CSpotlight: The Love of Hackathons
Why did you choose to pursue a degree in computer science specifically at the University of Minnesota?
The main reason that I chose the University of Minnesota was because of the strong reputation in computer science, the university’s emphasis on research and innovation, and the university's location in the Twin Cities, which is in close proximity to tech companies. This gives really good opportunities for internships, networking, and professional development. I also really like the collaborative environment and the resources available to students on campus.
How did you become interested in computer science? What are your specific interests within the field?
My interest in computer science first started in high school when I participated in PSEO (Post-secondary enrollment option). During that time I got to explore some computer science courses at the community college, which kind of sparked my fascination with problem-solving through technology. I'm interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, and how these technologies can be applied to optimize processes and approve decision-making. I interned at Medtronic this summer where I explored these interests further and developed a strong interest in how technology can positively impact others' lives.
Tell us more about your internship experiences.
During my internship at Medtronic as an AI data science intern, I had the opportunity to work on several impactful projects. One of my key responsibilities was migrating data into Snowflake, which I was using SQL to develop queries for generating regulatory reports. I also built a dashboard to support data-driven decision-making, and focused on optimizing internal processes by automating a lot of administrative tests. For example, I created an automation solution that streamlined the team's request management system, and that helped reduce a lot of the team's manual workload.
Are you involved in any student groups? What inspired you to get involved?
I'm actively involved in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and Minorities in Tech. NSBE’s mission is to increase the number of black engineers so they can succeed professionally and positively impact the community, which resonates with me. The organization provides a supportive community that supports academic excellence and provides a lot of mentorship and career development opportunities. They provide networking platforms, such as their national conference as well as their fall and spring conventions. Minorities in Tech focus a lot on promoting diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry. As a member, I have participated in a lot of workshops and events, such as prep sessions, company recruiting events, and professional development workshops. These experiences have helped me connect with like-minded individuals and explore different areas of technology while also giving back to the community with mentoring and outreach initiatives.
What do you hope to contribute to the computer science community at the University?
I am to contribute to the university’s computer science community by creating a more inclusive, supportive, and innovative environment where students feel empowered to pursue their passions by leveraging my experience with NSBE, Minorities in Tech, and my internship at Medtronic. I plan to advocate for more initiatives that promote diversity in STEM and create a platform where students can showcase their talents. I also want to collaborate with more student organizations to host more workshops and hackathons that are a lot more focused on data science and AI.
What advice do you have for incoming computer science students?
My advice is to be open to exploring different areas in the field. Computer science is very vast, so take the time to experiment with different topics like AI, cybersecurity, software development, and data science, just find out what excites you the most. Also don’t be afraid to seek out mentorship, peers, and professors. Building a support network and continuously seeking learning opportunities outside of your coursework like hackathons and different clubs will help you a lot.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to work as a data engineer with a company where I can continue to grow and apply my skills to impactful projects. I am very interested in roles that focus more on leveraging technology to solve complex challenges in the field of healthcare. Eventually, I would like to pursue a master's degree and pursue more opportunities.
Are there any additional experiences you did that you would like to highlight in the article?
This October, I went to a hackathon hosted by JP Morgan and Chase. It was an incredible opportunity to collaborate with other students and industry professionals on a data-driven project that addresses social issues. We’re working with a nonprofit organization called Social Works, which is based in Chicago and was founded by Chance The Rapper. My team and I found a solution that uses machine algorithms to analyze data related to housing affordability and provide insights on how to optimize resource allocation for affordable housing programs. It was a rewarding experience that allowed me to apply my technical skills while also contributing to a meaningful cause and just reinforcing my knowledge of technology to create a positive social impact. I'm looking forward to participating in similar events in the future.