My name is Rafael Singer, I’m a senior at Boston College majoring in computer science with a minor in math. I grew up in sunny Los Angeles, California (still haven’t quite adjusted to the harsh winters here in Boston)! Fun fact: I have 4 citizenships—U.S., Israel, Brazil, and Austria.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about learning and understanding things deeply, so I appreciate how my classes allow me to examine topics like operating systems or cryptography in great detail. Outside the classroom, I love running, learning languages, traveling, and watching the UFC.

What do you do on campus?

On campus, I’m primarily involved in running the Computer Science Society. We’re the largest computer science club on campus, helping students interested in the field advance their skills and careers. From hosting technical workshops to bringing in alumni speakers to organizing our annual hackathon, Hack-the-Heights, we offer a ton of resources for students to learn and get involved.

Why Computer Science?

I think there is no better field than computer science to solve interesting problems and make an impact with your work. Computer science presents the opportunity to improve the lives of billions around the globe while tackling complex problems related to scale, resiliency, and efficiency—what could be more fulfilling and intellectually stimulating than that?

What has been your favorite class so far?

My favorite class at BC would probably be Computer Networks with Professor Wiseman. Each week, it was incredibly satisfying seeing my understanding of the protocol stack develop and mature until the end of the semester, where I could confidently explain every step of how bits of information travel from my computer to yours.

Who has been your favorite professor so far?

My favorite professor is Professor Wiseman; I think his elective courses in Networks and Operating Systems have been fascinating and he does a phenomenal job of designing homework assignments that reinforce the class material (it also doesn’t hurt that I’ve TA’d for him twice!)

What advice do you have for someone considering Computer Science?

I think it’s important to understand that majoring in computer science is not the same as majoring in programming. You are studying the science of computing, which forms the foundation for using programming as a tool. As such, be prepared to engage in some self-study to improve your programming skills and spend time outside the classroom on personal projects or hackathons to apply your learning practically.

Senior, from Kansas City, Missouri. I have also have a minor in Math and Music.

What are you passionate about?

I enjoy improving my CS skills by working on various personal projects throughout the field. I also enjoy playing piano, composing music, and cooking.

What do you do on campus?

I have been on the drumline in the BCMB during my four years here. I have also been involved with The Heights as the Online Manager for the past year.

Why Computer Science?

Coming out of high school, I knew that I was big into solving problems with math or various techniques. After taking computer science 1 with Professor Samary, I fell in love with the idea of being able to come up with unique solutions to solve almost any problem.

What has been your favorite class so far?

For computer science, I have really enjoyed Computer Networks and Software Engineering. Both of those classes exposed me to techniques and concepts that have really helped advance my computer science career.

What advice do you have for someone considering Computer Science?

There are so many areas within the field of CS that it can be overwhelming. What helped me along in my journey was undergoing different projects that helped me explore new concepts and discover what I enjoy and find interesting. Alongside that, it has been invaluable to pair the concepts learned at university with projects that help me strengthen my skills.

What are you passionate about?

I love working out, baking and cooking, and being outside! I also love a good TV show, some of my favorites are Better Call Saul and Severance!

What do you do on campus?

I conduct research with Professor Ranger in the Human-Centered Engineering Department. The Ranger Lab develops novel biomedical imaging and instrumentation to address unmet needs in global public health. Right now, I’m working on a project that uses deep learning AI to predict human body composition. This work is meaningful to me because I feel like I’m actually making an impact on global public health.  

Why Computer Science?

I had great math and CS teachers at my high school that inspired me to major in CS at Boston College. I like working with numbers and enjoy the creative aspects of building something from scratch and seeing it come to life, especially with artificial intelligence. There’s a certain magic in turning an original idea into something functional and useful.

What has been your favorite class so far?

My favorite class so far was Machine Learning for Business Intelligence with Professor Ransbotham (BZAN3307). I gained practical experience with several machine learning models on a wide variety of inputs (i.e. images, structured/unstructured text, etc.). The class also teaches you to think from a managerial perspective in terms of how organizations create value through AI.

Who has been your favorite professor so far?

My favorite professor so far is Professor Volkovich. He teaches some hard classes but always keeps it light-hearted and fun with his humor.

What advice do you have for someone considering Computer Science?

No matter how it feels in the moment, the struggles you face will pay off. The long study sessions with your classmates and the tough learning curves all add up to valuable skills. Stick with it and challenge yourself—You are capable of more than you think!

Senior class of 2025. Grew up in San Jose, California. Studying Computer Science with minors in Finance and Studio Arts.

What are you passionate about?

I love to run, work out, and play soccer and I’m passionate about photography and films. 

What do you do on campus?

Over the past four years, I was a part of the Computer Science Society, the South Asian Student Society, and BC Bigs. I’ve also been a teaching assistant, a research assistant, and administrative assistant all for the CS department.

Why Computer Science?

Ever since I was young, I loved solving puzzles, so CS felt like a way to solve problems in real life. Also living in the Bay Area, I’ve seen the cutting edge of technology and the good it can do for the world. Given all that, CS was an easy choice.

What has been your favorite class so far?

My two favorite classes have been Software Engineering and Innovating through Design Thinking. They are both about building projects and those are my favorite types of classes.

Who has been your favorite professor so far?

I love Professor Samary. She’s also my marathon coach! 

What advice do you have for someone considering Computer Science?

Get super involved with the BC CS community! It’s super easy to get involved early and it’s so helpful! 

My name is Tiffany Kwak and I am a senior from Nashville, Tennessee. I am double majoring in Computer Science and Transformative Educational Studies.

What are you passionate about?

I really enjoy playing the cello as well as listening to music, watching soccer, and buying sneakers!

What do you do on campus?

I am currently the vice president of Women in Computer Science. I work an on campus job at the tech help center in ONeil and am involved with the Korean Students Association.

Why Computer Science?

Growing up, I have always had an interest in technology. I first started helping out my family with any tech issues that they had which led to my family always jokingly telling me "you should major in CS!". I took my first CS class during my freshman year and actually ended up enjoying it because of the problem solving aspect as well as the creativity of it all. 

What has been your favorite class so far?

My favorite class was Software Engineering with Professor Samary. This was one of the first CS courses that was fully project based and it was very helpful for resume building as well as preparing for my summer internships. I loved working with a team for a whole semester and being able to build a website as the final project!

Who has been your favorite professor so far?

My favorite professor is Professor Yatsu from the Lynch School of Education. Her class was always really intriguing and she created assignments that allowed for students to work creatively. Professor Yatsu genuinely cares for each student and makes everyone feel welcomed.

What advice do you have for someone considering Computer Science?

It can definitely be daunting at first especially if you have never had experience before college like me. But it is definitely worth a try! Computer Science is a field that is always growing and developing so it will definitely be useful in whatever field you end up choosing.

I’m currently a junior majoring in Computer Science and Finance, with a minor in Mathematics. I grew up in Beijing, where winters are colder, and summers are hotter.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems and improve human satisfaction. I’m especially into artificial intelligence and data-driven decision-making. Outside of academics, I enjoy listening to music—J-pop and indie rock keep my playlists interesting and my neighbors mildly concerned.

What do you do on campus?

On campus, I’m involved in research projects. For instance, I’ve worked as a research assistant on a project applying machine learning to biochemistry.

Why Computer Science?

I chose Computer Science because of its vast potential to transform industries and solve pressing challenges. I find the intersection of logic, creativity, and real-world application incredibly compelling. Every class I take reinforces my excitement about the field’s endless possibilities.

What has been your favorite class so far?

Deep Learning has been my favorite class. Not only did I learn advanced algorithms, but I also got to hear from frontier researchers. The course challenged me to think critically and equipped me with foundational skills that have shaped my future work.

Who has been your favorite professor so far?

My favorite professor has been Professor Lorenzo Alexander L. Puente from the English Department. I took my first-year writing seminar and literature core with him. His class always made me feel like part of a big family—which was especially heartwarming when I received a New Year’s greeting during my first winter away from home.  

What advice do you have for someone considering Computer Science?

Just do it. We’re at an age where action doesn’t have to follow deep contemplation. Life is pretty tolerant—try it out, and if you find it’s not for you, you can always change your mind. Worst case scenario, you’ll gain a new appreciation for error messages and an unhealthy attachment to your debugger.

I am a senior, Class of 2025, from Winchester, MA. I am majoring in Computer Science in MCAS with a Finance minor in CSOM.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about collaborating with others to solve complex problems. Outside of school, I love baking, reading, and working out.

What do you do on campus?

On campus, I am a panelist for the Student Admission Program, where I speak to prospective students about my experience at Boston College. I also compete on multiple intramural sports teams with my friends and have participated in the BC Competitive Programming team.

Why Computer Science?

I came to Boston College undecided, but after taking Professor Wiseman’s CS1 class, I was inspired to declare a Computer Science major. I love how Computer Science applies to nearly every field and has the power to both drive and support meaningful change. I am especially passionate about the intersection of technology and human-centered environments. I hope to use my education to develop innovative solutions that positively impact diverse communities and explore the connection between software engineering and the world.

What has been your favorite class so far?

My favorite class so far has been Software Engineering. I loved building a full-stack application from scratch and learning how to collaborate on code, troubleshoot unexpected bugs, and navigate different technology roles. This course gave me valuable hands-on experience and prepared me for real-world software development.

Who has been your favorite professor so far?

Some of my favorite professors at Boston College have been Professor Wiseman for CS1 and Computer Networks, Professor Samary for CS2 and Software Engineering, and Professor Reuter for Data Analytics in Finance. They have each been incredibly inspiring and have played a major role in shaping my education.

What advice do you have for someone considering Computer Science?

If you’re considering Computer Science, go for it! It’s a field with endless applications and will teach you not only how to code but also how to be a creative problem solver who isn’t discouraged by challenges. It builds resilience, confidence, and adaptability which are skills valuable in any career. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to others. The CS community at BC is incredibly supportive, and both students and faculty are always willing to help or discuss new ideas. Engaging with different perspectives will deepen your understanding and help you grow as a problem solver.

I’m a junior at Boston College, graduating in 2026, and I’m from Edina, Minnesota. I’m passionate about machine learning, which I see as the perfect intersection of computer science and math. Recently, I’ve worked on improving the classification of polyp morphology in the colon and analyzed data cleaning methods for EEG data, with my findings published in KDD2024 and HCII2024. I’ve always loved solving riddles and reading detective novels, which is what drew me to computer science—it’s all about unraveling complex problems. So far, my favorite classes have been Topics in Computational Intelligence: Machine Learning Projects and Introduction to Analysis. As for professors, it’s hard to pick just one; the Boston College CS department has so many great options! For any students considering CS, my advice is to stay curious and explore how computer science connects with so many other fields. There are tons of ways to get started, whether it’s through research projects, connecting with professors, or joining tech communities.

My name is Sarah Fleming and I’m a junior from Alexandria, VA. I’m a Computer Science major with a minor in Management and Leadership.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about Computer Science because of the creative problem solving and collaboration needed to tackle really tough problems. Outside of CS, I love reading, snowboarding, photography, cooking, and being outside. I’m always open to trying new things and learning new skills. 

What do you do on campus?

On campus I’ve worked as a teaching assistant and administrative assistant for the Computer Science department and a swim instructor at the plex. I’m currently serving as the Photo Editor of The Heights and the Marketing Lead for Women in Computer Science. I also led Kairos last semester which was a really amazing experience. 

Why Computer Science?

I was really lucky to be introduced to Computer Science early on in high school and immediately found a passion for it. I loved taking apart complex problems and being able to code a solution from scratch. I’ve had really great teachers and professors who have made me excited about all the new learning opportunities Computer Science constantly has to offer. It’s really exciting to be in a field that is always advancing and such a big part of the world today. 

What has been your favorite class so far?

My favorite class so far was Photography 1 with Professor Greer Muldowney. It was a great creative outlet and a nice break from my more technical CS classes. I also loved being in the dark room and learning how to develop my own film photos.

Who has been your favorite professor so far?

My favorite professor so far is Professor Levear. I really enjoyed being a TA for him for 2 semesters and was able to see how much he cares about his students. 

What advice do you have for someone considering Computer Science?

Advice I would offer to someone considering Computer Science is to try different avenues within CS until you find one you’re passionate about. CS and IT are such broad fields and offer so many different challenges for different skill sets. It can be really frustrating at first, like learning a new language, but really rewarding in the end. I would also say to get involved with the CS community at BC! Collaboration is a huge part of CS and getting to know more people within the major is very rewarding.

My name is Marcus Rothera and I’m a Junior from Lusby, MD. I’m studying Computer Science with a minor in Finance.

What are you passionate about?

In terms of Computer Science, I am passionate about Machine Learning, Data Science, and Algorithmic Fairness. Outside of the classroom I love collecting vinyl, listening to music, hiking, and sailing.

What do you do on campus?

I am currently the General Manager of WZBC-Newton 90.3, Boston College’s student-run radio station, and an oarsman on the Boston College Men’s Crew Team. I also led the Kairos retreat this semester. 

Why Computer Science?

I love computer science because it allows for a certain level of creativity that can’t be found in other STEM majors. The problems I face as computer scientists can often be solved with a variety of different solutions, and part of the fun is seeing how different people think about the same problem.

What has been your favorite class so far?

My favorite class so far has been Algorithmic Unfairness with Prof. Finocchiaro. In the class we were able to see what happens when algorithms go wrong and damage communities with biased decision making. My favorite part of the class was learning about resource allocation, and how it can be used to solve issues of rent division, voting, etc.

Who has been your favorite professor so far?

My favorite professor is Professor Finocchiaro. She really cares about her students and will sometimes play board games with us in office hours. This summer I will be doing research with her on optimizing ML loss function choice.

What advice do you have for someone considering Computer Science?

My main advice for someone considering Computer Science is to be ok with getting something wrong on the first pass. A lot of CS is defined by trial and error, testing, and incremental progress. It can be frustrating to be stuck on the same problem for hours, but sometimes, all you need to do is take a step back, go for a run, or play some video games, and the solution will come to you!