CSpotlight: Exploring to Expand Skills

Why did you choose to pursue a degree in computer science specifically at the University of Minnesota?

I chose computer science because I find it an interesting and exciting field. I went to Egypt University of Informatics for the first three years of my degree. The university has a dual degree program with the University of Minnesota, so I get to spend my last year here at UMN. I decided to come to Minnesota because it’s a new experience. I love exploring, meeting different people, and seeing new places. I get to explore a new city, lifestyle, and education style.

How did you become interested in computer science? What are your specific interests within the field?

When I finished high school, I asked people with different degrees about what they did. Computer science stood out as something exciting and interesting. I was first introduced to computer science and AI when a nearby university hired its first AI-specific faculty. I started looking into computer science and its different specialties like cybersecurity, software engineering, and AI. I decided it was the right choice. 

I’m specialized in cybersecurity. When I joined my university, I asked the older students what their specific track was. Someone told me theirs was cybersecurity. It was my first time hearing about it, as it wasn’t that popular in Egypt at the time. I looked into it and thought it was really interesting. It feels like a game. Someone is defending, and someone is attacking. I find it interesting to learn. I also find it challenging, and I love challenges. 

Tell us more about your internship experiences.

I interned at Attijariwafa Bank in Egypt for 11 months last year. I was a part of the Security Operations Center. I worked in cybersecurity, where I monitored and tried to identify any threats. If it was a real threat, I would take action by blocking the user or modifying the security system or algorithms. I also prepared monthly audits, providing proof that all the security devices and software were working. 

Another internship I had was at a company called Talaat Moustafa Group. It’s a large construction and real estate entity in the Middle East, and I worked in networking. 

Congratulations on earning the Maximillian Lando Scholarship! How will this scholarship impact your academic and extracurricular work?

Receiving a scholarship makes me feel like I am doing the right thing. It makes my hard work feel appreciated, and like the path I am on is the correct one. 

Are you involved in any student groups? What inspired you to get involved? 

In Egypt, I was a co-founder and president of Google Developer Groups. I also led the scientific and technological department in the student union. I had additional leadership positions in a competitive programming club and a web development student group. 

At Minnesota, I’m hoping to get involved with the Google Developer Group and the Arab Student Association. I’m going to explore more clubs and find others I want to be a part of. I love stuff outside of computers, clubs related to motorsport, aerospace, mathematics, and so on. 

What do you hope to contribute to the computer science community at the University?

I want to do a project no one has done before that benefits others. I have friends doing projects related to healthcare, which can really help people. I hope to do something like that in the computer science field one day. 

What advice do you have for incoming computer science students?

Be hardworking. You have to work hard before things pay off. You won’t get paid now, and studying is what will get you paid later. Work to improve all your skills, not just your technical skills. Joining extracurriculars helps you learn leadership and communication skills. Recruiters don’t just want people with technical skills. Soft skills are also important. 

What are your plans after graduation?

I’m hoping to get a PhD here at the University of Minnesota. After that, I hope to start a business. I have a few ideas for a startup. I competed in a competition in Egypt where my team presented an AI-driven, waterless car wash platform called Wash2Go. We got third place in the competition, and I would like to implement that idea. I have another startup idea related to cybersecurity, but if I get any better ideas, I’ll do them.

Are there any additional experiences you did that you would like to highlight in the article?

The most important experience happening to me right now is being here at the University of Minnesota. It’s my first time being outside of Egypt. I’m very happy and very proud that I’m in this position.