CSpotlight: Mastering the Foundations
Why did you choose to pursue a degree in computer science and mathematics specifically at the University of Minnesota?
Ever since high school, back in Kuwait, I knew I wanted to study at the University of Minnesota. My cousin graduated from the University of Minnesota as an industrial engineer, so I learned about the it early on. When I started researching, I discovered that UMN has strong master’s and PhD program in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. The university also offers incredible research opportunities, especially in computer vision which aligned with my interests.
How did you become interested in computer science? What are your specific interests within the field?
My interest in computer science started back in Kuwait during high school. I used to go to an educational center, and one of the teachers over there introduced me to AI. I became curious, started researching more, and reading about it. I realized that I wanted to do a career with AI because it was going to be huge in the future. My goal was to do computer science as a bachelor degree and then get either a masters or a PhD. My main interests are computer vision, machine learning, AI, robotics, and I also want to get into the medical field. I want to integrate AI into medicine.
Tell us more about your internship experiences.
While I have not yet had a formal internship, I currently work as a teaching assistant for CSCI 3923: Ethics and Computing. In this role, I assist students with assignments, grade quizzes and coursework, and hold office hours. Before transferring to the University of Minnesota, I attended Century College, where I worked as a peer mentor, a tech assistant, and a sports center greeter. These roles helped me develop strong communication, leadership, and technical support skills.
Are you involved in any student groups? What inspired you to get involved?
I go to the AI club events and the Arab Student Association events. I go there to stay connected with people with similar interests and learn more about AI.
Congratulations on your CS&E Scholarship! How will this scholarship impact your academic and extracurricular work?
The scholarship means a lot to me, it helps reduce the financial burden on my dad who supports both me and my sister. Having this scholarship makes a difference for me academically. It gives me the freedom to focus more on learning, researching, and my projects without worrying about finances. It also motivates me to continue pursuing this work. I am planning to apply for my PhD.
What do you hope to contribute to the computer science community at the University?
One of my goals is to support and mentor first-year students. Right now, I give guest lectures at Century College about AI, where I discuss responsible use, introduce concepts in machine learning and robotics, and highlight real-world applications. I also talk about what computer science students can start doing early to explore AI and robotics and how to use tools like ChatGPT responsibly as learning aids rather than shortcuts.
Have you been involved with any research on campus?
While I have not yet joined a formal research lab, I have conducted independent research through my coursework. For example, in my AI class, I chose to compare convolutional neural networks and vision transformers in medical imaging to analyze which models perform better. This project strengthened my interest in AI research and its applications in medicine.
What advice do you have for incoming computer science students?
My biggest advice would be to master the basics. A strong foundation will make every advanced class and project way easier. Try to maximize your learning and don’t let anyone convince you that certain classes are unnecessary. Additionally, learn how to use AI tools wisely. Don’t depend on them, just use them to learn. The purpose of university is to truly understand the material, not just complete assignments. Ask questions, stay curious, and don’t be afraid of what others might think.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am currently applying for PhD programs and also plan to apply for entry-level positions. I am more research-oriented, and if I am accepted into a PhD program, especially at the University of Minnesota that would be great. I hope to conduct research in medical robotics or computer vision applications in healthcare.