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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The community of supportive and understanding professors and peers is the best part of the computer science department.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Talk with your professors within the classroom and during office hours. Even if you don’t have any questions, discussing life and possibly going down a computer science rabbit hole can be enjoyable and help you know the department better. Also talk with your computer science peers, work together, and visit the computer science collaboration center open five nights a week.

What is something you know now that you wish you could tell your first-year self?
I now know that getting comfortable with meeting new people is important to your success and happiness. As scary as it can be, be open and connect with people all around campus. Go to events and make an effort to meet folks outside of your friend groups and department. Lasting friendships are the most rewarding aspect of college.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
The most valuable skill I’ve learned at K is how to communicate and collaborate as an adult. I have gained invaluable communication and collaboration skills in study, research, projects, and life in general. This goes beyond academics: For example, the skills I have gained are applicable when living with others.

What has been your favorite class at K? 
My favorite course has been MATH300/COMP400: Automata, Formal Languages, and Computability (or in other words, theory of computation). Any class that provides a whole new perspective in a field of interest is certainly a great one, but a class that also combines both of my majors is naturally my favorite. The course covers the mathematical theory behind computing, and this combination of mathematics and computer science provided me with new insight into what computing actually is.

How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth?
K’s flexible curriculum allows me to pursue subjects that I otherwise would not have time for, including a non-STEM field. While taking math courses, I realized that I would want to pursue a minor in mathematics, but as I discovered a passion for the field, this eventually turned into the pursuit of a math major. Surprisingly, by taking studio art courses while exploring other fields, I gained a passion for photography and filmmaking; and this continued interest led me to a studio art minor.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
I am a teaching assistant, grader, and collaboration center consultant for the computer science department. During the summer of 2025, I had an internship at a machine learning-based automotive financing company. In the same summer, I also did parallel computing research with Dr. Sandino Vargas-Pérez. During the summer of 2026, I participated in a research experience for undergraduates (REU) at Salisbury University, focusing on high-performance computing. In the fall of 2026, I am also serving as a first-year experience mentor.

What is your SIP?
My SIP is doing research in a summer 2026 research experience for undergraduates (REU) at Salisbury University where I am using machine learning to study and improve a parallel algorithm that solves the stable matching problem.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
After graduation, I would like to pursue a career in a technical computer science field or continue researching in graduate school. Additionally, I would like to travel back to Europe and revisit Scotland at some point.

What is a random fun fact about you?
I can solve a Rubik’s cube in under 45 seconds.