2024 UNT Great Grads Fall

Master's in Learning Technologies

By Sandria Edgar

Astrid Quiroga is set to graduate from the University of North Texas (UNT) with a master's degree in learning technologies (LTEC), specializing in instructional design. She is passionate about developing innovative learning strategies, particularly for adult learners in virtual environments, so she chose LTEC to combine her interests in multimedia and effective educational methods. Her academic focus includes exploring the impact of positive emotions in multimedia, which she believes can enhance learning outcomes and knowledge retention.

While completing her studies at UNT, Astrid worked as a graduate assistant for the Online Student Experience department. Her mentor and manager, Aundrea Caraway ('17, M.S.) – also a College of Information alumna, played a pivotal role in expanding UNT's reach to a larger audience of online and non-traditional students. Astrid used Caraway's path as a guide by organizing both virtual and in-person events, which fostered community by enabling online students to connect with peers, faculty and staff. For her outstanding contributions to this program, Astrid was honored with the Graduate Assistant of the Year award at the 2024 DSA Awards ceremony.

In early 2024, Astrid also took on the role of Event Coordinator for the launch of UNT's Learning Technologies Student Association. She coordinated events and established the group, which serves as an official space for those interested in advancing the learning technologies community. Reflecting on this accomplishment, she expressed deep pride in creating a lasting resource for LTEC students and professionals at UNT and beyond.

During her final semester, Astrid interned with Aventiv Technologies as an instructional designer, where she was inspired by the company's commitment to supporting incarcerated individuals through educational technology. Moved by Aventiv's mission to use education to reduce recidivism, she accepted a full-time role with the company after graduation. Now, Astrid is fulfilling her dream of positively impacting people's lives through technology-driven education.

Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Astrid's journey to this milestone has been one of resilience and dedication. She first came to the United States in 2012 as an au pair, taking English as a Second Language courses at a community college, which ignited her desire to pursue a career in web production and design. After earning an Associate of Applied Science degree, she went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in human resources management at the University of Texas at Dallas, graduating magna cum laude. Astrid discovered the world of instructional design as a part-time eLearning developer. This experience drove her to seek advanced knowledge in instructional design, which she ultimately found through UNT's Learning Technologies master's program.

Balancing the demands of higher education while adjusting to life in a new country presented Astrid with challenges familiar to many international students. She navigated cultural differences, language barriers and financial hurdles, but with the encouragement of friends, mentors and fellow international students, she was able to achieve her goals. Looking back, she attributes her success to her faith, resilience and commitment to supporting her family in Colombia.

Graduating with a strong academic and professional foundation, Astrid looks forward to using her skills to advocate for accessible learning opportunities and equitable technology distribution to underserved communities. With the rapid development of Internet of Things (IoT) and AI, she sees opportunities to enhance learners' experiences by streamlining tools and processes that foster meaningful knowledge acquisition. Her work at Aventiv is just the beginning of her journey, with many more chapters yet to be written.

German and Linguistics

By Audrey Short

Scott Sennetti was drawn to international cultures early on. In elementary school, he memorized countries and their flags. In high school, he befriended a German exchange student, sparking a lifelong passion for the language. And as a UNT student, he has turned his growing language interest into the foundation for a linguistics career.

"Linguistics felt like a natural choice and UNT has a strong program," Scott says. "When you are genuinely passionate about a subject, it doesn't feel like work."

Studying abroad in Lüneburg, Germany, in Spring 2023 proved to be particularly influential for Scott. The experience allowed him to apply years of German studies to day-to-day interactions.

“Using German daily turned it from a subject I studied into a real way to interact with others,” he says. “Studying abroad also pushed me to embrace change and navigate a new culture. It taught me the value of flexibility and open-mindedness.”

It also gave him a new appreciation for English, which Scott admits he once considered bland but now appreciates for its innovation.

"After living and being immersed in a different language for the first time, I noticed things English did that other languages typically don't."

Inspired by his time abroad, Scott expanded his German studies from a minor to a major, further fueling his passion for language and culture.

Scott’s academic journey has spanned sociolinguistics, phonology, and dialectology, focusing on political rhetoric. With the guidance of his mentor, principal lecturer Katie Crowder, Scott earned a 2023-24 Undergraduate Research Fellowship to analyze trends in populist and non-populist political speeches, specifically how language shapes perceptions and influences voters.

“It was fascinating to see how specific words and structures could shape public opinion,” says Scott, whose research culminated in a presentation at the UNT Scholars Day event earlier this year.

For Scott, studying linguistics is about understanding communication itself, a field he describes as being at the crossroads of humanities, anthropology, psychology and sociology. He had the opportunity to share those insights on the interdisciplinary nature of linguistics to a national audience as a student quoted in U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges issue in March 2024.

His adaptability, fostered during his semester abroad, and the challenges he’s navigated through college, will continue serving him as he steps into the professional world. With his sights set on diverse career options in editing, proofreading, and computational linguistics, Scott sees his degree as a versatile tool for making meaningful contributions across various fields.

Looking back, Scott advises incoming students to embrace UNT's wide range of experiences and find their passions within or beyond the classroom.

“Pursue what you’re passionate about, take risks and seek out the people who support and challenge you.”

Master's in Linguistics

By Sandria Edgar

Yumi Standlee is set to graduate with a Master of Arts in Linguistics from the University of North Texas in December 2024. Her focus is language documentation, a field she chose because of her desire to help language communities record and preserve their cultural histories.

Yumi's academic path began at UNT, where she completed a dual undergraduate degree in linguistics and Japanese, graduating summa cum laude and an award from the Honors College. During her graduate studies, she was awarded the prestigious Haj Ross Squibber Endowed Scholarship, recognizing her ongoing research efforts and potential in linguistics. Her research achievements include presentations at academic conferences, notably receiving an Honorable Mention for the Yumi Nakamura Memorial Award at the University of Texas at Arlington's Student Conference in Linguistics and TESOL (UTASCILT) in Spring 2024.

Reflecting on her academic journey, Yumi credits her time at UNT for helping her develop the technical skills required for linguistic analysis and a strong network of peers and mentors. Her dedication to high-quality research and ability to adapt in the face of challenges have become defining aspects of her work. Early in her research career, she faced obstacles but quickly learned the importance of flexibility and foresight, skills that have continued to serve her well.

Beyond her studies, Yumi is a passionate folk music singer from various languages and cultures. She believes these songs embody a beautiful part of human history and linguistic diversity, showcasing the importance of art in understanding the human experience.

In January 2025, Yumi will take the next step in her career, joining the Ph.D. program in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she has been awarded a full scholarship. In this new role, she plans to develop her research further and collaborate with professors and community members to produce impactful work that supports language communities and the academic sphere.

With a strong GPA, numerous awards and an unwavering commitment to her field, Yumi Standlee has proven herself as one of UNT's outstanding students in the linguistics program, making her a deserving recipient of the Great Grad recognition.