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Ursula Wolz
Founder and CEO, RiverSound Solutions
Professional Background
Ursula Wolz is a renowned figure in the field of interactive storytelling and educational technology. She has taken a dynamic approach to her career, transitioning between academia, consulting, and innovative startup ventures. Her work centers around using technology to enhance educational experiences, particularly for students who have experienced trauma. Currently, she is contracted with Fiddlehead Learning to develop a groundbreaking product that combines traditional logic-based methods with advanced machine learning techniques, aimed at creating a supportive and effective learning environment for these students.
Wolz's entrepreneurial spirit shines through her role as the Founder of Riversound Solutions, where she focuses on curriculum development and software for interactive storytelling. Her company is steadily expanding as she leverages her extensive experience and knowledge in computer science and education. In addition to her consulting endeavors, she remains active in the academic sphere, sharing her expertise through part-time faculty positions and presentations at international conferences.
Her recent work on 'Code Crafting' has gained significant recognition, being presented at prestigious events such as SIGGRAPH in Los Angeles and SnapCon in Heidelberg, Germany. This initiative allows participants to engage with innovative tools like Turtlestitch, a robotic embroidery machine, and QuiltBlocks, a platform that educates users about visual storytelling through quilt production. These projects highlight her commitment to combining creativity with technology to foster rich learning experiences.
Education and Achievements
Ursula Wolz's educational background is impressive and indicative of her deep commitment to the fields of computer science and education. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science from Columbia University in the City of New York, where she honed her technical expertise and research skills. Prior to that, she completed her Master of Arts (M.A.) in Computing in Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, equipping her with a strong foundation in educational theory and practice. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Linguistics, Psychology, and Philosophy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This multidisciplinary background allows her to approach problems from various perspectives, enriching her contributions to the field.
Throughout her illustrious career, Wolz has taken on numerous roles that reflect her versatile talents. She has served as a faculty member and visiting professor at various prestigious institutions, including Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts at The New School, Bennington College, Grinnell College, Olin College of Engineering, and Montclair State University, among others. Her involvement in curriculum development and interactive storytelling has not only influenced students but also shaped educational practices in computer science.
Wolz's dedication to her work has earned her the opportunity to be a Noyce Distinguished Visiting Professor of Computer Science at Grinnell College, an accolade that showcases her influence in academia. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of innovation and creativity in learning, which is evident in her interactive approaches to education.
Notable Achievements
Ursula has also made significant contributions as a member of the Computer Science Faculty at Bennington College, where she worked to develop curriculum and foster student engagement in the digital narrative field. Her perspective on merging the arts and technology has rejuvenated traditional teaching methods, making her classes appealing and relevant to today’s students.
Additionally, her past role as an Adjunct Professor at Long Island University and an Instructor at Teachers College, Columbia University, further reflect her commitment to advancing computer science education. Her experience as a Lab/IT Assistant at Rockefeller University also provided her with foundational skills in handling complex technical challenges.
Ursula Wolz is a true advocate for interactive and engaged learning, employing her extensive educational background and professional experience to innovate and inspire. Her projects not only advance academic discourse but also provide invaluable resources for educators and learners alike. As she continues to grow her consulting company and explore new opportunities for collaboration, she remains a visionary leader in the realms of technology, storytelling, and education, showcasing the transformative potential of interdisciplinary approaches in shaping the future of learning.
