CS Buddy Mentor Program

The Department of Computer Science Buddy Mentor Program began in Spring 2023. CS Buddy Mentors work with first year CS students to share their experience and connect CS Buddy Mentees to the campus community. The purpose of the CS Buddy Mentor Program is to 1)create a sense of social belonging and community, 2) develop persistence and self-efficacy, and 3) learn skills to succeed in and out of class. 

Sophia Harms

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Sophia Harms

Sophia is pursuing the BS in Computer Science. Sophia became a CS Buddy Mentor in Fall 2023. Sophia is a former CS Buddy Mentee (Spring 2023) and is a CS UGTA for CSC 210. 

Hometown: Tucson, Arizona

Why did you want to be a mentor? I wanted to be a mentor because I understand the importance of community when starting the CS program at UA. I was a buddy Spring of 2023 and wanted to be able to support incoming students the same way I was supported by my mentor.

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? My favorite part of being a mentor is meeting new friends and to be a source of encouragement and support in a time of adjustment.

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: I am very interested in video game development and eventually want to go into that field.

Interesting things about yourself: I enjoy reading and playing video games in my free time. I also really enjoy going to plays because I am a honor thespian in the International Thespian Society.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-harms-308786263


 Honor Jang

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Honor Jang

Honor is pursuing the BS in Computer Science and Biochemistry (dual major). Honor became a CS Buddy Mentor in Fall 2023 and is a UGTA for CSC 352 and involved in several student groups including the Creative Writing Club (UA affiliated) and TGen (non-UA). 

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

Why did you want to be a mentor? I want to help new students put their best foot forward when heading into the CS major. There's a lot of tips and tricks to give to you guys, too, and I'd love to pass them down!

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? That's what I'd like to find out, since this is my first time being one! :)

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: Application of CS in bioinformatics and life science labs; researcher or college professor.

Interesting things about yourself: I love playing video games and trading card games, drawing, animating, and hanging out with my cat! I'm also the president of the Creative Writing Club. :).

Discord: Honor J#8897 

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/honor-jang-2b0058273

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windsweptskies


Caleb McKinley

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Caleb McKinley Fourth

Caleb is pursuing the BS in Computer Science with minors in Japanese Language and Business Administration. Caleb became a CS Buddy Mentor in Fall 2023 and is involved in the UA Links Junior Honorary, is an Resident Assistant (RA), and a CS UGTA for CSC 244. 

Hometown: Decatur, Illinois

Why did you want to be a mentor? I would like to challenge and help mentees experience a lot of the Computer Science program and also the University of Arizona as a whole. Also being a mentor will help me challenge my cooperative skills and also build myself as a character as a whole.

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? My favorite part about being a mentor would be to help people and challenge them to help them become a better character in all fields. Becoming a mentor, will also bring me a sense of experience with helping peers.

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: Working and traveling.

Interesting things about yourself: I like watching a lot of anime and manga. I also enjoy college sports. I like playing video games and hanging out with friends. I like cooking and bowling. 

Instagram: cxllleb

Discord: LilToe#1470


Mercedes Ortiz

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Mercedes Ortiz

Mercedes is pursuing the BS in Computer Science with a minor in Communication. Mercedes became a CS Buddy Mentor in Fall 2023 and is involved in SPURS Honorary

Hometown: Mesa, Arizona

Why did you want to be a mentor? I remember feeling overwhelmed and out of place as an underclassman; I want to offer guidance and support to those entering the program who may be experiencing similar feelings. I've benefited as both a mentee and a mentor in other campus organizations and I am excited about extending my involvement within the CS department.

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? I love being able to connect with people and serve as a support system in both their academic journey and personal growth.

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: I want to pursue a career involving data science and analytics, with a specific focus on partnering with non-profit organizations to leverage data analytics to further their mission in making some form of a positive impact.

Interesting things about yourself: My go to dance move is the robot.

Discord: @mercedes._.ortiz

Instagram: @mer.ortizz


Nathan Osborne

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Nathan Osborne

Nathan is pursuing the BS in Computer Science. Nathan became a CS Buddy Mentor in Fall 2023 and is working as an intern at Rincon Research. Nathan was a CS Buddy Mentee in Spring 2023. 

Hometown: Tucson, Arizona

Why did you want to be a mentor? I wanted to be a mentor because of my amazing experience with the program last year.

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? While I haven't been a mentor in this program yet I think my favorite part of being a mentor will be getting to know the mentees under me.

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: Quantum computing, machine learning, and neural networks. I am currently an intern working as an internal developer and at the moment wish to pursue that as it has been a lot of fun piecing together different applications that my company uses.

Interesting things about yourself: I enjoy hiking, photography, games(board games and video games), and playing soccer. I am on two coed soccer teams, one with the U of A intramural sports and one with TWSL.

Discord: thechameleon_

Instagram: @nateo159


 MohammadHossein Rezaei

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MohammadHossein Rezaei

MohammadHossein is pursuing the BS in Computer Science and Mathematics (dual major) with a minor in Linguistics. MohammadHosseing became a CS Buddy Mentor in Fall 2023 and is the Tech Lead for the Google Developer Student Club. 

Hometown: Tabriz, East Azerbaijan, Iran

Why did you want to be a mentor? I wanted to become a mentor so that I could share my experience and knowledge with incoming students, assisting them in finding their path in CS and taking advantage of the numerous opportunities available on campus.

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? "I enjoy being able to help my mentees whenever they are in need; it makes me satisfied to have a part in someone's success. Also, one of my favorite parts of being a mentor is making connections with my mentees."

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: I am highly interested in Machine Learning and particularly natural language processing (NLP), which enables the interaction of humans and computers via language. I am planning to go to graduate school after my bachelor's to do more research in NLP before joining the industry.

Interesting things about yourself: I have a strong interest in music. I enjoy listening to a variety of musical genres, but classical music is my favorite. In my free time, I also play the piano. Additionally, I enjoy going on any kind of outdoor adventure, particularly cycling, hiking, and camping.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrezaei/

Discord: mhr2004

Instagram: rezaei82


Rey Sanayei

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Rey Sanayei

Rey is pursuing the BS in Computer Science with a minor in Statistics and Data Science. Rey became a mentor in Spring 2023. In addition to being a mentor, Rey is a CS Course Coordinator and involved in Google Developer Student Club, Software Engineering Club, UA Campus Pantry, and SensorLab.

Why did you want to be a mentor? I wanted to become a mentor because I am passionate about helping newly-admitted students succeed in their studies by sharing my knowledge and experiences in the field of Computer Science. By doing so, I hope to assist them in utilizing the available resources and achieving their desired goals.

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? My favorite part about being a mentor is connecting with my mentees and being able to guide them toward the resources they need to succeed. Seeing them progress and achieve their goals with my help is rewarding.

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision.

Interesting things about yourself: During my free time, I have various interests that keep me busy. I love soccer, so I spend a decent amount of time playing the game, watching matches, playing FIFA, and supporting Real Madrid. I also have a passion for music, and I listen to a diverse range of genres in many different languages, from rap to classical to rock to pop. Additionally, I am a sneaker enthusiast and collector. Lastly, I love scuba diving and hope to get certified after graduation.

Discord: @Realrey99#7412

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rsanayei/

 

Brooke Adkins

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Brooke Adkins

Brooke is pursuing the BS in Computer Science with a minor in Statistics and Data Science. Brooke became a CS Buddy Mentor in Spring 2023. In addition to being a mentor, Brooke is an undergraduate CS TA (CSC 110) and involved in Ramblers Adventure Club, Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers, and Theta Tau Engineering Fraternity.

Why did you want to be a mentor? I wanted to connect with other students in the major and be apart of a community.

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? I enjoy getting to know new people and listening to their experiences.

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: Machine Learning, Data Science, Electrical Engineering

Interesting things about yourself: I'm a passionate outdoor adventurer, including river rafting, backpacking, rock climbing, and canyoneering. I also enjoy running and hitting the gym.


Nishant Athawale

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Nishant Headshot

Nishant is pursuing two majors: BS in Computer Science and Information, Science and Technology. Nishant became a CS Buddy Mentor in Spring 2023. In addition to being a mentor, Nishant is a CS Teaching Assistant and involved in the International Student Community and Residence Hall Community as a Resident Assistant.

Why did you want to be a mentor? Joining a university can be very overwhelming as an international student. I became a mentor to help out fellow CS students figure out the university life and CS major. Something, I struggled figuring out myself during my initial semesters.

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? Hosting events and interacting with students.

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: Computer Systems and working in the Industry.

Interesting things about yourself: I am an avid hiker and a karaoke aficionado.

LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nishant-athawale/


Kaushal Bhat

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Kaushal Bhat 2

Kaushal is pursuing two degrees: BS in Computer Science and BSBA in Management Information Systems. Kaushal became a CS Buddy Mentor in Spring 2023. In addition to being a mentor, Beyza is involved in Greek Life and plays intramural basketball. 

Why did you want to be a mentor? I remember feeling lost and overwhelmed as an underclassman; having a peer a little further along in this journey to provide guidance would have meant a lot to me, so I want to provide that for the fresh blood.

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? My favorite part about being a mentor is helping newer CS students feel like they have a better sense of what to expect and what work they need to do on their end to maximize their chances of achieving their goals.

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: No specific areas of interest yet; I'm hoping to narrow that down with more experience in the field. My short-term career goal is to convert my upcoming return internship into a full-time offer and learn as much as I can in my first couple years in industry, then to follow where my limbic system takes me from there. Long term, I hope to be involved in the high-level ideation and design of tech that I find interesting and impactful.

Interesting things about yourself: In my free time, I like playing basketball, making and listening to music, and watching TV.

Instagram: @kaushal_bhat

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaushalbhat/


Nimet Beyza Bozdag

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Beyza Bozdag

Beyza is pursuing two majors: BS in Computer Science and Mathematics (Computer Science Emphasis). Beyza became a CS Buddy Mentor in Spring 2023. In addition to being a mentor, Beyza is involved in the Women in Information and Computer Science Club (WICS), CS Ambassadors, Volunteer Research, WISE Mentorship Program (Mentee), and Rewriting the Code. 

Why did you want to be a mentor? I wanted to be a mentor to be able to support others as I would have liked to coming into the program as a freshmen. I've also been involved with several mentorship programs and non-profit organizations that helped me throughout my undergraduate career and wanted to pay it forward by becoming a mentor myself.

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? I enjoy helping others and seeing them progress faster through the support and resources I am able to provide. Being a mentor also allows me to connect with many other people in the department, whether that be mentees, other mentors, staff or faculty and I really appreciate that.

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: I am interested in pursuing Machine Learning in grad school, and planning to apply for Ph.D. programs next year. I hope to work as a researcher in the industry in the future.

Interesting things about yourself: In my free time I like to paint, I mostly work with oil paint. I've also dabbled in some photography, and have been trying to get into video editing/content creation.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimet-beyza-bozdag/


 Jackson Covey

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Jackson Covey

Jackson is pursuing the BS in Computer Science with a minor in Chinese Language and became a CS Buddy Mentor in Spring 2023. In addition to being a mentor, Jackson is an undergraduate CS TA, CS Tutor and is a member of UnderskoreUA, Chinese Student Association (CSA), and Wildcat Archery. 

Why did you want to be a mentor? I wanted to offer guidance to pre-major students because when I was there 3 years ago, I had no idea what I was doing, or how this major really worked. I only really discovered that after getting involved in the department with being a Teaching Assistant. I think if I had a mentor back then, I would have done better academically, and been more prepared moving into the major.

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? I really enjoy getting to know the mentee’s. Everyone who majors in computer science is different, and getting to know them is really fun.

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: Web Development & be able to work from home.

Interesting things about yourself: I ride a Segway.

Discord: @jackson_horizon


Brandon Good (Alumni Spring 2023)

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Brandon Good

Brandon is pursuing two majors: BS in Computer Science and Neuroscience and Cognitive Science with a minor in Biochemistry. Brandon became a CS Buddy Mentor in Spring 2023. In addition to being a mentor, Brandon is involved in the Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Association of Students (NSCSAS), NSCS Ambassadors, NSCS Peer Mentoring, and Student Ministry Team at the Newman Center. 

Why did you want to be a mentor? Joining the Computer Science program over the pandemic, it was really difficult to find ways to get involved and meet peers. I really wanted to be a mentor to help facilitate interactions among students that will benefit us all for years to come.

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? My favorite part about being a mentor is forming friendships that can last for years!

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: Medical devices, fitness, health & wellness, embedded systems

The 'dream' would be to work on health-centered applications for a consumer product, like the Apple Watch.

Interesting things about yourself: Outside of school, I really enjoy reading, going to the gym, and running. I also have a photography business that I do on the side!

Email: brandongood@arizona.edu

Instagram: brandongood_


Kapua Ioane

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Kapua Ioane

Kapua is pursuing two degrees: BA in Computer Science and BS in Information Science Technology with a minor in American Sign Language. Kapua became a CS Buddy Mentor in Spring 2023. Kapua is also involved in College of Science Ambassadors, Computer Science Ambassadors, is a Course Coordinator for CSC 120, and is a skater in Tucson Roller Derby League! 

Why did you want to be a mentor? I wanted to be a mentor because I like meeting other people in CS and learning about all the cool things they do!

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? My absolute favorite thing about being a mentor is meeting and becoming friends with the mentees! I also love getting to work and hang out with the other mentors.

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: I'm actually really interested in Human Computer Interaction and Artificial Reality. When I graduate, I'm planning on going into Computer Science Education and/or Outreach.

Interesting things about yourself: I'm often described by m friends and fairly level-headed and understanding. However, it's because I have a really healthy outlet of releasing anger and frustration. I am a skater on the Tucson Roller Derby League! Catch me out on the rink: Lilo N Stitches #256

Please feel free to contact me on Discord (desert_Llama#5256)or Instagram (@kapuna_matata)


Shreyas Khandekar (Alumni Spring 2023)

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Shreyas Khandekar

Shreyas is pursuing two degrees: BS in Computer Science and BSBA in Management Information Systems. Shreyas became a CS Buddy Mentor in Spring 2023. Shreyas is involved in UArizona UG Research, ACM, and WICS. 

Why did you want to be a mentor? Coming in to college its easy to feel lost, I sure did. I wanted to help incoming freshmen not feel lost by showing them the ropes to how college life works and help them succeed.

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? I love being able to connect with my mentees by sharing my personal experiences. And it makes me especially fulfilled when the experiences I share helps them achieve whatever goal they wanted to.

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: Interested in - High Performance Computing, Project Management, Programming language evolution. 
Career Goals - Harnessing my two degrees to amalgamate the management and technological sides of businesses and bridge the chasm between ideas and code.

Interesting things about yourself: I love to travel and do so every chance I get. I'm also a thrill seeker and a glutton for novel experiences. I'm into scuba diving, skiing, rock climbing, and I want to try skydiving next. I love music and am a trained singer as well.

Website: shreyaskhandekar.com


Daniel Lee (Alumni Spring 2023)

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Daniel Lee

Daniel is pursuing two degrees: BS in Computer Science and BA in Economics. Daniel became a CS Buddy Mentor in Spring 2023. Daniel is involved in the multicultural fraternity Omega Delta Phi and is a teacher for a local martial arts academy. 

Why did you want to be a mentor? Throughout my time in college, I had mentors who helped me through a lot of stuff. I'd really like to give back and allow my mentees to learn from my experience and grow themselves in the process.

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? I enjoy meeting other mentors and mentees. The feeling of being helpful is really nice.

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: I would like to be an entrepreneur someday as I love business, technology, and taking risks. After graduation I will be working at a VR Mental Health Startup developing therapies and other mental wellness experiences in virtual reality.

Interesting things about yourself: I enjoy playing basketball. I went super deep down the crypto rabbit hole between 2019 and 2021 and made tons of money before losing most of it.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielshulee/


Sayyed Faraz Mohseni (Alumni Summer 2023)

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Faraz Mohseni

Faraz is pursuing two degrees: BA in Computer Science with a minor in Statistics and Data Science and BS in Mathematics (Computer Science Emphasis). Faraz became a CS Buddy Mentor in Spring 2023. Faraz is involved in several organizations on- and off-campus including UA Philosophy Club, UA Students for Justice in Palestine, and Tucson Iranian Cultural Association. 

Why did you want to be a mentor? I wanted to help students to be more involved on campus.

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? Helping other students.

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: I'm interested in NLP within the CS domains. My goal is to have a career in computational finance.

Interesting things about yourself: I'm interested in folklore, history and mythology. I read about these topics in my free time and I'm starting a podcast on the topic.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sayyed-faraz-mohseni-0aabb116a/


Mahshad Parizi

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Mahshad Parizi

Mahshad is pursuing the BS in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. Mahshad became a mentor in Spring 2023. In addition to being a mentor, Mahshad is doing research with Prof. Todd Proebsting. 

Why did you want to be a mentor? To make CS first-year students feel like they are supported and are not alone in this :)

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? Interacting with mentees, helping them with their struggles and learning from them and other mentors!

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: I am planning on getting a Master's in Computer Science and my area of interest is Machine Learning Algorithms.

Interesting things about yourself: I really enjoy outdoor activities, swimming, and going to the gym! But, if I'm not feeling like leaving home, I like reading poems or watching movies with my friends.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahshad-habibpourparizi-58414b244/


Leighanna Pipatanangkura (Alumni Spring 2023)

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Leighanna Pipatanangkura

Leighanna is pursuing the BS in Computer Science and BA in East Asian Studies with a minor in Linguistics. Leighanna became a mentor in Spring 2023. In addition to being a mentor, Leighanna is an undergraduate CS Course Coordinator and recently started the Accelerated Masters Program (AMP) in Human Language Technology.

Why did you want to be a mentor? I wanted to be a mentor to help incoming students with their transition to college with all the experiences I had so far!

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? My favorite part about being a mentor is that I can get to know other mentors and mentees and create connections with them.

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: I've always been interested in how computers and language can interact, so I would love to put my CS degree and my passion in linguistics toward natural language processing.

Interesting things about yourself: During my free time, I like to crochet! I enjoy making hats for my friends and family.

Discord: mygreentae#3599

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighanna-pipatanangkura/


Alex Safayan 

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Alex Safayan

Alex is pursuing two majors: BS in Computer Science and Mathematics (Computer Science Emphasis). Alex became a mentor in Spring 2023. In addition to being a mentor, Alex is an undergraduate CS Teaching Assistant, Resident Assistant, involved in the Honors Village Hall Council, Residence Hall Association, Eller AI Lab, W.A. Franke Honors College Marketing, and CATalyst Studios!

Why did you want to be a mentor? There are lots of things I wish I had known as a first year computer science major. As a mentor, I can help and advise mentees so that they have a smooth sailing first year!

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? Playing (i.e. beating) my mentees in chess.

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: I'm interested in human computer interaction, design, and generative art. I want to develop products that promote creativity in the world.

Interesting things about yourself: Since I was 13 years old, I have worked as a freelance 3D illustrator. My clients include Google, Pfizer, and Comcast. Portfolio: be.net/alexsafayan

Email: alexsafayan@arizona.edu


Vatsav Sethupathi (Alumni Fall 2023)

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Vatsav Buddy Mentor

Vatsav is pursuing the BS in Computer Science with minors in Mathematics and Japanese. Vatsav became a CS Buddy Mentor in Fall 2023 and is involved in the UA Badminton Club. Vatsav has previously served as CS UGTA and Course Coordinator for several semesters.

Hometown: Pune, Maharashtra, India

Why did you want to be a mentor? Attending college in a different country was extremely daunting since it took a while to get used to a new country, let alone trying to figure out how the college system works. I wanted to be someone who could help new students start their amazing new journey by showing them the ropes and making the entire transition a bit easier :)

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? Learning about new fields and opportunities that I never knew about during my time here!

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: Natural Language Processing, Quality Engineering, and Lower-level computing

Interesting things about yourself: I love playing tennis and badminton (I've only just started), but when I'm not on the court, you can find me watching anime or reading manga. I also love learning languages (I'm on my sixth one) and I plan to travel a lot once I graduate from college!

Discord: bocchi14

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vatsav14/


Duke Speed (Alumni Fall 2023)

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Duke Speed 2

Duke is pursuing the BS in Computer Science and became a mentor in Spring 2023. In addition to being a mentor, Duke is part of a student group planning to restart HackAZ, a member of the UA Chess Club, O-Stem and Residence Housing Association. 

Why did you want to be a mentor? I wanted to be able to help newer students in their transition to a traditionally difficult major, as I had a rough time myself. Also, I wanted to connect students with resources around campus, as it took me quite a while to become as connected as I am.

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? I love whenever I'm able to help guide a mentee through a process and offer them resources to make what would normally be an arduous process into something far less insurmountable.

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: I am very interested in the field of computational sustainability, and hope to one day be able to push that field a little bit further.

Interesting things about yourself: I've arm wrestled 7 different company representatives at events. I also unicycle! Still learning how to juggle, though.

Discord: @doisastir#6608 

Instagram: @dukeisastir


Shyambhavi

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Shyambhavi

Shyambhavi is pursuing the BS in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. Shyambhavi became a mentor in Spring 2023. In addition to being a mentor, Shyambhavi is involved in the core team and serves as Website Manager for Women in Information and Computer Science Club (WICS), is a member of Society of Women Engineers and OStem, CS Teaching Assistant, and doing research for the College of Engineering!

Why did you want to be a mentor? The reason why I wanted to be a mentor is that I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience to help others succeed. I believe in giving back and helping others, especially those who are starting out in a field that I am passionate about.

What is your favorite part about being a mentor? My favorite part is to support my mentees by sharing my experiences in the field and guide them. I also love hearing new perspectives from my mentees.

Areas of interest (CS) and career goals: I have enjoyed web and game development a lot in CS. My goal is to work in the industry after graduation and maybe pursue a Masters Degree later on.

Interesting things about yourself: I enjoy my free time eating out, playing golf, spending time with friends and watching TV. I also love to spend time dancing- I learned dancing for about 5 years.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shyambhavi/

Spring 2024 Kickoff