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Computer Science

#NCStateCS Ambassadors

Learn more about some of the most dedicated, welcoming students in our program!

The NC State Department of Computer Science Student Ambassadors program promotes leadership and communications skills by offering students the opportunity to represent our department at a variety of academic, social and networking events held throughout the academic year, and through personal interface with prospective students through our outreach efforts.

Interested in an ‘in-person’ tour of Computer Science?

CS Student Ambassadors will be available to conduct ‘in person’ tours for prospective students and their parents/guardians on several dates during the academic year. Click the link below to learn more and come visit us!

Visit the College of Engineering

Meet our Ambassadors

The uploaded image shows a headshot of a young man with shoulder-length, wavy dark brown hair and a reddish-brown full beard and mustache. He is wearing a two-toned polo shirt, which is dark gray across the shoulders and upper chest, and red on the lower chest. A small patch on the red section, near his right shoulder, appears to have the words "NC STATE Computer Science" or similar text. He is looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. The background is a solid, medium-gray color.
Erich Bopp
ebbopp@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Greensboro, NC
High School: STEM Early College at NC A&T State University
Activities: Diving, Rock climbing, Weightlifting, Hiking, Traveling, Reading
Awards and Honors: Grand Challenge Scholar, Benjamin Franklin Scholar, Dean’s List
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026
What I plan to do after graduation: After graduation, I plan to pursue a Master’s degree in Advanced Analytics and a career in Data Science.
Why I Love Computer Science: For many years, I was determined to pursue a career in medicine, believing it was the best way to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. That changed during my senior year of high school when I took my first computer science course. It opened my eyes to the vast potential of technology, not just to solve problems, but to transform entire systems and touch lives on a global scale. I quickly fell in love with the creative and analytical nature of CS, and the power it holds to drive innovation and meaningful change across every part of society. The opportunity to keep learning, building, and contributing to solutions that truly make a difference is what excites me most about this field.
The image is a headshot of a young woman with long, dark, slightly wavy hair. She has a bright smile and is looking directly at the camera. She is wearing a two-toned polo shirt, which is dark gray across the shoulders and upper chest, and red on the lower chest. A small patch on the red section, near her right shoulder, appears to have the words "NC STATE Computer Science" or similar text. The background is a solid, medium-gray color.
Alexis Chan
achan6@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Holly Springs, NC
High School: Holly Springs High School
Activities: President of WiCS (Women in Computer Science), Logistics Committee for the Krispy Kreme Challenge Organization, IBM Pathfinders Program, Undergraduate Research with the IntelliMEDIA Team, Study Abroad to South Korea, sewing, crocheting, running, tennis 
Awards and Honors: Park Scholar, Grand Challenge Scholar, Dean’s List
Anticipated Graduation Date: Spring 2027
What I plan to do after graduation: I will pursue a career in software engineering that that will expand into the technical program management space. 
Why I Love Computer Science: Computer Science has given me so many opportunities and has opened doors that I didn’t even know existed. It’s a blank canvas that can be used to transform lives, businesses, and the world. CS also leads to incredible careers that will financially support me and my family. Additionally, I have paired Computer Science with Business Administration so one day, I can build my own company to make a positive, sustaining impact on our beautiful world. 
The image is a headshot of a young man with short, curly dark hair and a faint mustache and chin strap beard. He is smiling brightly and looking directly at the camera. He is wearing a two-toned polo shirt, which is dark gray across the shoulders and upper chest, and red on the lower chest. A small patch on the red section, near his right shoulder, appears to have the words "NC STATE Computer Science" or similar text. The background is a solid, medium-gray color.
Logan Crisp
ldcrisp@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Belmont, NC
High School: Stuart W. Cramer High School
Activities: Bodybuilding, cooking, reading, and video games.
Awards and Honors: Dean’s List, Barnard Scholar, Joyce Hatch Scholar, and Albert G. Myers Scholar
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026
What I plan to do after graduation: I plan to pursue a career in software development or Machine Learning.
Why I Love Computer Science: When I first arrived at NC State, my love for technology and engineering led me to choose computer engineering, albeit without fully understanding what it entailed. It wasn’t until I dug deeper into the differences between computer engineering and computer science that I realized what I truly wanted to do. As I began my computer science coursework, I was struck by its blend of problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative exploration. The sheer variety of ways to tackle complex challenges and devise solutions made me realize that computer science isn’t just a career choice; it’s something I could see myself happily doing for the rest of my life.
The image is an outdoor photo of a young woman with long, dark hair, smiling while seated at a small, round, dark table. She is wearing a dark blazer over a patterned, low-cut top with pink and yellow tones, and dark pants. She has a subtle gold necklace and earrings. She is sitting in a modern outdoor plaza or terraced garden, which is bathed in bright sunlight. Behind her are large, structured planting beds made of light gray concrete, containing dry, brownish grasses and several bright orange, pink, and red tulips in bloom. In the background, there are young trees, metal railings, and a modern building structure.
Sohini Das
sdas25@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Morrisville, NC
High School: Raleigh Charter High School
Activities: WiCS iNSPIRE program founder, IT Board for Krispy Kreme Challenge, Park Ambassador
Awards and Honors: Park Scholar, Lenovo Scholar, Distinguished Young Women’s Scholarship, Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award, Dean’s List
Anticipated Graduation Date: June 2027
Why I Love Computer Science: 
What I love most about CS is that it touches everything. Whether it’s medicine, art, finance, sustainability, or social justice—there’s always a technological layer quietly powering what’s possible. At NC State, I came in balancing interests in business, biology, and CS, unsure of what direction to commit to. But as I dug deeper—especially through hands-on research in cybersecurity and machine learning—I realized that CS isn’t a limitation; it’s a launchpad. Through experiences at places like Google and LexisNexis, I’ve seen firsthand how CS can scale ideas, accelerate innovation, and make real systems smarter. It’s everywhere, but more importantly, it enables everything. That’s what excites me. I want to be part of building tools that are both technically sound and human-centered—tools that actually make a difference.
Equally meaningful to me is the community. I’ve grown up around programs like Girls Who Code and now continue that journey through Women in Computer Science at NC State. These spaces remind me that CS isn’t just about algorithms—it’s about access, representation, and the belief that diverse perspectives create better solutions.
Today, whether I’m prototyping a new idea, exploring AI in health tech, or mentoring someone who’s just starting out, I’m constantly inspired by how dynamic this field is. It’s both deeply logical and wildly creative. 
The image is a headshot of a young woman with long, straight, brown hair, smiling and looking directly at the camera. She is wearing a small gold necklace and earrings. She is wearing a two-toned polo shirt, which is dark gray across the shoulders and upper chest, and red on the lower chest. A small patch on the red section, near her right shoulder, has the words "NC STATE University Computer Science" or similar text. The background is a solid, light gray or white gradient.
Hannah Estes
hmestes@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Covington, Louisiana
High School: Fontainebleau High School
Activities: Undergraduate/Graduate Research, Study Abroad, Traveling, and Visiting Local Spots (coffee, food, dessert, and everything in between!)
Awards and Honors: Faculty Senior Scholar Nominee, Dean’s List, FEDD Winner
Anticipated Graduation Date: December 2028
What I plan to do after graduation: I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Computer Science at NC State in 2024; I am now pursuing my Master’s and Ph.D. in Computer Science! Afterward, I plan to continue researching at an R1 university and pursue academia.
Why I Love Computer Science: I love computer science for its variety, breadth, and impact on society. Computer science has revolutionized everything we do in every industry and everyone’s lives. It has connected the world, and there are infinite opportunities to learn from or work with people from different backgrounds and cultures on any topic you can imagine.
The image is a headshot of a young man with short, dark, curly hair, smiling and looking directly at the camera. He is wearing a two-toned polo shirt, which is dark gray across the shoulders and upper chest, and red on the lower chest. A small patch on the red section, near his right shoulder, appears to have the words "NC STATE University Computer Science" or similar text. The background is a solid, medium-gray color.
Shiva Gadireddy
sgadire@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Concord, NC
High School: Cox Mill High School
Activities: Student Government, Research, STARS Computing, Disc Golf, Intramural Cricket, Cooking, Reading, Traveling
Awards and Honors: Park Scholar, Dean’s List
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026
What I plan to do after graduation: I am planning to pursue a Master’s Degree in graduate school and am interested in artificial intelligence and data science.
Why I Love Computer Science: I like the idea of having a new challenge every day to work toward problem-solving. While there is no single answer to solving a computer science problem, it is equally as fun and rewarding to figure out the most efficient solution. With how fast the field evolves, computer science pushes me to always learn new things and to be the best version of myself!
The image is a headshot of a young woman with long, dark, wavy hair. She is wearing large, stylish eyeglasses with a dark frame and small pearl stud earrings. She has a slight, closed-lip smile and is looking directly at the camera. She is wearing a two-toned polo shirt, which is dark gray across the shoulders and upper chest, and red on the lower chest. The background is a solid, medium-gray color.
Jagruthi Haresamudhra
jnharesa@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Bengaluru, India (Currently in the Charlotte/Waxhaw area though)
High School: Ardrey Kell High School
Activities: Women in Computer Science (WiCS), Women and Minority Engineering Program (WMEP), Crocheting
Awards and Honors: Dean’s List
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2028
What I plan to do after graduation: I plan to pursue a career in Cybersecurity, that’s always been the goal since I started undergrad. Before jumping into the workforce, though, I want to earn a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity. 
Why I Love Computer Science: I love computer science because of its incredible versatility – it opens up so many different paths and opportunities. I first started coding in high school, and I was immediately captivated by it. The sense of accomplishment I felt after debugging a program was unlike anything else. There’s something uniquely gratifying about programming and working with technology that I haven’t experienced in any other field. It challenges both my creativity and problem-solving skills, which is why it resonates with me so well. What also excites me about studying computer science is how relevant and impactful it is in today’s world.
Kayla Heath
kaheath@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Camden, NC
High School: Camden Early College High School
Activities: Crocheting, Gardening, Volunteering, Listening to Music/Concerts
Awards and Honors: Dean’s List, Tau Beta Pi Honor Society
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027
What I plan to do after graduation: I interned as a Data Analyst at Booth & Associates and plan on trying a software engineering role to see which I would prefer as a career after graduating.
Why I Love Computer Science: I love the creative and problem-solving processes that come with computer science. Coding can be a challenging, but fun process that almost feels similar to solving a puzzle. My favorite part is watching just some lines of code turn into something exciting especially after hard work. The theory sides of computer science have also changed the ways I view many things both inside and outside of the field!
The image is a headshot of a young woman with straight, medium-length blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She is smiling broadly and looking directly at the camera. She is wearing a small gold necklace and a two-toned polo shirt, which is dark gray across the shoulders and upper chest, and red on the lower chest. Two patches are visible on the shirt: one on the dark gray near her left shoulder with text like "STUDENT AMBASSADOR," and another on the red section, near her right shoulder, with text like "NC STATE Computer Science." The background is a solid, medium-gray color.
Cece Henry
cbhenry@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Greenville, SC
High School: Greenville Senior High School
Activities: Pottery, running, music, traveling
Awards and Honors: Member of the Benjamin Franklin Scholars Program, Double Major in Computer Science and Psychology
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026
What I plan to do after graduation: I hope to pursue a career in Software Development.
Why I Love Computer Science: In high school, I took a handful of coding classes which sparked my interest in the field. I was immediately drawn to the structured nature of coding, which goes hand-in-hand with creative problem-solving to write programs.
Victor Hermida
vjhermid@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Oxford, NC
High School: JF Webb SHLS
Activities: President of LA/CSC, STARS Corp, C3 Ambassador, C3 Mentor, START Mentor
Awards and Honors: STARS AI Scholar
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026
What I plan to do after graduation: I want to either go into Software Engineering/ Developer or Cybersecurity.
Why I Love Computer Science: I mainly chose this major during community college just knowing that it’s coding and pays extremely well, but I came to NC State not knowing any code and struggled through my courses, but the feeling of being able to complete code or understand code gave me a good feeling to want to do more and learn more. I started to realize when I’m stuck on a problem, I’ll try to take a break, but I tend to always go back to the problem to figure it out. Now I want to help others who just started computer science to give them an easier path than I did which showed me my passion for Computer Science.
The image is a close-up outdoor portrait of a young woman with long, dark hair featuring honey-blonde highlights around her face and ends. She is looking directly at the camera with a slight, pleasant expression. She is wearing a white t-shirt with red and black text partially visible on the chest. She has small earrings and a nose piercing. The background is brightly lit and consists of lush green foliage and trees, suggesting a sunny day in a yard or garden.
Claire Jeffries
cmjeffri@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Cary, NC
High School: Green Hope High School
Activities: Officer of Japan Club, Music, Crafting, Language learning.
Awards and Honors: Dean’s List
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026
What I plan to do after graduation: Have you ever encountered nonsensical translations when using Google Translate or clicking ‘See translation’ on Instagram? After graduation, I would love to pursue a career in improving the accuracy and effectiveness of language translation technology.
Why I Love Computer Science: Growing up, I was often discouraged from STEM, leading me to believe that it was not something I was capable of doing. However, with the encouragement of my friends and the experience of taking CSC116 during my freshman year at NC State, I discovered a love for the problem-solving aspects and creative freedom that came with designing a program. Being part of a generation that has grown with technology is an incredibly unique experience, and witnessing my growth in computer science and contributing to the advancement of technology’s future has been immensely rewarding. I am most grateful for the opportunities and resources that NC State has given me to succeed in this field.
Monica Jin
mjin6@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Cary, NC
High School: Apex High School
Activities: App Development Club, Video Game Development Club, Committee Member for Women in Computer Science, IBM Mentorship Program, AIICE Student Advisory Board, Undergraduate Research
Awards and Honors: Park Scholar, Grand Challenges Scholar, Dean’s List
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027
What I plan to do after graduation: I plan to pursue a career in software engineering.
Why I Love Computer Science: I initially decided to major in computer science because I enjoyed math and liked problem solving, but I didn’t really understand what it was all about until I got to NC State and participated in some of our various computer science communities. I learned about all the different applications of computer science, from developing video games and apps, to its helpful applications in AI and cybersecurity, and I realized how limitless computer science truly is. This field is growing fast, and I’m so excited to be a part of it!
The image is a headshot of a young woman with long, dark, wavy hair, smiling and looking directly at the camera. She is wearing a small necklace and a two-toned polo shirt, which is dark gray across the shoulders and upper chest, and red on the lower chest. A patch on the dark gray section, near her left shoulder, has the words "STUDENT AMBASSADOR." The background is a solid, medium-gray color.
Ashika Kamjula
akamjul@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Cary, North Carolina 
High School: North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM)
Activities: Undergraduate Research, Undergraduate Grant Assistant, COE & CS Ambassador, WiCs, InspireENGR Director
Awards and Honors: Park Scholarship, Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship, NCWIT Regional Affiliate Winner, Dean’s List
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2028
What I plan to do after graduation: After graduation I plan on pursuing a career in software development and product management, hopefully in the AI and Machine Learning based preventative diagnostics and precision medicine space! 
Why I Love Computer Science: Computer science has become a core part of everyone’s lives. From groundbreaking medical software to reshaping education to driving critical business tools, it’s incredibly versatile and constantly adapting to what the world needs. As someone who loves the ability to create and problem solve, CS is an avenue and tool to solve some of the most interdisciplinary challenges the world has to offer. 
Heba Kitsy
hkitsy@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Cary, NC
High School: Triangle Math and Science Academy
Activities: Women and Minorities in Engineering (WMEP), traveling, reading
Awards and Honors: Dean’s List
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027
What I plan to do after graduation: I plan to pursue a career in software engineering.
Why I Love Computer Science: I love computer science because of its innovative and creative nature. I enjoy the critical thinking and problem-solving skills involved in this field, allowing me to create meaningful solutions and make a real-world impact through technology.
The image is a headshot of a young man with short, voluminous, dark brown curly hair and light eyes. He is smiling widely and looking directly at the camera. He is wearing a two-toned polo shirt, which is dark gray across the shoulders and upper chest, and red on the lower chest. A small patch on the red section, near his right shoulder, appears to have the words "NC STATE UNIVERSITY Computer Science" or similar text. The background is a solid, medium-gray color.
Cooper Lentz
cllentz@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Cary, NC
High School: Green Level High School
Activities: Undergraduate Teaching Assistance (CSC 216/217), Information Security Student Association (ISSA), Theta Tau Engineering Fraternity
Honors and Awards: University Honors Program, Dean’s List
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2028
What I plan to do after graduation: I would like to become a software engineer, maybe after a master’s degree through the ABM program. My main current interest is in developing security tools and helping modernize defense technology.
Why I Love Computer Science: I personally love computer science because of how many unique applications of it there are, and how they’re all constantly changing. For me, it’s invigorating to know there’s new ideas, technologies, and applications of the concepts we learn in class being used in industry every day. If you’re interested in learning new things, it will never be boring. That being said, I’m probably just addicted to the dopamine hit I get whenever my code works.
Nour Mahmoud
nhmahmou@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
High School: Dar Jana International School
Activities: Baking and cooking, video games, movies, nature admirer and photographer
Awards and Honors: Dean’s List
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026
What I plan to do after graduation: I plan to pursue a career in video game development.
Why I Love Computer Science: As the youngest of five, I have always admired my siblings’ enthusiasm and the fascinating stories they share about their jobs in tech. Therefore, I was not surprised when my passion for computer science began when I took a Java class in high school. The logic and critical thinking in computer science still intrigue me and continue to transform how I approach problems and view the world. I am particularly drawn to the potential of creating immersive experiences as a video game developer, combining my love for technology and video games.
The image is a headshot of a young man with short, slicked-back dark hair and a full, trimmed dark beard and mustache. He has a neutral expression and is looking directly at the camera. He is wearing a two-toned polo shirt, which is dark gray across the shoulders and upper chest, and red on the lower chest. A small patch on the red section, near his right shoulder, appears to have the words "NC STATE UNIVERSITY Computer Science" or similar text. The background is a solid, medium-gray color.
Samir Naseri
msnaseri@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Kabul, Afghanistan
High School: Heritage High School
Activities: Fishing, Boxing & Martial Arts, Chess, Trading Crypto and Stock Investments, Sports and Gym with Friends
Awards and Honors: Dean’s List
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027
What I Plan to Do After Graduation: I hope to work in a role that blends software development and cybersecurity, ideally within an organization where I can make an impact while continuing to grow as a developer and leader. Long-term, I aspire to launch my own tech-based venture.
Why I Love Computer Science: I love computer science because it gives me the power to turn ideas into real, impactful solutions. Whether it’s creating applications, automating tasks, or solving complex problems, CS constantly challenges me to think critically and creatively. It’s an exciting field that never stops evolving — and neither do I.
The image is a headshot of a young woman with shoulder-length, dark hair that has prominent blonde highlights framing her face. She is smiling and looking directly at the camera. She is wearing small earrings and a two-toned polo shirt, which is dark gray across the shoulders and upper chest, and red on the lower chest. A small patch on the red section, near her right shoulder, appears to have the words "NC STATE UNIVERSITY Computer Science" or similar text. The background is a solid, medium-gray color.
Sophia Nunez
srnunez@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Cary, NC
High School: Green Hope High School
Activities: Women in Computer Science, Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Village, Biochemistry Club, Intramural Volleyball, Java Teaching Assistant
Awards and Honors: Dean’s list
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027
What I plan to do after graduation: I interned with Meta as a general SWE intern, and plan on doing something similar in the future. I’ve really enjoyed my time as a software engineer and hope to find a subfield to pursue further!
Why I Love Computer Science: Growing up, I’ve always had an interest in STEM, which is why I originally wanted to work in biochemistry. I learned python in my freshman year for research and found it to be super fun, later teaching myself HTML/CSS as well. I added on a computer science minor after that, realizing that I wanted to pursue it as a career. I’ve found that I enjoy getting to build new things and expand my skills in ways that will help me achieve my goals. I love this field because it lets me challenge myself, using my skills to put ideas to life and have a real impact.
The image is a professional headshot of a young man with short, dark hair, smiling broadly and looking directly at the camera. He is wearing a dark gray or black suit jacket, a crisp white shirt, and a deep red knitted tie. He has a faint earring visible on his left ear. The background is a solid black color.
Douglas Ojeda
daojeda@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
High School: Piedmont High School
Activities: Playing video games, Working out, Member of ISSA, Intramural soccer
Awards and Honors: Goodnight Scholar
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026
What I plan to do after graduation: I plan to pursue a career in cybersecurity, preferably in the financial sector.
Why I Love Computer Science: As a young child, I was fascinated by computers and technology. I was instantly captivated by our family desktop, eager to explore its capabilities and discover new ways to use it. My love for computers grew the more I learned about computer science. I was immediately drawn to the field and spent countless hours researching, tinkering with code, and trying to build projects. I loved using logic and critical thinking to create solutions and build new things. CS is also an expression of creativity, which not many people realize – it takes thinking creatively to solve coding issues, and I had never experienced that before. I am also very excited to start my cybersecurity journey!
The image is a headshot of a young woman with long, dark, wavy hair, pulled back slightly from her face. She is smiling broadly and looking directly at the camera. She is wearing small hoop earrings, a delicate necklace, and a two-toned polo shirt, which is dark gray across the shoulders and upper chest, and red on the lower chest. A patch on the dark gray section, near her left shoulder, has the words "STUDENT AMBASSADOR." The background is a solid, medium-gray color.
Anvita Pullangari
avpullan@ncsu.edu
Activities: 180 Degrees Consulting Club, Alpha Kappa Psi, Purre Barre, Badminton, Reading, Traveling
Awards and Honors: Dean’s List, Kersey Scholarship, H.S. Battie Scholarship
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026
What I plan to do after graduation: I have interned with Deloitte over 3 summers and plan to join them full-time to be a consultant in the cyber or AI space.
Why I Love Computer Science: I think computer science is one of the few degrees that you can apply to so many more areas and jobs than just software engineering. Embarking on this challenging but rewarding path has sharpened my critical thinking skills and helped me discover my love for problem solving, whatever it may be! I’ve seen how learning computer science is a big advantage in the consulting field and I’m excited to take advantage of the different opportunities it’ll open in my career.
The image is a headshot of a young woman with long, wavy brown hair, smiling brightly and looking directly at the camera. She has freckles across her nose and cheeks. She is wearing a loose-fitting white top with a square neckline, small gold hoop earrings, and a delicate gold necklace. The background is a plain, bright light gray or off-white wall.
Brynn Reed
bereed2@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Northville, MI
High School: Northville High School
Activities: Quantitative Finance, Pi Beta Phi, Women in Computer Science (WiCS), golf
Awards and Honors: Dean’s List
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026
What I plan to do after graduation: I plan to pursue a career in software engineering or data analytics. 
Why I Love Computer Science: I love computer science because it’s both intellectually challenging and deeply creative. From the moment I took my first computer science class in high school, everything just clicked. Writing code feels like solving a complex puzzle, each piece brings you closer to seeing your ideas come to life. What excites me most is how broad and impactful the field is, spanning everything from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to web and game development. There are endless real world applications, and I’m constantly inspired by the ways computer science can be used to solve problems and innovate.
The image is a headshot of a young man with short, full, dark hair and prominent dimples. He has a slight smile and is looking directly at the camera. He is wearing a two-toned polo shirt, which is dark gray across the shoulders and upper chest, and red on the lower chest. A small patch on the red section, near his right shoulder, appears to have the words "NC STATE UNIVERSITY Computer Science" or similar text. The background is a solid, medium-gray color.
David Salinas
drsalin2@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Lima, Peru
High School: Cary Academy
Activities: Member of SHPE, Dance, Acting, Drawing, Video Games
Awards and Honors: Dean’s List, Mayor’s Award for Volunteering
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026
What I plan to do after graduation: I plan to pursue a career in computer science. As of right now, I am still exploring what specific area in the field I want to dive into.
Why I Love Computer Science: A few years ago, I took a computer science course in high school and was surprised by the vast utility of this field. I quickly learned that it could be used for entertainment, exploration, and as a tool to help others. My passion for CS and my fascination with technology left me with the desire to use my new skills to alleviate some of the worries that families experience with unemployment by creating a virtual world that gives more people a fair chance to succeed. Currently, I am not sure where exactly I will be focusing on in CS. But I am eager to explore the several areas in computer science and see how I can serve others.
The image is a close-up headshot of a young man with short, dark brown hair and a fringe. He is smiling widely, showing his teeth, and looking directly at the camera. He has a small ring piercing on his left nostril and is wearing small hoop earrings in both ears. He is wearing a plain white t-shirt. The background is a solid, textured dark blue or black color.
Daniel Shea
dgshea@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Asheville, NC
High School: Christ School
Activities: Club Track, Quantum Computing Club, Music Makers Club, Undergraduate Research
Awards and Honors: Dean’s List
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026
What I plan to do after graduation: I have interned as a software developer with a local startup, and as a project manager with Siemens. I plan on exploring life and doing great things after I graduate.
Why I Love Computer Science: The tools that computer science provides allow us to physically animate our imaginations. What the digital world is capable of is unimaginable in strength and scope. With a curious mind and some computation anyone can leverage the power of computer science. Mathematicians and computer scientists have worked to lay the foundation on which whole worlds can be built. The best part is we are not even a century away from the originators of the field. So much is yet to be done, so much has yet to be built, and that is why I love computer science.
The image is a bright outdoor portrait of a young woman with long, straight brown hair and light green eyes. She is smiling broadly and looking directly at the camera. She is wearing a plain black crew-neck top and a small gold hoop earring in her left ear, with a white strap from a bag visible on her shoulder. The background is a mix of lush green foliage and trees on the left, and a bamboo fence and the eaves of a traditional wooden structure (possibly a temple or teahouse) on the right.
Cate Shepard
cishepar@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Wilmington, NC
High School: Topsail High School
Activities: Women in Computer Science (WiCS), Beach Volleyball, Indoor Cycling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Awards and Honors: Dean’s List, National Merit Scholarship, David W. and Anne B. Pearsall Engineering Scholarship
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026
What I plan to do after graduation: I have interned with nCino as a software engineer. I have not decided what specific field I want to pursue as a career although I am currently leaning towards artificial intelligence.
Why I Love Computer Science: I have always loved math because I enjoy finding creative ways to approach problems and the fulfillment that comes with finding a solution. I took my first CS class in high school and was drawn to the topic for the same reasons. The field is constantly evolving with new research; it is so exciting to be a part of a discipline with so much room for discovery, especially considering CS has become a significant aspect of society and our personal lives. Ultimately, I love that computer science requires the use of both technical and creative skills and allows cross-disciplinary engagement in almost any field imaginable!
The image is a headshot of a young man with short, styled brown hair and light eyes. He is smiling slightly and looking directly at the camera. He is wearing a two-toned polo shirt, which is dark gray across the shoulders and upper chest, and red on the lower chest. A small patch on the red section, near his right shoulder, appears to have the words "NC STATE UNIVERSITY Computer Science" or similar text. The background is a solid, medium-gray color.
Brendan Swanson
bdswans2@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Cary, North Carolina
High School: Green Hope High School
Activities: App Development Club (Android lead), University Honors Program, undergraduate research, listening to music, hiking, Minecraft modding
Awards and Honors: Dean’s List
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2028
What I plan to do after graduation: I want to pursue a career in software engineering, likely involving platform engineering or DevOps.
Why I Love Computer Science: Computer science is such a broad field with so much open-access knowledge that there is always something new to learn. Writing software is one of the fastest ways to convert an idea into reality, and it feels amazing to use my knowledge to build something that improves someone’s life. I also love thinking of creative solutions to complex problems, and working on a software project gives you a new, interesting challenge every day to look forward to.
The image is a headshot of a young woman with long, dark hair. She is wearing dark-rimmed eyeglasses, smiling brightly, and looking directly at the camera. She is wearing a two-toned polo shirt, which is dark gray across the shoulders and upper chest, and red on the lower chest. The background is a solid, medium-gray color.
Nicole Tan
nytan@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
High School: Butler High School
Activities: Vice President of Women in Computer Science (WiCS). Designer at Agromeck, Honors Ambassador, App Development Club, Undergrad Research
Awards and Honors: University Honors Program
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027
What I plan to do after graduation: After graduation, I plan to start my career as a front-end developer focused on UI/UX design and Human-Computer Interaction. I’m passionate about creating intuitive, user-centered experiences and hope to grow into leadership roles managing teams and projects. Eventually, I may pursue an MBA to enhance my skills in leadership and product strategy.
Why I Love Computer Science: I love computer science because it challenges me to approach problems in both logical and creative ways. Since taking a basic CS class in middle school, I’ve enjoyed writing code and turning it into functional projects. What really excites me is creating something meaningful, building tools and experiences that people can actually use and interact with. Whether I’m designing a simple interface or coding the behind-the-scenes functionality that makes an app run smoothly, it’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work can have a real impact.
The image is an outdoor, brightly lit portrait of a young woman with long, straight brown hair, smiling broadly and looking directly at the camera. She is wearing a deep V-neck emerald green top with billowy sleeves, a delicate gold necklace with a square pendant, and large, round-framed eyeglasses. She is making the "rock on" hand gesture (devil horns) with both hands, fingers painted with light blue or mint nail polish. The background features vibrant red angular structures—a tall red panel directly behind her and a triangular red shape on the left. Behind the structures, there are concrete steps and walkways, and a lush green landscape with trees under a bright blue sky, suggesting a sunny day in an urban park or campus setting.
Madison Thompson
methom22@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Greensboro, NC
High School: STEM Early College at NC A&T State University
Activities: Club Softball, Undergraduate Research, Wakeboarding, Coffee lover
Awards & Honors: Goodnight Scholar, Greenhouse Scholar, Grand Challenge Scholar, Franklin Scholar
Anticipated Graduation Date: December 2026
What I plan to do after graduation: I am currently doing biomedical research with data science applications and I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in bioinformatics.
Why I Love Computer Science: I initially intended to become a biomedical engineer, however, when researching how to write code for data analysis, I quickly fell in love with CS. The use of logic and data structures “clicked” for me, and learning CS has enabled me to address complicated issues with grace and creativity. I feel empowered by computer science because it enables me to introduce innovation to any opportunity that I am part of, therefore bettering the world around me. I am continuously fascinated by the endless opportunities that are available to computer scientists as software continues to revolutionize modern society.
Riana Victoria
rsvictor@ncsu.edu
Hometown: Cary, NC
High School: North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
Activities: Survivor NCSU, 180 Degrees Consulting, Women in Computer Science (WiCS), Traveling, Cooking
Awards and Honors: Dean’s List, University Honors and Scholars Program
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027
What I plan to do after graduation: I have interned with Lowe’s as a Software Engineering Intern and plan to pursue a career rooted in artificial intelligence.
Why I Love Computer Science: In high school, I thought I wanted a career in medicine, but my first Python class changed everything. Computer science captivated me with its focus on problem-solving and critical thinking from the get-go. I love how it encourages creativity and thinking outside the box, rather than just regurgitating information. The field’s versatility and constant innovation excite me, as does its broad range of real-world applications. The collaborative nature of computer science, which I experienced through class projects, labs, and hackathons, adds to its appeal. I am passionate about this interdisciplinary industry and eager to revolutionize the technological landscape through my studies and future career in computer science.