Who:

My name is Miley Thompson. I am a student at the University of Oklahoma (OU) where I study Information Science and Technology (IST) in the School of Library and Information Science. I am a former employee at the OU Writing Center, where I worked for 2 years as a Writing Consultant. I am member of the OU provosts Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (UReCA) Fellows, having lead a research project on Community Writing Centers in 2024. I am a dedicated learner, scientist, and communicator.

My career interests are diverse but they are brought together by a passion for data, and the communication of data. My work has built me to be a powerful communicator, and my studies have equipped me with diverse technical skills. I am proficient in Python and R scripting languages for data analysis and am skilled in Web Development with JavaScript using the React and React-Native frameworks. Beyond technical skills, I am proficient in multiple forms of communication, including spoken presentations, technical reporting, and persuasive writing.

Why:

I believe that information, that is data, is the biggest driver of change in our world. Data equips us to make informed decisions. Data provides substantiation for our claims. Data allows us to optimize. I believe the most important skills we can have are those that concern the use and understanding of information. Being equipped to be an affective information professional is my primary driver in what I have studied and the rigorousness which I have approached it with.

And yet, data in a vacuum is worthless; information which is misunderstood is detrimental. I firmly believe that the use, and understanding of data, is only half of the equation. What truly makes data powerful is effective communication. It is only when we take data, make it actionable, and communicate those actions, that we see change. It is so that I may direct change that I invested my work into communication.