During the recent fall 2024 commencement ceremonies, computer science got a special moment in the spotlight, thanks to featured speaker Eddie Villarreal MS’24.
Villarreal spoke at both commencement ceremonies on Dec. 17, having graduated from the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science with a master’s degree in software engineering.
Several computer science graduates worked as student web developers in the Jonsson School’s Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications during the 2024 academic year. We caught up with three of them to find out what they would take away from their time at UT Dallas.
Jason Thanh Nguyen BS’24 intends to apply the skills he acquired through study as well as his work in the Jonsson School to further his career. “This experience taught me how to adapt my communication style to suit different roles and perspectives, ensuring that everyone was aligned toward a common goal,” Nguyen said. “This will be a valuable skillset that will be very helpful for me in my career after graduation.”
Through our interview series, we aim to showcase the experiences of CS alumni, current students, and faculty, providing valuable insights to inspire and guide future researchers. In this interview, we feature Dr. Austin Mordahl, who earned his PhD this year under the mentorship of Dr. Shiyi Wei.
He is now shaping the next generation of scholars as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago. Explore Austin’s journey for an in-depth view of his academic and professional experiences, where he reflects on his thesis, inspirations, and mental health.
What inspired you to pursue computer science for your college degree?
UT Dallas is renowned for its excellence in undergraduate Computer Science education. This rapidly growing field has abundant job opportunities now and in the future. Although I initially knew little about computer science when I chose it as my major, I have become confident that it will be a solid decision due to its high earning potential and the increasing demand in today’s digital world.
Tell us about yourself! What is your story?
My name is Esha Bansal, and I am a senior majoring in computer science with a minor in psychology. I am the 2023-24 president of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and have been with the organization throughout my college experience. I was born and raised in Texas and have lived in the Dallas area my whole life! My favorite hobbies include reading, traveling, going to concerts, cafe-hunting and planning fun nights with friends!
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
Hello, I’m Chao Li , I completed my PhD in the Computer Science Department at The University of Texas at Dallas, specializing in Computer Graphics and Vision under the guidance of Professor Xiaohu Guo. Prior to earning my PhD, I received my bachelor’s degree at Beijing Jiaotong University, China, and my master’s degree at Peking University, China. After graduating from UT Dallas, I joined Reality Labs Research, Meta (formerly known as Facebook). Currently, I hold the position of Senior Research Scientist, engaged in cutting-edge research in the realms of the metaverse and augmented reality (AR) glasses.
PhDs are an essential part of the knowledge economy. Completing a PhD is all about creating fresh knowledge, discovering new concepts, and developing new skills. It is a degree meant for those who seek a greater depth of knowledge in a specific area. With the following interview series, we hope to engage students who want to learn more about the PhD program by learning about those who have gone through it. We recently spoke with 2023 CS PhD graduate Ka Yaw Teo. Below is our conversation.
After years of diligent hard work many PhD graduates go on to accept jobs at top companies, research facilities, government positions, and tenure-track positions at various Universities and other forms of academia. With the following interview series, we hope to engage students who want to learn more about the PhD program by learning about those who have gone through it. Below is our interview with PhD CS Alumni Dr. Kinjal Basu. Below is our conversation with him.
A PhD or related research degree helps you start or continue your research in a field you’re truly passionate about. You can decide what you work on, how you work on it and how you get there, with support and guidance from a supervisory team. You can make a world-first discovery, create innovations with lasting impacts and even shine a new light on important topics in various fields. Whether you’ve just finished your postgraduate degree, in the workforce or returning to college after a break, a research degree gives you a lot of options. Earning a PhD is a significant undertaking that comes with lots of responsibility and rewards. With the following interview series, we hope to engage students who want to learn more about the PhD program by learning about those who have gone through it. Below is our interview with CS PhD Alumni Dr. Mehmet Kuzu.
After years of diligent hard work, many PhD graduates go on to accept jobs at top companies, research facilities, government positions, and tenure-track positions at various Universities and other forms of academia. According to the most recent Census Bureau figures done in 2018, fewer than a 35 percent of United States residents have a bachelor’s degree. Fewer than 13 percent have a master’s degree and just over 3.5 percent have completed a doctoral degree. Simply stated, by earning a doctoral degree you’ll be joining a group of highly knowledgeable people in a specific field. You’ll have the opportunity to achieve goals in your chosen field that may not be available to others. And whether you choose to be an author; an educator; or an innovator adding knowledge, training, and research to your field; you will be considered an expert. With the following interview series, we hope to engage students who want to learn more about the PhD program by learning about those who have gone through it. We recently spoke to Dongcheng Li, a recent 2023 PhD graduate. Below is our conversation.