Owen Whelan
From New York, I’m participating in the communities I find myself in by utilizing my dedicated interests and advanced skills in technology, language, and the world.
AI in EducationSpanishTeachingResearchWritingLeadershipInstructional TechnologyCurriculum DesignTemplate BuildingCollaborationVideo Creation AI in EducationSpanishTeachingResearchWritingLeadershipInstructional TechnologyCurriculum DesignTemplate BuildingCollaborationVideo Creation

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💡IT Intern
🔬AI Research
⛰️AI Summit
👥Marist+AI
🏫BOCES TA
🧑‍🏫Tutoring
🎮ALOUD Game
📰Marist Circle
🎲Games Society
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About Me

From New York, I’m participating in the communities I find myself in by utilizing my dedicated interests and advanced skills in technology, language, and the world.

My Values

Technology: I find technology to be an important and constant thing in my life. As someone from Gen Z, I’ve seen it evolve rapidly. I am excited to learn about new technologies and believe strongly in studying them, learning more about them, and experimenting with them.

Education: I believe that education is a lifelong journey that extends far beyond the classroom model. It's not just about memorizing facts, but about developing critical thinking skills and expanding one's worldview. Learning should be engaging and meaningful, connecting theoretical knowledge with practical applications. I value both formal education and self-directed learning, as they each offer unique perspectives and opportunities for growth.

Language: I’m studying Spanish because I really like it, but I also believe strongly in language. Learning another language can take several forms, like Spanish, artwork, or coding, and I think that all of them change the way you think and make you a better person. I believe strongly in the power of the written, spoken, and artistic word and am excited to see it thrive in future years.

The things I work on and do are the things I believe in.

Fun & Games

In my free time, I draw, play games, and write. I’m active on Instagram and LinkedIn and enjoy talking with people and learning about their backgrounds.

I like birds (ducks are a strong favorite) and my favorite color is orange. My go-to fun fact is that I have an identical twin brother.

My Skills

A dynamic and evolving skillset tailored for modern educational challenges.

Software & Tools

Languages

Professional Skills

Kernels

Coming soon!

Research Paper on AI, Note-Taking, and the Student Experience (INTED 2025)

I worked closely with two professors and a fellow student to create a research paper that analyzed the AI landscape and how it shapes student note-taking. My presentation went over the tools that existed, but also mentioned how educators and students can evaluate and be aware of these tools. The details on its publishing are available here, including the abstract.

ALOUD Language Learning Game (ALOUD 2025) Details

I made a game titled Partybusters! (in Spanish, ¡Guardafiesta!) in which players manage a birthday party. They admit "partygoers" by reading a list of ever-more complicated rules. The game's focus is on language aquisition as a game for reviewing vocabulary and grammar concepts. It's infinitely expandable using AI. I demoed the game to teachers at Marist Univeristy's ALOUD conference in 2025.

Play the game here

Marist+AI Academic Working Group Details

As one of the two student representatives in the Marist + AI working group, I helped faculty and students learn more about AI technology as well as guide them to use it effectively, with an ultimate goal of achieving a community at Marist that integrates AI in a responsible, useful way. I collaborated with faculty to develop an AI framework at Marist and created, edited, and commented on multiple pieces of documentation and framework material.

Journalistic Skills & Marist Circle Contributions

This is the newspaper club at Marist University. You can view my work here.

All of my articles are on topics that I found interesting, or just general happenings on campus. I pride myself in variety and quality writing. I published as much as two articles an issue while still keeping interesting topics at the center. As an editor, I took great care in not only polishing work of my fellow writers but mentoring others and ensuring long-term change and improvement.

Sigma Delta Pi (ΣΔΠ) - National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society

Inducted October 2024. This is the National Honors Society for Spanish on the college level. I also received it in high school. Being a member of ΣΔΠ shows a dedication to values that make up a good student as well as someone who is knowledgeable of Spanish and Spanish-speaking cultures.

Marist University Dean's List Details

Currently on a perfect streak! I received the Dean’s List from Marist University in both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 years, representing my dedication to academics.

New York State Seal of Biliteracy (Spanish) Details

Completed May 2022, awarded June 2023. Through Nanuet Senior High School, I completed the requirements for the New York State Seal of Biliteracy in 2022 and was awarded it upon my graduation in 2023. It demonstrates my proficiency in Spanish through speaking, listening, reading, and writing. My focus for the project was on technology and how it affects language and translation as a whole. When doing my project, my theme was on computer-assisted use of different languages with technologies like Google Lens and Google Translate.

National Honor Society Details

Inducted 2022. Encompassing my dedication to academics and service in high school, I became a member of the National Honors Society in 2022. You can learn about the National Honors Society from their website.

Marist Mosaic Poem Details

I got published in Marist Univeristy's Mosaic magazine in 2025. My poem is featured here.

Website Changelog

Recent updates and improvements to the portfolio site.

Visual Overhaul & New Features

June 22, 2025
  • Re-themed the website to dark mode -- easier on the eyes.
  • Changed up the font for readability.
  • Added this changelog.
  • Adjusted some visuals to be smoother to allow for readability.
  • Added the "Kernels" button -- what could this be? 🤔

Initial Launch

June 8, 2025

The first version of the website was launched, featuring a light theme and the core sections: About, Skills, Projects, Extras, and Résumé.

Résumé

Summary

Motivated honors student in adolescent Spanish education and applied AI, experienced in tutoring, teaching assistance, research, and editorial work. Proficient in AI, language, writing, and collaboration; passionate about education, technology, and communication.

Work Experience

Instructional Technology Intern (Full Time, 2025 & ongoing)

POUGHKEEPSIE, NEW YORK

Created resources for faculty and students to understand artificial intelligence and its impact.

Rockland BOCES Substitute Teaching Assistant (Contract, 2025 & ongoing)

CLARKSTOWN, NEW YORK

Assisted full-time teachers in instructing neurodivergent students during full, 7-hour instructional days.

Tutoring (Freelance, 2025)

VIRTUAL

Tutored high school students in Spanish and science, seeing grade improvements by up to 30 percentile points.

Clarkstown Pools Cashier (Seasonal, 2021-2024)

CLARKSTOWN, NEW YORK

Handled cash, assisted patrons (as much as 500+ per day), and collaborated with staff.

Educational Experience

Marist University, Honors Student (2023 - Present)

POUGHKEEPSIE, NEW YORK

  • Majoring in adolescent education in Spanish with a GPA of 3.9+
  • Minoring in applied artificial intelligence and pursuing a Technology & Society pathway
  • Anticipated graduation in 2027, anticipated graduate degree in 2028

Research & Experience

Publication for International Technology, Education and Development (INTED) (2025)

VALENCIA, SPAIN

Presented to an international audience after a year of exploratory research. Worked on a research project with professors and a student on artificial intelligence and note-taking.

Marist+AI Academic Group (2024-Present)

POUGHKEEPSIE, NEW YORK

Collaborated with faculty to develop an AI framework at Marist. Created, edited, and commented on multiple pieces of documentation and framework material.

Other Academic Conferences

POUGHKEEPSIE, NEW YORK

  • ALOUD (2025): Created and presented a language-learning video game to K-12 teachers.
  • CURSCA (2025): Developed and presented a poster with academic research on artificial intelligence.

Extracurriculars

Marist Circle Co-Features Editor (2025)

POUGHKEEPSIE, NEW YORK

Edited up to 3 articles per issue; authored 15+ pieces total. Pitched stories, coordinated team assignments, assisted cross-campus distribution.

Marist Circle Staff Writer (2023-2024)

POUGHKEEPSIE, NEW YORK

Writing above-average quantity of newspaper articles (as much as 2 an issue) with consistent attention to quality.

Marist Games Society - Subcommittee Leader (2024-Present)

POUGHKEEPSIE, NEW YORK AND VIRTUAL

Coordinating and helping new students integrate into groups, attendance and coordination of own group.

Awards

Other Skills

Instructional Technology Intern

As a full-time Instructional Technology Intern at Marist University (Poughkeepsie, NY, 2025 & ongoing), I create resources for faculty and students to understand artificial intelligence and its impact.

AI Research (INTED & CURSCA)

Presented original research on AI's role in education. For INTED 2025 (Valencia, Spain), I co-authored and presented a paper on AI and student note-taking, introducing the GAIN framework. For CURSCA 2025 (Marist), I developed and presented a poster detailing academic research on artificial intelligence applications.

Stats: 10 page paper, presented ot room of 40+ people, 15 minute presentationw with questions

Marist+AI Academic Group

As one of two student representatives in the Marist+AI working group (Active October 2024—), I contribute to guiding the integration of AI at Marist University responsibly. This involves learning about AI technology, sharing knowledge with professors and deans, and collaborating on the development of an AI framework, including creating and editing documentation.

AI Summit

Presented at the Hudson Valley AI Summit with a poster presentation, as well as facilitating a breakout discussion with Marist University faculty.

Teaching Assistant (Rockland BOCES)

Provided classroom support as a substitute teaching assistant for neurodivergent students in Clarkstown, NY. Adapted instructional materials, facilitated learning activities, and assisted with classroom management in full-day settings (2025 & ongoing).

Stats: Directly worked with 10+ educators and 30+ students across 3 schools

Freelance Tutoring

Offered virtual private tutoring services to high school students in Spanish and various science subjects. Developed personalized learning plans that led to significant grade improvements.

Stats: Increased student grades by as much as 30 percentile points

ALOUD Language Learning Game

Developed and presented a functional prototype of a language-learning video game at the ALOUD academic conference (Poughkeepsie, NY, 2025). Aimed at K-12 teachers, the game demonstrated innovative ways to engage students in Spanish language acquisition.

Stats: Presented to 10+ teachers individually, game with 4 languages

The Marist Circle - Editorial & Writing

I've been a Co-Features Editor (2025) and a Staff Writer (2023-2024) for Marist University's newspaper. Extensive experience in pitching, writing, interviewing, editing, and leadership within a journalistic environment. View my work here.

Stats: 15+ articles published, up to 2 articles self-written an issue, up to 3 articles edited an issue

Games Society Leadership

Acted as a Subcommittee Leader for the Marist Games Society (Poughkeepsie, NY & Virtual, 2024-Present), focusing on coordinating group activities, fostering an inclusive environment, and helping new members integrate.

Stats: Managed an online community of 100+ members

Instructional Technology Intern Details

This ongoing role involves researching emerging AI technologies relevant to education, creating accessible guides and tutorials for various AI tools, and assisting with workshops for faculty and students on AI literacy and application. Aims to promote responsible and effective AI use across the Marist University community.

Rockland BOCES TA Details

Focused on creating an inclusive environment and adapting teaching methods to individual student needs. Gained valuable experience in special education practices, behavior management techniques, and collaborative teaching within a structured educational setting for neurodivergent learners.

Freelance Tutoring Details

Quickly synthesised information in Earth Science and Spanish (aligned to state standards) and broke it down in ways for students to understand. I used visual resources and sketches to explain the concepts to high-school level students. They saw notable grade improvements following intensive, focused review sessions.

Clarkstown Pools Cashier Details

Managed high-volume cash transactions accurately, provided information about pool facilities and programs, and resolved customer inquiries efficiently during busy summer seasons. Developed strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced, public-facing environment. Collaborated with a team of 10-15 staff members.

Marist University Details

I am currently a junior at Marist University studying Adolescent Education in Spanish with a pathway in Technology & Society and completing requirements for the honors program. I am minoring in Applied Artificial Intelligence. I am expected to graduate with my Bachelor’s degree in 2027. As a part of Marist’s 4+1 program, I am expected to receive my Master’s degree in 2028. Consistently on Dean's List.

INTED Publication Details

The research explored the efficacy of AI-powered note-taking tools versus traditional methods for college students, considering factors like retention, organization, and critical engagement with material. The presentation included a live demonstration of selected AI tools and a Q&A session with international educators and researchers.

Marist+AI Group Details

Contributed to sections on AI in the humanities and arts, AI for accessibility, and pedagogical best practices for AI integration within the proposed institutional framework. Participated in workshops and discussions on responsible AI deployment, data privacy, and academic integrity in an AI-enhanced academic setting.

Other Academic Conferences Details

At ALOUD, I created a language-learning video game and presented it to educators in the area. It's published on the internet (see the Extras page) and required me to develop a concept, prototype the game, and create assets. The CURSCA conference involved me and my research partner re-presenting our INTED work in a new format, answering questions and explaining our work throughout the conference.

Marist Circle Editor Details

As Co-Features Editor, responsibilities included managing a team of writers for the Features section, providing constructive feedback on drafts, ensuring adherence to journalistic standards and AP style, and contributing to editorial decisions for content and layout. Authored over 15 pieces on diverse campus topics, including investigative reports and student profiles.

Marist Circle Writer Details

Known for timely and well-researched articles covering campus news, student life, arts and culture, and local events. Often took on multiple assignments per issue, demonstrating versatility and commitment to quality journalism.

Games Society Leader Details

Organized weekly meetings, special events (tournaments, guest speakers on game development), and managed online communication for a subcommittee focused on narrative-driven and educational games. Facilitated discussions on game design and industry trends.

Dean's List Significance

Awarded to students achieving a high GPA (typically 3.6 or above on a 4.0 scale) for a semester, demonstrating consistent academic excellence across all coursework.

Sigma Delta Pi Details

Membership in the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society (La Sociedad Nacional Honoraria Hispánica) recognizes outstanding achievement in the study of Spanish language, literature, and culture at the university level.

National Honor Society Details

Membership based on the four pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, and character during high school, recognizing well-rounded student achievement.