Demystifying the Thesis: Visualization Science Graduate Students at Texas A&M University

Abstract

At Texas A&M University, the Visualization Sciences Department (VizLab) is a hot bed of talented graduate students that are plucked out of the program by animation and video game industry giants pre-graduation. The graduation rate ranges from 25% to 40%. As their liaison librarian, I have worked to demystify the thesis process and help them feel more comfortable with finding resources, but also assisting with methodology and the overall process to create their thesis proposals. These efforts have been accomplished through online tools and strategies to lessen their anxiety and make them feel more comfortable with research and finalizing their thesis for graduation. My intent is to develop a programmatic approach where students do not have to choose between a job and graduation, but can have it all with enough planning and progress before their final year at the VizLab.