Tell us about your background.

I grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia. I am an only child, and my parents, who have a combined 50 years of active service in the United States Navy, have instilled in me both kindness and a strong work ethic. I realized I wanted to study computer science when I was in eighth grade and applied to the Governor’s STEM Academy at Grassfield High School. I was accepted in the ninth grade and joined the programming and software development track, where I studied game design, coding and computer literacy. That experience first exposed me to computer science and made me want to pursue it as a major. I later earned my B.S. in Computer Science from North Carolina A&T, with a minor in Applied Mathematics, graduating summa cum laude.

What drew you to NC State for your Ph.D.?

Originally, I applied to NC State for a master’s degree in computer science. During the admissions process, the CS department leadership reached out and encouraged me to consider the Ph.D. program instead. They felt my academic profile and industry experience made me a strong candidate.

At the time, I had completed summer internships in software engineering with Facebook, The New York Times, Target Corporation and The Aerospace Corporation. Their confidence in my potential and the strength of the program ultimately drew me to NC State.

What is interesting to you about your chosen field of study?

My research sits at the intersection of software engineering and human-computer interaction. I find this especially interesting because it combines my technical background with a human-centered perspective. I enjoy studying how software is built, how development processes work and the many factors that shape engineering decisions. At the same time, I examine the human side of software development, investigating how people interact with systems, how collaboration happens and how software impacts different communities.

I value being able to connect technical systems with real human experiences, especially by considering how software affects people across various demographics.

What was one of the best practical experiences you had at NC State?

At NC State, I got to be part of a rigorous, top-tier research environment. The university challenged me to grow intellectually, think critically and develop new skills. Being part of a strong research lab community pushed me to think beyond my comfort zone, pursue ambitious ideas and submit work to leading venues. That environment motivated me to do more and helped shape me into a stronger researcher.

Is there anything that surprised you over your years at NC State?

The sheer number of opportunities and resources available to students. For example, NC State offers a wide range of fitness classes that would be expensive elsewhere; here, it’s easier for students to prioritize wellness.

I was also fortunate to present my research at international conferences, with university support that made those opportunities possible.

Over the years, I have been impressed by how much the university invests in helping students grow academically, professionally and personally.

What activities outside of your classes did you get involved in?

At NC State, I was involved in Code Black, which creates opportunities for Black computer scientists to connect and build community. In the Triangle area, I am also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, where I participate in volunteer events and community service. I was also part of the CrossFit Club at NC State, which gave me the chance to meet people outside my field while staying active.

I also participated in fitness classes such as running, swimming and kickboxing. I appreciated that the university encouraged students to maintain a life outside of academics and prioritize physical wellness. Outside of school, my hobbies include nature walks, journaling, reading, spending time with friends and traveling.

What advice would you give to other students considering attending NC State’s CS program, specifically the Ph.D. program?

My biggest advice is to explore a variety of research areas when you first arrive. When I started, I did not fully understand what research was, so I spent my first semester volunteering with senior graduate students, joining projects where I could help and participating in independent studies. That exploration helped me learn what I enjoyed.

I believe that early exploration was a major reason I was able to graduate with 11 peer-reviewed publications. It helped me find my niche early and identify the type of work that best matched my interests. I also found an advisor whose mentoring style complemented the way I complete work. My advice would be to stay curious, try different opportunities and learn from senior graduate students, as their experience can be incredibly valuable.

How do you plan to celebrate your graduation?

I am excited to celebrate with my family, friends and loved ones as they watch me graduate. As the first doctor in my family, I am especially looking forward to taking time to reflect on that accomplishment and fully appreciate what it means.

I also plan to travel and enjoy some well-earned rest. I hope to visit Shenandoah National Park for hiking, which is one of my favorite hobbies. I will also be traveling to Singapore to present a recently accepted paper at ACM Designing Interactive Systems (DIS 2026), along with taking a few beach trips and spending quality time with family and friends.

What’s next for you?

I am currently applying for research positions and exploring the next step in my career. While I am still determining exactly what comes next, I know that I want to continue doing research because it is what I am most passionate about. My goal is to continue bridging humans and software through impactful research.