Student Spotlights: getting to know our CS students
There is no question that the Department of Computer Science is home to amazing faculty, staff, and students. I wanted to provide an opportunity for those inside and outside the department to learn about our students. The Student Spotlights provides a platform to tell our students' unique backgrounds, experiences, and stories. After reading, I know that you will agree- our students are incredible.
Thanks for reading! - Martin Marquez, Director of Academic and Support Services
Connor Olive
Connor Olive is a Department of Computer Science senior undergraduate student. Connor is pursuing the BA in Computer Science with a thematic minor. Connor considers Tucson his home even though he has moved around a bit. He choose to stay in Tucson and enroll at the University of Arizona to be close to family and because of the UA Study Abroad Programs. Computer Science was not Connor's first major - he initially started with physics. It was during the pandemic that Connor developed an interested with computers and "fell in love with programming and hacking." Connor created the Hack the Flag club at University of Arizona in Spring 2022. The club helps members learn the types of hacking techniques and participats in the National Cyber League (NCL). In their first competition in NCL Fall 2022, the UA club placed 10th nationally out of 470 universities and 214th out of 3,926 teams that competed (which includes security companies)! During his free time, Connor enjoys making music, learning instruments, hacking, shooting indie movies, making animations, and staying up way too late.
Transcript of Connor's responses can be found here.
Eric Yoon
Eric Yoon is a first year Department of Computer Science undergraduate student. Eric is pursuing the BS in Computer Science with a minor in Statistics and Data Science. Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Eric decided to attend the University of Arizona because of the large campus, class sizes, alumni network, and proximity to family (as well as the beautiful weather). Eric grew up around computers (his dad worked in the field for around 15 years) and found that CS was a great fit for his goals and interests. Eric recently started an internship with HealthTrio - a direct result of attending the CS Career Fair. During his free time, Eric enjoys basketball, watching college and professional sports, and spending time with friends and family. Eric is also Spikeball champ of his high school!
Transcript of Eric's responses can be found here.
Anthony Hsu
Anthony Hsu is a senior pursuing dual majors: BS in Mathematics, Applied Emphasis and Computer Science. A native Tucsonan, Anthony attended and graduated from University High School. Anthony chose to attend the UA, in part because of his father (a ECE and MBA alum). Anthony's exposure to IBM Watson on Jeopardy piqued an interest in AI, computer science applications, and computer analytics. He learned more about CS during middle school and high school - teaching himself how to code in Python. Anthony is a CS TA - helping others succeed in CSC 110. Eventually, Anthony hopes to develop or use ML and AI to break down large amounts of data and explore findings. In this interview, Anthony discusses his experience with AZCyber Initiative, his research experience with Dr. Chi-Kwan Chan and provides insights/advice to UA students.
Transcript of Anthony's responses can be found here. Learn more about AZCyber Initiative and on Instagram (@azcyberinitiative).
Amy Paul
Amy Paul graduated from the UA Department of Computer Science with a BS in Computer Science and minor in Mathematics (Fall '21). Amy decided to continue her quest for knowledge by pursuing the MS in Computer Science. Born and raised in Champaign, Illinois, Amy decided to attend the University of Arizona, in part, because of her grandparents' proximity (during half of the year) to Tucson and scholarships earned. Amy is currently serving as the President for the Department of Computer Science Graduate Student Council (CSGSC). In this interview, Amy discusses her experience in the department, CSGSC initiatives, and the importance of getting involved. During her free time, Amy enjoys reading, singing, playing the oboe, and planning homemade escape rooms for friends.
Transcript of Amy's responses can be found here. Learn more about the Department of Computer Science Graduate Student Council, including how to get involved, officers, and events by visiting the CS Graduate Student Council page.
Rachel Whitaker
Rachel Whitaker is a junior pursuing dual degrees: BS in Computer Science with a minor in Korean Language and BSECE in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. A native Tucsonan, Rachel attended and graduated from University High School. She is currently involved in the Engineering Ambassadors, Tau Beta Pi, and serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of WiCys (Women in Cybersecurity). When not doing academics/clubs, Rachel enjoys hiking, camping, skiing, and waterskiing. Rachel has hiked the Grand Canyon multiple times, has done a river trip through the length of the canyon and plans to do more hiking there. She also plans on doing a study abroad experience in South Korea next semester. Rachel answers questions about her experience at UA and the AZCyber Initiative.
Transcript of Rachel's responses can be found here. Learn more about AZCyber Initiative and on Instagram (@azcyberinitiative)