Education

University of Pittsburgh ID card with image of large building, the Cathedral of Learning, and ID photo of "Audra Birek" in the corner. "Staff 05/2015" typed next to photo.

One of my old Pitt staff ID cards that includes an image of the Cathedral of Learning. At the time of this ID, my last name was "Birek" (May 2015).

Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS)

University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA | August 2010

I earned my degree while working full time at Pitt. I was in the "Fast Track" program which was part time and completed in two years. The Fast Track program was online and asynchronous (which allowed students to obtain the degree regardless of work and life schedules or geographical location). We also met on campus for a weekend session each semester. Because I worked at the University, I was able to take some classes in person when my schedule permitted. 

Much of my studies focused on reference, instruction, and information technology. But I also enjoyed courses on young adult literature and storytelling. 

The MLIS program at the University of Pittsburgh has continued to be ALA accredited since 1924-25 when ALA first began to accredit programs. 

Butterfly wings sculpture made of metal spoons sitting flat on a work table.

An untitled sculpture from some time in 1998 or 1999. I made this by shaping metal spoons into a wire frame to become butterfly wings. These wings were very heavy and difficult to stand upright.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Media Arts

Chatham College (for Women)* | Pittsburgh, PA | May 1999

My studies in media arts included many computer and digital media courses as well as studio arts.  I also took the opportunity to study subjects like German, film studies, art history, communication, and writing (including serving as a Writing Fellow in my sophomore year). 

*Originally founded as a women's college in 1869 as Pennsylvania Female College, then renamed Pennsylvania College for Women in 1890, and Chatham College in 1955. In 2007, it earned university status and changed the name to Chatham University and began enrolling men in undergraduate programs in 2015. 

Senior Tutorial Exhibition | May 1999

Front of the postcard from my joint senior tutorial exhibit: "A Process of Identity in Contemporary Visual Culture: A Series by Audra M. Deemer" 

Back of the Senior Tutorial Exhibition postcard. Woodland Art Gallery, Chatham College, 13 May 1999 - 23 May 1999.

Photos of my paintings and installation for my senior tutorial exhibit, May 1999, Chatham College.

Continuing Education

American Sign Language (ASL)

Additional self-paced learning:

Books:

drawings of hands fingerspelling ASL

The above image was created using the "Gallaudet Font" (c) 1991 by David Rakowski. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. You can download and use this font for free, but please consider making a  contribution to the charity of your choice. One option is ASLU which can be found in the download link.