CSpotlight: Navigating Through the University of Minnesota

Why did you choose to pursue a degree in computer science specifically at the University of Minnesota?
I chose to come to the University of Minnesota because it has a well-regarded computer science program that combines both a radical foundation and hands-on experience. I think it's really important to me because I want to deepen my understanding of the core computer science concepts while also applying them to real-world problems. Another reason is that the University is a diverse environment and that's very important to me, especially because I am an international student. I wanted to start in a place that fosters inclusivity, community engagement, and collaboration. UMN can provide an ideal platform for students like me to not only develop technical skills but also contribute to initiatives that make technology more accessible and more equitable.
How did you become interested in computer science? What are your specific interests within the field?
I used to major in electrical engineering. Then, after a year of study, I quickly realized that computer science was more in line with my interests and inspirations. Computer science is more focused on math and the foundation of technology and the digital world. Its logical structure and problem-solving nature resonated with me on a deeper level. I found that it’s a better fit for my career. The reason why I chose Computer Science is because I want to explore how computing technology can be applied in a wide range of fields so I can have more choices. My key interest is the intersectionality between computer science and management because I believe that the advancement in recent developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning has the potential to revolutionize health care and improve diagnostic placements and patient outcomes. By pursuing computer science, I feel that I am better able to contribute to these innovations and help shape the future of technology and healthcare.
Congratulations on earning the Optum Computer Science & Engineering Scholarship! How will this scholarship impact your academic and extracurricular work?
Receiving this scholarship has not only helped the financial pressures but amplified my capacity to join initiatives that promote equality and broaden my range of education. As an international student, navigating the complexities of educational expenses is challenging. Having a scholarship has been a crucial reach to help me with a future for my academic passions and research that were shadowed by economic constraints.
Tell us more about your internship experiences.
My internship was in China at Inspur; I was there as a software development intern to develop OA systems. We needed to make the OA system to streamline the company’s approval processes and improve overall office efficiency. We also communicated daily with customers and partner companies, addressing numerous demands and inquiries. From the view of technology, it helps me a lot to know how to write SQL and I need to know how to make the workflow more efficient. I was also able to learn how to communicate with others about code.
What do you hope to contribute to the computer science community at the University?
I feel excited to be part of the computer science community here, and I want to bring my enthusiasm for exploring new ideas and new technology within the computer science community. I’m really into finding ways to apply computer science beyond the usual in-class activities, like using 3D graphics or figuring out cool data visualization techniques. I’d love to work on interesting projects with others, share what I know, and learn from everyone around me. I hope to contribute by sharing my perspective, being open to new challenges, and making the most of the opportunities we have to learn and grow together.
What advice do you have for incoming computer science students?
Go to office hours. Professors and TAs are available resources that can help clarify difficult concepts, provide guidance, and offer insights into our coursework. Building a relationship with the instructors early on can open doors for research opportunities and mentorship. The second is to stay passionate about computer science. This field is vast and constantly evolving, so maintaining our passionate student element is key. There will be challenges, whether it's mastering a difficult language like Ocaml or fixing difficult bugs in our code, but remember that the process of solving these challenges is not just half of it. It's also rewarding and exciting, especially when we solve a bug or build our project successfully. Lastly, embrace the setbacks. There will be many frustrations along the way, whether it's bugging freaky code or coursework and it just seems overwhelming. Coding seems challenging but sticking with it and learning from your mistakes and enjoying the problem-solving process will make us a better developer in the long run.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’d prefer to work at a tech company if I can get an offer. In this case, I can get some practical experience in the industry. I think working in a real industry setting will allow me to apply my academic knowledge and my deeper understanding of how technology is implemented as a skill. This hands-on experience will provide me with better insights into industry trends and challenges and practical applications that are difficult to fully grasp outside of academic environments. After accumulating sufficient experience in the industry, I plan to return to graduate school by that time. I think I will have a clearer understanding of the specific area within the computer science and technology field that I want to focus on, which will allow me to align my graduate research with both my interests and the evolving needs of the industry. This combined approach of work and experience and further education will enhance my technical skills and also position me to make meaningful contributions to the field.