Graduating Year: 2015
Education: Major in Computer Science, Minor in Mathematics and Honors
Tell us about your current role:
Involvement/Internships/etc during undergrad:
Favorite NKU memory:
Advice for students:
Graduating Year: 2021
Education: Major in Computer Science, Minor in Psychology and Mathematics
Tell us about your new job and what you will be doing?
Co-Curricular activities/involvement in college?
Favorite NKU Memory?
Advice for students?
Graduating Year: 1985
Education: Majors in Mathematics & Computer Science
Responsibilities
Giving Back
Favorite NKU Memory
Advice for Students
Graduating Year: 2020
Education: Major in Computer Science, Minor in Computer Information Technology
Why Computer Science Department?
Experimental Learning
Recommendation
After Graduation Plans
Graduating Year: 2017
Education: Majors in Computer Science and Mathematics, Minor in Honors
Tell us about your current role
Co-curricular/Involvement activities in college
Favorite NKU Memory
Advice for students
Graduating Year: 2017
Education: Major in Computer Science, Minor in Mathematics & Honors
Responsibilities
"I am a PhD graduate student in computer science at the University of Kentucky. My current role is a research assistant in the lab of my doctoral advisor, Dr. Hana Khamfroush. I essentially work on research under the direction of my doctoral advisor. That work consists of a large variety of tasks: writing papers, running experiments, designing new models/algorithms, implementing models and algorithms using code, data analysis, drafting grant proposals, etc.
Additionally, this summer I had the opportunity to lightly work alongside two undergraduate assistants who worked in our lab on two projects pertaining to research projects we have in the pipeline. I served in a leadership position ensuring they understood how to complete certain tasks, install the necessary software in compliance with our IT department, etc. Previously, I have served as a teaching assistant for two years. That role largely consisted of grading, holding office hours, meeting with students, teaching, and sometimes even designing the large projects students would have to work on."
Going Back to School
"Through NKU, I was granted many opportunities to partake in undergraduate research and teaching. Starting my freshman year, I began working with Dr. Maureen Doyle, Dr. Kristi Haik, and Dr. Madhura Kulkarni on a transdisciplinary study of undergraduate retention. I stumbled upon the opportunity in a very organic way, with no idea of what to expect, but I loved the experience. Further, I got to present findings of our research in a poster presentation at the 2014 AAC&U conference in Atlanta, GA. That was life-changing.
Being able to speak with academics about something you committed so much time and energy to and be the expert on the material was gratifying and fulfilling. However, I think the thing that really made it click for me was falling in love with teaching. I served for three years as an academic tutor at Learning PLUS at NKU. Additionally, I was able to serve as a TA for several courses and a peer mentor for the Honors Program in 2015. All of those experiences really made it clear to me that my passion was in teaching.
I really enjoy the impact you can have on a student's life. And, even simpler than that, just that moment of when a concept finally makes sense to a student and you see that lightbulb go off is euphoric. With a love for both research and teaching, the obvious route was to pursue a PhD. Going into my undergraduate education, this was never the path I had imagined for myself. I'm relieved to say that I know I made the right choice and I have NKU to thank for that."
Why a Doctorate in Computer Science?
"I am studying computer science. However, that's not super helpful because it's an increasingly overwhelming field in terms of size. More specifically, I study online social networks and interdependent systems — with emphasis on how machine learning can be applied to study problems in these domains. In the area of online social networks, I am heavily motivated in understanding how information spreads on these platforms.
I'm interested in studying how to maximize or minimize the spread of certain information in an algorithmic fashion. As for interdependent systems, I find the relationships between two (or more) seemingly unrelated systems (such as power grid networks and water filtration systems) interact with one another through ways of interdependency.
I spend a lot of time following what is being done in the realm of machine learning so that those findings can be incorporated to solve problems these domains. More broadly, I am largely attracted to anything that deals with graph theory in some way; it's one of my favorite areas of computer science."
Giving Back
"I try to give back to NKU and the Northern Kentucky area as best as I can given the limited time that I have as a PhD student. While at NKU, I began to be a volunteer for the Kenton Informatics Academy program. Each fall and spring, I would serve as an advisor that gave feedback to students working on an informatics/computer science project for the first time. I have maintained my participation in that role. I have kept in contact with faculty members on-campus to help out in whatever way I can. Of course, I can always do more to give back and I look forward to doing so in the future.
Favorite NKU Memory
Honestly, it is very difficult for me to narrow it down to one single memory. I had the pleasure of having countless fond memories at NKU that I will carry with me forever. However, there is one moment that does stand out to me. My freshman year, I was honored to be selected to participate in the "Outstanding Freshman Projects" seminar series (forgive me if I have gotten the title wrong) for the year of 2014. Me and roughly ten other freshman Honors students would present their final projects from the Fall 2013 semester. My project was entitled, "The Link Between Resilience and Optimism" and it was a small study that correlated survey responses to index scores that measure resilience based on a well-studied test used by social scientists.
Overall, in reflection, I think the project was cool and had interesting results. But, my parents were both able to make it to the showcase to see me present. Not to brag too much about myself, but I did a pretty solid job presenting my project. My parents were floored with my presentation and were stunned to see me do so well in an academic setting. This meant the world to me simply because it was not until high school where I began to really do well academically, but my parents never got the opportunity to see me do well in school. They saw my grades, of course, but they never got the chance to see me do "my thing" and that was just a great opportunity for me. It is something that sticks with me forever now because my parents always remind me of what I am capable of when I'm feeling discouraged. All of that is because NKU provided accessible opportunities for them to see me in action."
Advice
"This is going to sound incredibly generic, but enjoy your time in college. My time in graduate school has been thrilling. I now have two papers published, with more already prepared to be submitted for publication, and I'm getting closer to my dream profession of being a future faculty member. However, I will forever miss my time at NKU. I will miss all of my friends living right next to me (which is why I often refer to my college life as feeling "like a sitcom"). I will miss the faculty members that really took the time to get to know me; I still maintain strong relationships with several of them. I miss the freedom that came along with being a college student, in an environment where you can learn new things daily and engage with people of different backgrounds easily.
It is very difficult to replicate the college experience once you're graduated. So, please, take advantage of the opportunities NKU offers you. Go to the after-school dodgeball events, the student theatre productions, and anything else you think you might enjoy. There are a whole litany of pieces of advice I can provide. But, I think that undergraduate students (or at least some that I knew) get so caught up in a fantasy for life after college that they miss what's in front of them. Life after college can be great, but it's hard and probably not as romantic as it is in your head. So, just enjoy college and take advantage of this time because it's very possible you'll never be an environment quite like it again."
Graduating Year: 2022
Education: Major in Computer Science, Minor in Neuroscience
Why Computer Science?
"I chose to major in Computer Science because I have always had an interest in how computers are used to create things in various different fields to make advancements in society. It started as a kid through my interest in video games and science fiction but as I got older, it evolved into seeing how to computers were used in tons of different fields to turn the science fiction I always imagined into reality. I also like the challenge of trying to figure out how to write code to fix a certain problem and the sense of accomplishment that I receive when I actually solve the issue."
Experiential Learning
"During my time at NKU so far, I have worked on two different research projects. The first project I worked on was with Dr. Wei Hao in a project that involved trying to figure the viability of Edge Computing, an IT architecture that allows for computation and data storage closer to the user rather than at a centralized data center. The second project I worked on was with Dr. Erin Strome in a project that involved trying to discover the role of two genes in the development of cancer through multiple different data analyses and computer programs."
Recommendation
"My recommendation for incoming students at NKU is to first master your time management skills. If you can manage to prioritize the important things you need to do to succeed in college through good time management, you can make sure that your time is open to get help if you need it, get ahead rather than behind, and get out and experience college while you can. I also recommend to network with faculty and students so that you can possibly gain opportunities or knowledge that you may not have gained otherwise."
After Graduation Plans
"After graduation, I would like to do research in a field that combines the use of computers and something in the medical or biological field such as neuroscience. I want to do this because it can provide fulfilling work in a field that I have heavy interest in. I would also like to eventually be apart of an important development in my field or make an important contribution to the world so that I have something to be remembered for."
Graduating Year: 2020
Education: Major in Data Science, Minor in Business Information Systems and Computer Science
Why Computer Science?
"Majors in the Computer Science Department are full of problem solving and challenges, something I knew I wanted in my major. Another drawing point is the wide array of industries that utilize Computer Science, which offers many paths to take post-graduation."
Experimental Learning
"I participated in an internship opportunity with Archer Daniels Midland’s Data and Analytics team where I worked to build a dashboard of Key Performance Indicators for the various teams in Data and Analytics. This gave me the chance to work on a team with people from different backgrounds, learn how to work with changing deliverables. I also was able to take part in Twitter Data Research with Dr. Marius Truta and Dr. Alina Campan."
Recommendations
"Get involved on campus in as many ways as possible. While course work is the extremely important, there are a lot of skills to be learned outside of the classroom as well. The soft skills I gained through on campus employment and leadership roles in organizations during my time in college have played key roles in allowing me to be successful in various professional opportunities."
After Graduation Plans
"I plan to work full-time, and then also pursue a Master's degree."
Graduating Year: 2020
Education: Major in Computer Science, Minor in CIT & Mathematics
Why Computer Science?
"I like the feeling of when I am able to complete a difficult coding assignment. It gives me a rush. I also like the fact that my major is so versatile and that there are a lot of careers I can pursue."
Experimental Learning
"I did a research project last summer on the "Internet of Things" with Dr. Hao. I am currently a camp leader in the CINSAM summer camp for 4th and 5th graders and also a peer coach at the College of Informatics Advising Center. I plan to do a co-op during the upcoming Fall/Spring semester with Promevo. All these experiences have made me feel more confident in myself and they have made me feel less symptoms of the infamous 'imposter syndrome'. Ultimately, I have met a lot of wonderful people who have made my stay at NKU a very successful one."
Recommendation
"I would recommend that you join organizations so you can get to meet other students who have similar interests as you. I also would advise that you get to know your professors beyond the classroom. That could come in very handy when you need recommendation letters for internships, jobs or scholarships."
After Graduation
"After graduation I plan to work full-time, and then also pursue a Master's degree."
Graduating Year: 2020
Education: Major in Computer Science, Minor in Mathematics
Why Computer Science?
"I love that computer science has vast application and can be essential to other fields of study. Using my major, I can contribute to physics (as I did in my summer research) or health studies or finance or any other field I want. Having all these options means it will never get boring."
Experimental Learning
"I have done work on research projects with faculty here on campus as well as attended multiple hackathons over the course of my college years. One of the research projects I have worked of is the ISS-CREAM (International Space Station – Cosmic Ray Energetics And Mass) project. On this project, I worked on writing a C++ program that was used to basically clean up data that was received from the ISS. I also wrote several helper scripts in python and bash for the C++ program.
The hackathons I've attended have greatly impacted me in terms of changing my view on learning and shaping what I want to pursue as a career. I have attended different types of hackathons with different themes ranging from improving customer experience to data utilization. The biggest hackathon I have attended so far was GlobalHack VII. The theme of this hackathon was to make a product that improves the lives of foreign-born individuals. Inspired by NKU’s International Friendship Family Program, my team decided to make a web application that would connect migrants with volunteering individuals/families. Our project ended up coming in 2nd place out of 40+ teams and my team won $10,000."
Recommendation
"My top recommendation for other students in my major is to get involved in computer science related activities outside of the classroom. Doing research is one great way to learn a lot of new concepts and technologies that will be very valuable skills in the future.
Another way to get involved is to attend hackathons. Several universities around the area (and sometimes companies) host hackathons throughout the year and these are exciting events to be a part of. In addition to the technical skill you will gain working on a project for 24 hours, you will also gain valuable skills such as time management, ability to work in teams and problem-solving."
After Graduation
"I have accepted a full-time position as a Software Engineer at Paycor where I will be part of a team developing various reporting tools.
Click here to read about Tobel's 84.51° Hackathon experience."
Graduating Year: 2019
Education: Major in Data Science & Applied Mathematics, Minors in Computer Science & Information Systems
Why Computer Science?
"My favorite thing about my majors is how small my classes are which allows me to interact with my professors and other students on a more personal level. I have had so many opportunities because of the connections I have made within both the College of Informatics and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
Both of my majors also allow me to combine my personal interests with academic projects. Being in Data Science, we have a lot of freedom in the data sets we use which makes doing the work all that more enjoyable."
Experimental Learning
"I have had two internships, one with the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired and one with GE Aviation. My experiences were very different at each company, but both gave me exposure to new technologies and showed me how the technologies I learned in class applied to the real world. Interning really increased my soft skills and gave me fantastic networking opportunities that lead to me receiving a job offer!
I also participated in several hackathons throughout my college career! I attended Data Fest at Miami University for the first-time last year and will be attending again this year! I also participated in the COMAP (Consortium for Mathematics and Its Applications) Mathematical Modeling Competition this past January. Hackathons give you the unique chance to work on a project from start to finish on an extremely sped up time frame. They are a great chance to learn new skills and boost your creativity!"
Recommendation
"I would encourage students to get to know their professors more! One of my favorite parts of my college experience has been getting to know my professors on a more personal level. I would also recommend that students take some time to explore topics in data science and math outside of the classroom. Both of these are huge subject areas, and it would be impossible to cover everything in your classes. Finally, I would suggest getting involved on campus! There are so many different clubs and organizations to choose from, and they will all give you a unique perspective and help build your resume!"
After Graduation
"I will be joining the Digital Technology Leadership Program at GE Aviation in Cincinnati! Here I will have the opportunity to do four six-month rotations, each in a different technical role."
Click here to view Alli's interactive Game of Graphics !
Graduating Year: 1985
Education: Major in Computer Science, Minor in Business & Psychology
Responsibilities
"I am a Senior Director at Kroger Corporate Headquarters in Cincinnati. My primary role is Privacy Officer and Chair of Data Sharing Governance for the Kroger enterprise."
Giving Back
"I have been a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board for the College of Informatics for the past 5 years. In that role, myself as well as other members from other Cincinnati/N. Kentucky organizations act as a sounding board for the Dean and provide input/feedback for new ideas and specific focus areas for the COI as well as help to make connections within the business community. I am currently on a task force with the COI as we look for innovative ways to increase COI enrollment and get prospective high school students interested in Informatics and NKU. I have also participated in career fairs at NKU."
Favorite NKU Memory
"Graduation of course! Students today cannot relate to this but I have many fond memories of going to the computer lab all hours of the day and night with fellow students working on our programming projects."
Advice
"I would like current students to know they are in the age of data and innovation and that data drives many decisions in the business world. The COI is a great opportunity to bring data together to get a 360 degree view of your business and to tell a story. Businesses today rely on data and the insights from that data can transform their business. Be part of the solution and use your major to make a difference! I think the quote from Bill Gates sums it up nicely……“Information technology and business are becoming inextricably interwoven. I don't think anybody can talk meaningfully about one without the talking about the other” (1999)."
Graduating Year: 2002
Education: Major in Computer Science
Educational Background
"I graduated from NKU with a BS summa cum laude in Computer Science in August 2002. I earned an MS in Computer Science from Indiana University, Bloomington in May 2004. I completed my PhD in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Cincinnati in June 2011 with the support of the National Science Foundation and the Ford Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships."
Responsibilities at Sunrise Technology
"I am currently a Senior Machine Learning Engineer at Sunrise Technology. Sunrise Technology is a Kroger commercial technology venture company which invents and markets innovative and advanced technologies to other companies. In my position I translate business requirements into Machine Learning and Computer Vision technologies. I design and implement scalable Machine Learning and Computer Vision algorithms to solve business challenges. In addition, I extract insightful and actionable knowledge from sensor events and big data. I am also responsible for developing rapid prototypes including database, backend, and frontend components for Video Analytics. I liaise between departments to ensure Machine Learning and Computer Vision technologies are designed and implemented in alignment with Sunrise Technology Standards."
Favorite NKU Memory
"One of my fondest memories at NKU was taking my first class in Artificial Intelligence with Dr. Fox. This class ignited my curiosity and taught me the fundamentals of AI. It laid the foundation for my graduate studies and early career, and ultimately led to my position as a Senior Machine Learning Engineer."
Advice to Students
"Give everything you’ve got to your studies and excel in your classes. But that isn’t enough. At every opportunity, do more than what is expected of you. In particular, take advantage of undergraduate research opportunities on and beyond the NKU campus. For example, as an undergraduate I participated in the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates. This opened up a world of opportunities for me. NKU is unusual in the number of opportunities for undergraduate research, especially in cooperation with faculty. Your professors want to work with you and see you become a star in your own right, so take advantage of that."
Graduating Year: 2019
Education: Majors in Data Science and Statistics, Minors in Honors and Computer Science
Share your journey to NKU. Why did you choose to attend NKU?
Favorite NKU memory
Experiential Learning/Involvement in college
Advice for future students
Tell us about your current role and what you do.
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