Computer Science Data Analytics First Program Graduates
The Computer Science Data Analytics (CSDA) program graduated its first class of students this year. This marks a major milestone in the program’s success and CLAS’s expansion of its STEM offerings. The CSDA program was started in 2019, when Woodbury was awarded a 2.9-million-dollar Title V grant from the Department of Education. The grant was dedicated to developing three bachelor’s programs: Computer Science in Data Analytics (CSDA), Computer Information Systems (CIS), and Digital Communication (DC). These programs, housed in various schools within the university, share a common goal of integrating computer science principles into diverse fields to prepare students for technology-oriented careers.
Background
The CSDA program launched with its first class of students in fall 2020. Program chair Dr. Sam Sambasivam says, “Developing a new program for Woodbury University has been both challenging and fulfilling. Throughout the process, I’ve found immense fulfillment in being able to contribute to Woodbury’s educational landscape, knowing that our efforts will have a positive impact on the students’ futures. It’s been a collaborative effort involving dedicated colleagues, supportive administrators, and enthusiastic students, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.”
Meet the Graduating Student Awardees
The first cohort of CSDA students are now graduating, marking a significant milestone for the program. Three of these students received awards for outstanding achievements in the CSDA major. They also all received recognition from Dr. Annie Chu for Academic Excellence in math and science classes. Dr. Sambasivam shared a few words about the winners:
Michael Sarancik received the award for Outstanding Achievement in Computer Science, which honors academic performance and outstanding contributions to the field of data analytics. Michael completes a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a specialization in Data Analytics and a minor in Computer Science in Media Arts. This reflects his multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving. Michael’s hands-on experience includes significant contributions to machine learning projects, database management, and algorithm development. Notably, his machine learning project involved data cleaning, implementation of ML algorithms, and insightful data visualization techniques. Additionally, Outside the classroom, Michael also contributes actively to his academic community as a Computer Science and Mathematics Tutor at Woodbury University.
Meshari Alqarni received recognition for his Outstanding Growth in Learning, symbolizing a remarkable dedication to continuous improvement and personal development. Over the course of his Woodbury career, Meshari has fortified his expertise across a broad spectrum of skills. Proficient in programming languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, and C#, he possesses a comprehensive understanding of database technologies including MySQL, Oracle SQL Developer, and Oracle Database. His proficiency extends to database design, administration, and development, underpinning his adeptness in data analysis and computer science. Meshari’s journey underscores the transformative power of continuous learning and dedication, inspiring others to pursue excellence in their own lives.
The award for Academic Excellence for Highest GPA was presented to John Sarancik. Throughout his tenure at Woodbury University, John exhibited remarkable diligence, attention to detail, and a passion for learning.
His outstanding academic performance, reflected in his impressive GPA in both his major and minor, underscores his unwavering commitment to excellence. Notably, John undertook several impactful projects that demonstrated his practical skills and ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. From conducting in-depth analysis of Amazon product sales to developing a credit card approval system utilizing machine learning techniques, John consistently delivers results of the highest caliber. His exemplary performance serves as an inspiration to his peers and a testament to the transformative power of dedication and perseverance in academic pursuits.
Congratulations, Michael, Meshari, and John, on these well-deserved honors!