ASU grad achieves master’s degree dream at Fulton School of Engineering

When Katie Bode began their journey at Arizona State University, they were looking for a positive change. They wanted to build their existing work experience into something bigger with one of the many programs offered at ASU.

“I had a vague notion that I wanted to maybe move towards art directing and make bigger creative decisions,” Bode said. “Plus, I always knew I would earn a master’s degree someday.”

Bode graduated in May 2022 with a M.S. in graphic informational technology from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

For the past twenty years, Bode has lived in Los Angeles, but that didn’t stop them from attending ASU. Bode was an online student for their entire graduate schooling. During their first two semesters, they received the Online Innovation Scholarship, before being awarded the Engineering Graduate Fellowship in their final year.

At the end of their time at ASU, Bode reflected on the decisions that led them here and what they learned from the experience.

Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

Answer: I picked GIT because it built off my last 12 years of work experience as a production graphic artist for FOX Sports. Getting the GRE waived was a cinch. I applied myself thoroughly to all my classes (graduating with a 4.3 GPA) but it wasn’t until my final semester that I had my aha moment-- my UX design awakening. UX stands for user experience, and user centered design is the future I want to create. I dropped my elective photography class and badgered my professor on Twitter (when he didn’t respond fast enough on email) to let me join his UX class at the last minute.

Question: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

Answer: It has been 15 years since my undergraduate commencement. I really did worry that the daily capitalist grind had worn me down and I would be slower, or dumber. I’m happy to tell you I’ve realized that is a ridiculous made-up limitation; the human mind is amazingly elastic and capable of truly beautiful things. I loved going back to school. Learning new things feels great at any age.

Question: Why did you choose ASU?

Answer: So, it’s March 2020, the pandemic has stunned the country, and we are all reeling. I packed up my apartment and cats and went to live in my parents’ basement in Phoenix for 4 months before my job brought me back. I was bouncing off the walls, and it was my mother (ASU Alumni 1984-- BA in broadcasting) who pointedly suggested I investigate ASU’s online graduate program. She knew I needed something to work towards, a goal, and she was right. It was a pandemic decision, like learning how to drive stick! And because of my mother, I have been a Sun Devil fan my entire life, so it just fits. When it’s right, it’s right.

Question: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

Answer: I really loved my GIT 500 Research class. I wrote my paper on the cognitive and emotional benefits of abstract art and it turned out so interesting I think I could get it published.

Learning how to conduct research properly was all new to me, and it ended up being important to my UX journey later! Our professor had us get certified by the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) in Human Research and Social and Behavioral research. This means I understand the rights of my humans/users and the moral obligation I have as a researcher. You can hurt people with bad research. You must be aware and continue to check in with yourself. A career in UX design will mean that I will always get to put the users first, ahead of my own desires and preconceived notions.

Question: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

Answer: Be authentic! Don’t try and write what you think the professor, or your classmates want to hear. Read the material and write something real. This is so much more valuable and interesting than textbook regurgitation.

Question; What was your favorite spot for power studying?

Answer: I worked full time as a graphic artist –in the office-- while navigating the pandemic and completing my masters online.

Only the artists had to come into the office, while the production staff all worked from home. It was a strange time, but I loved having schoolwork to focus on in my downtime and on my break. Sometimes I would even stay after hours at work to do homework—I mean, I was already at a desk. And in work mode!

Question: What are your plans after graduation? Where will you be?

Answer: Life is in flux. I didn’t think I wanted to change careers and industries entirely, but, ah, it looks like I’m going for it! And when it rains, it pours--my apartment building is being sold and I’ll probably have to move out of my comfy home for the last 12 years. I could even change cities… or countries… or continents! AHHHH! I am trying to enjoy the uncertainty and I am floored by the possibility.

Question: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

Answer: Well, I am not sure how I would do it, but I would somehow end capitalism (and its concurring problems) to develop a post-growth system based on user centered design, land back, and feeding and housing the planet. But if capitalism persists, I would give 1000 of my closest friends and deserving people $40,000. Enough to solve some problems but not ruin their life. That could create a heck of a ripple in the proverbial pond!