the things I find both interesting and disheartening about the health-care industry is the amount of medical gaslighting and trauma people experience upon entering a doctor's office,” she says. </p> <p>Nuances of human interaction are central to Griffith’s 91ֱ�� studies too. She is a psychology research assistant under professor <a href="/node/6336">Sara Verosky</a>, with whom she has worked on experiments that focus on how people make judgments about one another based on facial perceptions.</p> <p>The compassion she witnessed at All Families turned her passion into a drive to pursue a career that supports reproductive rights, and she credits 91ֱ�� with fostering that devotion. She considers campus a safe space for students to express their beliefs, grapple with societal issues together, and expand their understanding and expertise. She trained to be an abortion doula with the 91ֱ�� Doula Collective, where she learned how to care for people experiencing abortions. During spring semester, she presented at 91ֱ��’s <a href="/node/453552">Reproductive Justice Symposium</a>, joining fellow students in detailing practical implications related to abortion access in Ohio since the overturning of <em>Roe v. Wade</em>. Her presentation included resources currently available as well as those no longer available as a result of the Supreme Court decision.</p> <p>Griffith believes that academic institutions are the perfect place to cultivate sexual and reproductive health advocacy. “The best way for 91ֱ�� to be supportive of their students who are passionate about these topics would be to support, advocate for, and fund the organizations that are already in place,” she says, emphasizing the importance of the Sexual Information Center (SIC) and Survivors of Sexual Harm and Allies (SOSHA), among other groups.</p> <p>To Griffith, the simple things—such as donations of time, money, and activism—go a long way in alleviating the challenges faced by citizens in regions that are restricted in their access to reproductive health care. “Vote in local and national elections, call your representatives, talk to your older relatives who may have different opinions, and share your story,” she says.</p> <p>Perhaps more than anything, Griffith’s journey underscores the transformative power of a dedicated community. </p> <p>“Working at the clinic reinforced my passion for reproductive justice and health care equality,” she says, “and reminded me how important this work is.”</p> </div> </div> </div> </article> </main></body></html>