Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering
Ambassadors
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Our Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering Ambassadors share experiences that have shaped their intellectual experiences at USM with prospective students. Learn more about them and connect with them at our recruitment events!
Meet Our Student Team
Osaretin Agho
Clinton, Miss.
Advice for incoming students: Be prepared and know that Computer Science is not an easy major. However, there
are resources available like tutoring that you should definitely take advantage of.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, since everyone in the program is like family and
are always willing to help. Lastly, do not be afraid to Google. After being in the
program for two and a half years and doing an internship, I realized that it was okay
to Google, as you will practice and become a better programmer in the long run.
Favorite course (in your major) and why: Database Management Systems Designs. After doing an internship I realized how important having knowledge of databases would be for my future career. Not only that but I also really enjoy the concept I am being taught in that class as well as learning SQL.
Favorite course (outside of major) and why: Honor College Thesis course. It has allowed me to work under a professor in the Computer Science department and learn more about a topic that I am really interested in.
Favorite thing about being a student at USM: It would have to be the other students in the program. Everyone is so easy to get along with and so helpful when it comes to classes. Computer Science definitely is not easy, so it's really nice to have other people to share the journey with.
Other activities:
- Eagle Connection
- Honors College Leadership Council
- African Caribbean Society
Nathan Anderson
Marrero, La.
Advice for incoming students: Patience is one of the most important aspects to learn. Sometimes you won't get something on the first, second, or even third try. The most important thing is you stick with it. Keep trying your best and you surely will succeed.
Favorite course (in your major) and why: CSC 101. Although it's the only major related course I have taken so far I am enjoying it a lot. Learning how to code from the ground up is an amazing process and is exciting me for future coding classes.
Favorite course (outside of major) and why: Economics. Learning about current social issues regarding our economy, such as education, healthcare, and discrimination, has helped me open my eyes towards many problems within the United States. Discussing these issues can help us identity the work that needs to be done in this country.
Favorite thing about being a student at USM: One of my favorite things about being a student in the School of Computing Science and Computer Engineering is the environment. All of the teachers, teaching assistants, and faculty members are always willing to help you with anything you may need. The student body is also incredibly supportive and friendly.
Other activities:
- Works in the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office
- Member of the Honors College
Riley Bass
Clinton, Miss.
Advice for incoming students: Start coding early so that you can grasp lower-level materials easier and use external
resources, like Code Academy, to get more comfortable with programming in more than
just the languages that you learn in your first couple of courses.
Favorite course (in your major) and why: Intro to AI. I enjoy learning about algorithms and what makes them work along with being able to do my projects in different languages than I am used to.
Favorite course (outside of major) and why: MUS 148 (concert band). I enjoyed playing with an ensemble for the first two years of my time being here.
Favorite thing about being a student at USM: Getting involved with the other students and gaining knowledge/materials that can help further my development as a programmer outside of classes.
Other activities:
- USM ACM IEEE
- USM Resident Assistant
Labrisha Mabry
Clarksdale, Miss.
Advice for incoming students: Stay true to yourself and stay focused. There may be times when you want to stop,but
keep going because it gets easier. Never be afraid to ask for help. Our faculty and
students are very warm and welcoming, and they will help you the best they can. Also,
if you ever find yourself self-doubting, or facing a challenge, remind yourself: Diamonds
are created under pressure.
Favorite course (in your major) and why: My favorite course within my major is Introduction to Computer Engineering (CE 101). Even though this is an introductory course, it set the foundation for the things I've had the pleasure of learning later within my major. This course brought excitement, it brought challenges, but mostly importantly it brought me certainty and clarity.
Favorite course (outside of major) and why: My favorite course outside of my major is Art. I've been around art of all my life being that my father is an artist. I view art as a stress reliever. When life's adversities strike, drawing or painting a picture helps tremendously for me.
Favorite thing about being a student at USM: My favorite thing about being a student in the School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering is experiencing inclusion, as it welcome everyone from all demographics.
Other activities: Aside from being an ambassador, I am the Vice President of the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) chapter on the Hattiesburg campus. I tutor Math and some Computer Engineering courses in my spare time. I am also a part-time Real Estate student.
Nyaharika Rai
Hattiesburg, Miss.
Advice for incoming students: Do not hesitate to reach out for help and look for opportunities yourself. Be confident
in yourself and your abilities. Overcoming self-doubt is the first step to success.
Favorite course (in your major) and why: CSC 412. I was able to implement a lot of concepts learned in previous semesters. We worked with virtual simulation to recreate real-world problem and solutions.
Favorite course (outside of major) and why: BA 201. It introduced me to the world of data analytics which has become my passion.
Favorite thing about being a student at USM: There are opportunities everywhere, you just have to look for them. Faculty and Staff members are exceptionally helpful and resourceful, so the needs of individual students are always taken care of. It feels like home, where everyone looks out for each other!
Other activities:
- Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)
- Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM)
Alizia Scott
Lucedale, Miss.
Advice for incoming students: It can be hard coming to a big university such as USM, but do not get discouraged or intimidated. Everyone struggles for a little bit to get adjusted to the new lifestyle at first, but you will get there! I believe in you!
Favorite course (in your major) and why: CSC 101. It serves as a great introduction to the journey of learning to program.
Favorite course (outside of major) and why: FAM 151. I've learned to effectively communicate with others.
Favorite thing about being a student at USM: I love how open and inviting everyone is with diverse students. I feel like I truly belong here, and there is always someone willing to help you, if you need it.
Yaju Shrestha
Lalitpur, Nepal
Advice for incoming students: Take things slow and never be afraid to ask questions. Computer Science/Engineering is an incredibly vast field with a wide variety of disciplines so it is easy to get lost. Some nights you feel like you know everything there is to know and other nights you feel like you barely know what a computer is. Just be sure to put in a consistent effort and try not to get discouraged. If you ever get stuck on a piece of code (and trust me, that is going to happen a lot) just take your time, be patient with yourself, and you will eventually find an answer.
Favorite course: CSC 101. The information and experience I gained from this class has helped me to see the vastness of the coding world. The excitement that you get from knowing that there is still so much to learn is like no other, and it motivates me to keep challenging myself and tackling new problems.
Favorite course (outside of major): Economics 101. I have been intrigued in the idea of economics since I was a kid. However, I’ve never taken any class on the subject before and I didn't know what to expect. So when I finally took the class, I was pleasantly surprised that all my expectations were met. I learned a lot of new concepts and theories that I would not have otherwise, and I’m starting to understand the significance of economics and how it connects to so much more.
Favorite thing about being a student at USM: My favorite thing about being in the School of Computer Science and Computer engineering is the amount of opportunities provided to us. Dr. Lee and her team make sure that all students are provided with equal opportunity, and they truly care about each student and their progress.
Other activities you are involved with: For now, I am just in the USM Investment club and the USM Martial Arts club. However, since I am only in my second semester of college I believe that I will have many more opportunities to get involved and I’d love to join more organizations!
Sam Stackler
Elkton, Md.
Advice for incoming students: Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether that be from your professors or upperclassmen.
Favorite course: Database Management Systems
Favorite course (outside of major): Philosophy
Favorite thing about being a student at USM: Meeting like-minded people to help better develop my skills as a programmer.
Other activities you are involved with:
- Eagle Esports
- IEEE