Graduation

Computer science graduate turns internship experience into a full-time position

Colleen Rich — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 18:47:21 +0000

Computer science graduate turns internship experience into a full-time position Colleen Rich Wed, 12/11/2024 - 13:47

When Dhyeya “Dee” Padhya transferred to ��AV from Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) in fall 2022, he was struck by the vibrant campus life, which was far different than his first two years in college during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dhyeya “Dee” Padhya

“Coming to George Mason there were so many things happening like fairs and club events. That was definitely a very welcomed change for me,” Padhya said. “I felt like a new person and George Mason was a huge part of these last few formative years of my life.”

He is set to graduate in December 2024 with a BS in computer science and a minor in computational and data science.

During his time at George Mason, Padhya worked in the University Career Services office as the senior front desk student assistant, where he greeted students and gave them career assistance, as well as managing the career advisors’ appointments and calendars.

He also helped administer career assessments and did set-up work and guided students at George Mason’s well-attended career fairs.

For his commitment to career services at George Mason, Padhya was featured on the cover of this year’s Career Readiness Guide.

This summer, Padhya also got professional experience in his field as a data analyst intern at Capital One.

“With a computer science major, an internship is very important. I definitely felt prepared for it with the help of my [CS 450 Database Concepts] course with Professor Ping Deng and my [CS 484 Data Mining] course with Jessica Lin. Those courses were definitely the most helpful for my internship,” said Padhya.

What’s your best memory of George Mason?

Getting the call that I got the internship at Capital One was definitely one of the best experiences of my life. Part of my responsibilities were what we call “productionizing” a data set. There was a whole process of getting data from the right sources, cleaning it, and then automating that process to automatically update the data on a weekly basis.

How have you grown while at George Mason?

Throughout high school I was a straight-A student, but my very first class here was a challenge for me and I ended up getting a B minus. It took some getting used to, but just coming to terms with the fact that it’s not the end of the world if I’m not perfect was really impactful.

Best piece of advice for incoming students?

Don’t have the mindset that you’re underqualified for something. The job market is very difficult right now, but I think it’s important to understand that your GPA, while important, isn’t ALL that matters in the professional world. During job interviews for me it was more about what my personal and professional experiences were. Employers want to know who you are as a person and what experiences have you had that led you to become that person. I also think it’s important to engage with all the resources George Mason has to offer, like the Career Services office.

What’s next for you?

I will be returning to Capital One for a full-time data analyst position after graduation.

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Commencement student speaker Caroline Little found her family while at George Mason

Shayla Brown — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 21:25:40 +0000

Commencement student speaker Caroline Little found her family while at George Mason Shayla Brown Tue, 12/10/2024 - 16:25

Graduating psychology student Caroline Little said she grew up at ��AV.

“I have grown from a child to an adult at George Mason in ways I could have never thought possible. I came here a teenager, and left here a married mother of two,” said Little.

Little, who will travel from Alabama to address her fellow graduates as the 2024 Winter Commencement Student Speaker, will welcome her second child, Isabella, this winter.

Graduation student speaker Caroline Little and her son, Saint. Photo provided.

George Mason’s rigorous education and location being so close Washington, D.C., made her decision to attend pretty easy, said Little. “George Mason really helped foster rapid maturation in the best way possible,” she said.

Originally an in-state student, Little transferred from Germanna Community College in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Since then, she has lived in Rhode Island, New Orleans, and currently resides in Alabama. 

“I chose psychology as my major because I have always had a special interest in the study of how the human brain works and how humans behave. I definitely plan to take my psychology education further,” said Little, who was part of George Mason’s psych club during her first two years.

Little’s passion for psychology was fueled by College of Humanities and Social Sciences professor Michael Hurley, the undergraduate academic advisor in the Department of Psychology who helped her get a job in applied behavioral analysis.

“I worked with older autistic individuals, mostly individuals who are about to graduate from high school,” said Little. “I taught them how to be self-sufficient in their homes and they learned to do their own laundry, cook basic meals, clean up after themselves, and things like that.”

Little also met her husband, former George Mason basketball player and star forward Joshua Oduro, BS Business ’23, during an on-campus voting event.

Little has had many great experiences during her time as a student at George Mason, but some of her favorite memories, she said, come from the Homecoming basketball games and getting married to Oduro.

Little and her husband, Joshua Oduro, celebrate on Wilkins Plaza. Photo provided.

“We came back to campus and popped a bottle of champagne in front of the George Mason statue to celebrate meeting each other on campus,” said Little.

Throughout that summer, while Oduro was away at pre-draft, Little was a full-time mother and simultaneously took seven accelerated courses. It was a big challenge, said Little, because both she and her son, Saint, were struggling with sleep deprivation.

“My son and I would go to campus every day to meet with my tutor at The Globe [dining hall],” said Little. “We would be on campus all day, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. I breastfed him, walked him around the halls, and brought him a big blanket for tummy time, just trying to keep him occupied while I studied.”

Little’s biggest piece of advice for incoming students is pursue yourself first. “So much happens in your four years of college, don’t ever forget why you’re here in the first place,” she said. “Never give up on your dreams, no matter how hard it may seem! No one will do it for you. You are in charge of your own destiny.”

Following graduation, Little plans to pursue her master’s degree in marriage and family counseling.

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“When one door closes, open another”: This Costello student is making his way in music industry

Sarah Holland — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 15:57:59 +0000

“When one door closes, open another”: This Costello student is making his way in music industry Sarah Holland Wed, 12/04/2024 - 10:57

Cody Salenga has been making music since he was a teenager. Performing under the name Steph Cody Music, he’s got a growing fanbase on Spotify and co-launched an independent record label this year. So when it came time to look for a summer internship, Salenga knew he wanted something in the music industry.

That’s how Salenga, one of Costello College of Business’ graduating business majors with a concentration in marketing, found himself running social media for Capitol Dystrikt Music in Washington, D.C.

“It combines my two passions in music and marketing,” he said, “and it’s my dream to work in the entertainment industry. The chance that one day I’ll be listening to a song on the radio, or on Apple music, and realize, ‘hey, I’ve been in the studio when they were making that song’ is really cool.”

In addition to managing social media and communications for Capital Dystrikt Music, Salenga works to build relationships between the artists and the studio to increase the studio’s presence. Building name recognition is at the core of his work, and that idea led to one of his major projects: the Graveyard Smash concert, hosted right here in the Johnson Center on Fairfax Campus on the eve of Halloween.

“I really wanted to put on a concert, so I pitched the idea of a concert sponsored by Capitol Dystrikt Music to the Student Centers using the Plaza Palooza (named after the Lollapalooza festival) as a template. And we had a great turnout,” he said. “It really just came together into a beautiful thing that I could find so much pride in.”

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Capitol Dystrikt Music saw 200% more web traffic this month than previously, which Cody attributes to the event. “Tables in the Johnson Center were filled throughout the festival,” he said. “We probably had roughly 200 attendees.”

Salenga sees strong similarities between building an album and building a marketing campaign. “You work tirelessly on something for a long time, and you want people to see it and be moved by it, whether that’s an album or a product launch,” he said. His work speaks for itself, having grown the studio’s impressions by 113,780% or 5,694 impressions within a 30-day period, and 3.1k accounts reached in that same timeframe too.

Diving into the industry hasn’t been without challenges. “It’s a tough learning curve, figuring out how marketing works in the music industry, what’s going to land well, what will produce results, and so on,” he said. “But the classes like Digital Marketing and other foundational marketing classes I’ve taken at George Mason have given me a really solid marketing foundation.”

He cites the hands-on learning experiences in his marketing electives as being particularly impactful. A simulation tracking social post-performance and SEO, for example, gave him important insights into the mechanisms of marketing that he’s applying to both his professional and personal social presence.

“When it comes to George Mason, the stereotype that I’ve heard employers have of us is that we’re hardworking and gritty, and we don’t take things for granted. That's what we bring to the table in interviews that makes us different,” he said. “So when one door closes, don’t wait for something else to open: make a new opportunity for yourself.”

Salenga, left, performs on stage at Graveyard Smash. Photo provided

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Graduating systems engineering student is flying high

Shayla Brown — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 15:52:13 +0000

Graduating systems engineering student is flying high Shayla Brown Wed, 12/04/2024 - 10:52

Darius Jack came to ��AV with a passion for systems engineering and for flying. He’s been able to maintain his flight hours while earning a bachelor of science in systems engineering this May and an accelerated master's in systems engineering, his second degree from George Mason, in December.

Darius Jack. Photo by Virginia Department of Aviation.

Jack, who grew up in Virginia, got his private pilot’s license at just 17 years old, his instrument rating at 19, his commercial pilot’s license at 20, and continues to fly himself and his family members across the state.

One of his favorite airports to fly from is Falwell Airport in Lynchburg, Virginia.

“This airport is really exciting because it's on a slope, so you have to take off going downhill and then land going uphill. If you go in person, or even look at it on Google Maps, you'll immediately see what I'm talking about,” he said.

He’s also a fan of flying on Tangier Island in the Chesapeake Bay.

“They have basically no cars there; it's golf carts,” said Jack. “Their economy is based on fishing and things like that, so it’s a small-town kind of vibe. I was lucky enough to be able to fly there with my mom. We spent the day there visiting some nice little mom and pop restaurants which was really exciting.”

Jack recently completed the Virginia Aviation Ambassador Program, traveling to all of Virginia’s 65 public use airports.

“The program was challenging but rewarding. I was able to meet new people, build experience flying different kinds of aircraft, and got to travel to the different corners of the state allowing me to explore and appreciate the hidden gems,” said Jack.

“Systems engineering gave me a holistic mindset, which is crucial in the cockpit. Instead of jumping to conclusions, systems engineering taught me to think [deeply] and ask underlying questions, like what factors are driving a certain output. I am very appreciative to have been in both systems engineering programs for undergraduate and graduate,” said Jack.

Darius Jack. Photo provided.

What’s your best memory of George Mason?

My master's degree experience is kind of flying by. In undergrad, I started with a lot of different people from different majors, and it’s been nice getting to see how everyone else has finished their degrees as well. I was able to go to their final capstones and senior design project presentations. Seeing how successful everyone turned out is really amazing.

How have you grown while at George Mason?

Starting off, I didn't know exactly where I was going. I had the mindset that I go to class, get my degree, and work a job in that field for the rest of my life. But systems engineering is a very big field and I didn’t know what opportunities were out there. I think just evolving in that mindset.

I know now that getting a degree in one thing doesn't necessarily mean you're going to be doing that work for the rest of your life. Being at George Mason opened my eyes to that. Now, it's more about actually learning the content from my classes and thinking about ways that knowledge could positively impact the world on a granular scale.

Best piece of advice for incoming students? 

I am a strong believer that the job market is all about supply and demand. So, if there's a lot of [graduates from] one type of major, it's going to be somewhat challenging to get a job. Give new and challenging things like systems engineering a chance because companies want systems engineers. If you have that demand, it is very easy to get something going for you.

What’s next for you?

I have accepted a job offer at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, and I'll be starting there after graduating in December. In this lab, they research things like prosthetic limbs, nanotechnology and all kinds of cutting-edge technology. What's in demand with my major specifically is model-based systems engineering, which is a sort of subset of systems engineering. I’m so excited to start there and be a part of that community because it will be my first real full-time job.

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Graduating senior’s compass pointed her to an English degree with a side trip to Ireland

Shayla Brown — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 16:52:46 +0000

Graduating senior’s compass pointed her to an English degree with a side trip to Ireland Shayla Brown Tue, 11/26/2024 - 11:52

��AV senior Katarina Benson has had five different majors throughout her college career. “Choosing what to study [was] very difficult for me, because so many fields interest me,” said Benson, who transferred from Delaware Valley University.

Benson, who grew up in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, previously majored in agribusiness, film and video, among other subjects before choosing and completing an English degree with a concentration in cultural studies.

“I’ve always loved reading and English was my favorite subject in middle school, so I eventually found my way back to where I was supposed to be,” said Benson, who is in the Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society.

Benson wore many hats during her time at George Mason including editor-in-chief of Her Campus, a peer reviewer on the photography and the poetry and prose teams for Volition Literary and Arts magazine, a member of the George Mason’s chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, and a buddy in the International Buddy Program. 

Benson took advantage of George Mason’s study-abroad opportunities in summer 2024 by attending the University of Galway in Ireland for four weeks for the International Summer School where she took two classes, “Representing Ireland: Literature and Film” and “The Archaeological Heritage of Ireland.” Learn more about her study-abroad experience.

Katarina Benson. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding.

She also worked as an editorial assistant to the university’s Mason Spirit magazine and as a public relations student coordinator in George Mason’s Office of University Branding.

What’s your best memory of George Mason?

I have so many good memories from the past few years but I’ll always remember when my family came to visit for Homecoming 2023. My dad, brother, and I spent the morning together making waffles in my dorm kitchen and then we went to the tailgate. George Mason men’s basketball won, and it was a really great game! I’m really close with my family and Homecoming was a great opportunity to enjoy George Mason together.

How have you grown while at George Mason?

George Mason and specifically our English Department, is one of the most welcoming and diverse communities I’ve ever been a part of. The understanding and accepting space they’ve given me has allowed me to truly explore my interests and identity. I have learned so much about myself over the past few years because of the experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve met at George Mason. 

Best piece of advice for incoming students?

Don’t limit yourself. I’ve tried so many new things that I've unexpectedly loved! One of my favorite experiences was going abroad, and I didn’t know if that was something I felt fully comfortable doing until I took the risk and went anyway. I had an amazing time and highly recommend just going for whatever it is that you may want to do! 

What’s next for you?

I’m taking a gap year and freelance writing. Then most likely going to graduate school. I plan on getting a master’s in something English-related; it’ll probably end up being either cultural studies, literature, or library science. 

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Drones and Terrorism: Graduating Senior Bahceci Shines at Criminology Conference

Andrew J Schappert — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:56:17 +0000

Drones and Terrorism: Graduating Senior Bahceci Shines at Criminology Conference Andrew J Schappert Thu, 11/21/2024 - 10:56

Presenting a research poster at a major conference is a big deal for a student, particularly for an undergraduate.

Poster presentations create networking opportunities with experts and peers who often provide constructive feedback; summarizing complex ideas and data enhances communications skills; and, in addition to building confidence, it makes a significant addition to resumés and CVs.

Ayse Selma Bahceci with her poster: ‘Presenting at this level gave me firsthand insight into the many opportunities to further enhance our research.’ Photos provided.

For Ayse Selma Bahceci, presenting her poster in mid-November at the American Society of Criminology’s 79th annual meeting in San Francisco, a conference that draws more than 4,000 attendees from more than 40 countries, was not only thrilling, but also nostalgic.

“I was incredibly excited, as this was my very first conference,” the graduating senior said. “It was also a nostalgic experience because I was born and raised in San Francisco.”

Bahceci presents her poster to a conference attendee.

The government and international politics major in the Schar School of Policy and Government at ��AV had her dream fulfilled just in time: She graduates in December. It’s an opportunity she was happy to have experienced.

“I had the chance to network with a diverse group of talented individuals in their respective fields, which was truly inspiring,” she said. “Presenting at this level gave me firsthand insight into the many opportunities to further enhance our research.”

The poster was titled “Changing Weapon Types in Terrorist Organizations: Which Groups Have Used Drones?” and reflected the work accomplished at George Mason’s Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center (TraCCC) and its affiliated organizations and tools.

“In this presentation, I analyzed drone use within terrorist organizations using data from the Global Terrorism Trends and Analysis Center [GTTAC] and the Incidents Database [GRID], shedding light on how drones are shifting weapon and logistic strategies among these groups,” she said.

Bahceci, left, with Mahmut Cengiz at the conference: ‘I’m excited to see how the Schar School is preparing young experts to fight terrorism around the world,’ he said.

“Many attendees were intrigued by our Global Terrorism Trends and Analysis Center data collected at the Schar School, and my presentation on drones received excellent feedback,” she said, adding that the data is open for all to use.

“This was Ayse Selma’s first conference, and she gave an exceptional poster presentation on drones, a timely and important topic,” said Associate Professor Mahmut Cengiz, director of the GTTAC. Cengiz accompanied Bahceci to California.

“Her presentation was excellent and she was very well received,” he said. “I’m excited to see how the Schar School is preparing young experts to fight terrorism around the world.”

Presenting at a conference, Bahceci said, “has always been a goal of mine, and I am especially grateful to my mentor and advisor, Professor Cengiz, who supported me every step of the way in reaching this milestone in my career.

“I made many connections during my time at the conference, both from the United States and abroad,” she said. “I believe these networks are valuable moving forward in my career after I graduate.”

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Former CGI president and CEO to address graduates at Winter Commencement

Colleen Rich — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 14:03:19 +0000

Former CGI president and CEO to address graduates at Winter Commencement Colleen Rich Mon, 10/28/2024 - 10:03

George D. Schindler, former president and chief executive officer of business and information technology company CGI, will be the featured speaker at ��AV’s Winter Commencement on Dec. 19 at EagleBank Arena on the Fairfax Campus.

George D. Schindler. Photo provided

Schindler, now a member of the CGI Board of Directors, led the company from 2016 to 2024. During that time, annual revenue grew to more than $14 billion. Federal Computer Week has twice named Schindler a Top 100 leader.

During Schindler’s time as CEO, George Mason and CGI further developed their robust partnership. More than 250 CGI employees are George Mason alums, including Board of Visitors member Horace Blackman, BA American Studies and English ‘93, the university’s former rector.

CGI reported to University Career Services that they had a 100% retention rate for George Mason interns for Fall 2023. All were to either complete an additional internship or convert to full-time employment after graduation.

George Mason has recognized CGI for its Demonstrated Employer Equity/Inclusion in Practice, and the company is heavily engaged with the Costello College of Business through the Dean's Advisory Council and the Baroni Center for Government Contracting.

Last academic year, CGI led two two-day resume clinics, a workshop for faculty and staff on the impact of ChatGPT on the hiring process, and conducted mentoring and interviews with students.

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Earning a master’s degree and graduate certificate online worked perfectly for neurosurgeon Nick Marko

Andrew J Schappert — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 16:59:27 +0000

Earning a master’s degree and graduate certificate online worked perfectly for neurosurgeon Nick Marko Andrew J Schappert Mon, 06/24/2024 - 12:59

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There are lifelong learners and then there are individuals like Nick Marko, who recently graduated with a Master of Biodefense and a graduate certificate in illicit trade analysis from the Schar School of Policy and Government at ��AV.

Before earning his degree in May, Nick Marko (left) received the Outstanding Biodefense Student Award. Pictured here with his advisor Gregory Koblentz. Photo by John Boal Photography

Marko also happens to be a board-certified neurosurgeon who currently serves as director of neurosurgery for LewisGale Health System in Salem, Virginia.

“I am someone who has a hard time not continuing to learn,” he said.

Marko decided to pursue a master’s in biodefense at the Schar School because of an interest in the history of biological and chemical weapons development, proliferation, and use, including both the science and the policy/political dimensions.

“I had read as much as I could on my own in my spare time, but there is always the situation of ‘You don’t know what you don’t know,’” he said.

Marko was familiar with George Mason’s reputation, having attended college and medical school at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and was aware of the school’s online offerings.

“I knew that George Mason had one of the first departments in this [biodefense] space and that it had a great faculty,” he said. “Also, the ability to do the work online was a big plus for me, because I have a full-time day job and had to do coursework on nights and weekends in a bit of a protracted fashion. Ultimately the fit was perfect for my needs.”

Initially planning to earn a graduate certificate in biodefense, Marko’s coursework piqued his interest and led him to earn both the master’s degree and certificate.

“Things got a little bigger in scope than I had initially planned, but it was a great experience,” he said.

Because he completed his degree and certificate coursework completely online (with a few in-person campus visits), Marko appreciated the Schar School’s flexibility.

“The Dean's office was accommodating to my somewhat unique situation and was open to facilitating solutions that allowed me to pursue the degree,” he said. “I was grateful that such an opportunity was available because I couldn’t have made it work otherwise.”

He also praises his professors and advisors, Louise Shelley and Gregory Koblentz.

“They were absolutely terrific,” he said. “I met with them personally several times, and we traded a lot of emails. Both are incredibly knowledgeable and well-connected in their fields. I couldn’t have asked for a better pair of mentors.”

Before earning his degree in May, Marko earned the Outstanding Biodefense Student Award, a testament to his academic efforts and love of learning.

“I am proud of the work that I have done as part of the program,” he said. “I am fortunate to have the opportunity to explore some topics of personal interest at this stage of my life and my career, and the biodefense master's was an example of how I intend to keep doing that.”

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Mason Korea Commencement caps off a week of festivities

Colleen Rich — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 17:34:35 +0000

Mason Korea Commencement caps off a week of festivities Colleen Rich Thu, 06/20/2024 - 13:34

The week of 10th anniversary festivities culminated with Mason Korea faculty, staff, students, and proud families gathering to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2024.

Guests also had the opportunity to witness two Mason Korea firsts as Vice Provost Janette Muir hooded its first doctoral graduate, Eric W. Ross, PhD Cultural Studies ’24, and Washington recognized its first Presidential Faculty Excellence Award recipient Eunmee Lee.

Photo by Mason Korea

Ross and Lee are both Mason Korea faculty members. Ross teaches in the School of Integrative Studies. Lee joined Mason as a faculty member for INTO Mason in 2015. In 2016, she transferred to the Mason Korea faculty in Incheon, where she is currently an instructional associate professor and teaches English for academic purposes. Lee is also the founder and director of Mason Korea’s Academic Resource Center.

In his congratulatory remarks, Washington highlighted the campus’s unique role, stating, “Mason Korea exemplifies how George Mason is 'All Together Different' and how our university offers students the experiences necessary to chart their own path, but at the same time prepares them for success in the global economy.”

The event also featured distinguished guests, including senior administrators from ��AV and members of the Mason Korea advisory board.

Dean Robert Matz and Shannon Davis, associate dean for faculty and academic affairs, offered heartfelt congratulatory remarks.

Graduating senior Se Na Julsdorf, BA Conflict Analysis and Resolution ’24, delivered a moving speech on behalf of the student body, and George Mason alum Gunsu Kim, BS Tourism and Events Management ’12, CEO of ALLWorks, had the honor of pinning the newest graduates.

Photo by Mason Korea

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Going global as Mason Korea’s first computational and data sciences graduate

Colleen Rich — Tue, 21 May 2024 16:09:41 +0000

Going global as Mason Korea’s first computational and data sciences graduate Colleen Rich Tue, 05/21/2024 - 12:09

Traveling abroad has been part of Jimin Jeon’s life for as long as she can remember. She traveled with her mom during every school vacation, which allowed her to visit 23 countries by the time she was a college student. Being exposed to different cultures from a young age helped her develop a desire to pursue her college education abroad. That brought her to Mason Korea after 12 years of Korean public school education.

World traveler and Mason Korea grad Jimin Jeon in Washington, D.C. Photo provided

“While the thought of studying abroad was exciting, I felt burdened by the language barrier to study abroad in the U.S. right after graduating high school,” Jeon said. “Mason Korea was an alternative to ease that transition by improving my English skills in a more familiar setting in South Korea.”

Jeon was part of the first cohort in the newly established Computational and Data Sciences Department at Mason Korea. Although her frequent travels around the world prompted her to major in global affairs, she had her mind set on the world of big data since high school. Thus, after her freshman year, once the new major was opened, she made the jump to the STEM field.

Jeon found she had direct opportunities to engage in data analysis. Her favorite part of Mason Korea was the Career Development Center, which allowed students like her to be exposed to opportunities in data analytics to gain technical hands-on experiences. Her first work experience was through the center as a data science intern at a real estate AI valuation startup during her junior year.

“It was a special opportunity to see how the knowledge about programming languages I acquired in the classroom be applied in the real workforce and identify the areas that I need to continue to improve to be a more competent data scientist,” said Jeon.

Transitioning to the Fairfax Campus in the fall semester of 2023, Jeon stayed true to her goal of diversifying her experiences. Her last semester at George Mason included working as a teaching assistant for the Computational and Data Sciences Department in the College of Science, performing data cleaning for an on-campus project, and helping students practice their Korean through the language exchange program. She took advantage of the language environment so that she could build her English skills.

Jeon is now a proud graduate in computational and data sciences, one of the few who enrolled in the major in 2020. She is excited about the job opportunities she has and wants to encourage all those who have just closed their four-year journey.

“For students just like myself, who have spent their whole life in the Korean education system, going to Mason Korea alone is a challenge,” she said. “Learning about various topics at a more sophisticated level in a language that you are not familiar with was also not an easy task for me. Yet, the four-year voyage of diverse experiences and success itself shows that I can take on any challenge at any point in my life.”

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