CSpotlight: The Fun of Making Video Games

Why did you choose to pursue a degree in computer science specifically at the University of Minnesota?
I specifically came to the University of Minnesota (U of M) for psychology. I had computer science as a backup career. During my freshman year, I ended up liking computer science more than psychology, so I decided I wanted to pursue computer science over psychology as my career instead.
How did you become interested in computer science? What are your specific interests within the field?
I originally became interested in computer science after I took an AP CompSci class in high school. That was the first time I ever did anything with computer science. I have always been interested in computers, but that class showed me so many things that I can do, like how powerful code is. Specifically within computer science, I have an interest in programming and graphics, as well as VR, XR, and AR development.
Congratulations on earning CS&E Scholarship! How will this scholarship impact your academic and extracurricular work?
It's definitely helped a ton. It means that I can cut back on my hours working part-time. Most of it is going to tuition, but it also helps me with rent and has been very helpful in letting me explore more extracurricular activities at the U of M.
Tell us more about your internship experiences.
I worked over the summer at Torch Technologies as a game simulation development intern. I used Unreal Engine to do some ground vehicle simulations. They are also contractors for the Department of Defense. In the past, I also did some basic game development and game programming at different companies as a freshman and sophomore, but those were volunteer positions.
Are you involved in any student groups? What inspired you to get involved?
I’m mainly involved in two clubs on campus. I am the president of the Art and Animation Club. We essentially focus on developing personal skills and meeting others that have similar art interests. We are not specifically a STEM-focused art club, but most of our participants are from CSE or similar STEM majors. I am also Vice President of the Video Game Development Club on campus. In that club, there are about seven or eight groups each semester that develop a game. My role is to help oversee that game-making process and to see if people are struggling with specific aspects. I also work with a group and make my own games as well.
What do you hope to contribute to the computer science community at the University?
I feel like the way that I have contributed the most is through research. I would love to be able to participate in more research on campus and impact the field of computer science at this university and beyond. If I could, I would like to join more computer science-related student groups and maybe create an impact that way.
Have you been involved with any research on campus?
I have been involved in two research projects. I did one personal project through the Illusioneering Lab where I worked out mediating cybersickness in virtual reality (VR), specifically how to reduce motion sickness in specific scenarios in VR. I also did some research at a psychology lab, the TNT lab, where they are doing work with interviewing in VR, and monitoring performance inside and outside of VR to see if there are any differences between the two.
What advice do you have for incoming computer science students?
I feel like a lot of times the classes are really rough or really hard, but I think that in the end, it's ultimately not too bad. You just have to persevere, push through, and be determined. You just need to put in the time and effort to succeed in computer science.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m still deciding what I’d like to do. I’m thinking of getting my masters here at the University of Minnesota. I am also looking for jobs right now. I think what I’m hoping right now is to get a job in either game software engineering or graphics programming. If a specific company would pay for higher education, I would then pursue my master's degree.