Human Factors/Applied Cognition Concentration

Madison Korelko, 2024

How did you choose your specific area of study?

I was approached by my professor, who I was an undergraduate teaching assistant for at the time, about a Human Factors master’s program in Arizona. I had done more research on the program and field and realized that it matched the criteria I was looking for in a career. I always knew I wanted to go into a field that was versatile, challenged me, and required me to think critically/creatively - lucky for me, the human factors field checked every box! 

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?

Dr. Susanne Furman, Dr. Elizabeth Phillips, and Tanie Boeddeker all contributed to my success in the program.

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students

Never doubt yourself. Always remember you have achieved so much already, and you can achieve so much more.

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

Following graduation, I plan on getting a full-time position as a human factors engineer or user experience researcher. My long-term career goals are broadening my knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) within human factors, contribute to the societal understanding of HF, and creating more user-centered products and systems.