INDEPENDENT PROJECTS

Thanks to Innovation Academy, I have been able to complete two independent projects. Throughout two semesters, I engaged in high-value online courses and led my very own investigation. 

RESEARCH PAPER

Along with a peer, I led my very own investigation on the effects of arts therapy in the social interactions of kids with Down Syndrome. I seeked help from several professionals and conducted interviews that gave me enough insight to create a thorough analysis. Over the course of four engaging sessions, 6 kids sang, danced and drew, all activities that allowed us researchers to see their social development. It was a truly remarkable experience. 
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KEY SKILLS

LEADING A STUDY

​CONDUCTING RESEARCH

​CONNECTING WITH EXPERTS

​In order to achieve full professionalism, two teachers supervised my research: Mr. Cotter, from the IA, and Mr. Buck, a biology teacher. Prior to the action stage of the project, my colleague and I contacted a clinical psychologist who referred us to a college graduate who was conducting a similar thesis. We also met with Judith Alalu, a psychologist from TAE Perú, a center for arts therapy. Judith agreed to formulate a practices program for TAE Perú interns to go and help us conduct our investigation. All of these experts truly aided us in the collection of data, and made the therapy sessions in Ann Sullivan a success.

To see more images of the project, click HERE

VERIFIED ONLINE COURSE

"In this course you will hear powerful and poignant stories from people with intellectual disability, their families and their carers. These stories may move you to tears or make you laugh. We hope that you will learn and empathize. We hope that this journey will take you to a whole new world of great possibilities for change."

ONLINE COURSE

"The Fundamentals of Neuroscience course serves as an introductory survey of topics in neuroscience, ranging from the function of ion channels in the neuronal membrane, to the activity of individual neurons and small groups of neurons, to the function of the brain and its subsystems. The online version of the course has no specific prerequisites, though some prior exposure to biology and/or chemistry can be helpful."