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Aloha Mai Kākou!
Welcome to our Information & Computer Sciences (ICS) Newsletter.
This newsletter will serve as a place to inform undergraduate students, faculty and staff about upcoming events and opportunities within the ICS Department and the greater community. The newsletter will also highlight research projects as well as outstanding students and faculty in our department.
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The ICS Department would like to say congratulations/ho`omaika`i to the graduating Class of 2021. You all did it! Mahalo nui loa your hard work and dedication. We would like to also wish you all good luck in your future endeavors. For more information about the Hybrid Commencement Celebration click here.
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Meet with an academic advisor regularly
Schedule an appointment to meet with one the ICS major advisors to discuss academic and career plans. You may make an appointment via
STAR Balance
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Alumni Spotlight
Meet Stephani Diep, our Alumni Spotlight for this week. She is a 2018 ICS graduate and is currently works as a Google engineer. Below is our interview with Stephani. Continuing reading to see what Stephani has to share.
1) Where do you currently work at? Describe your role.
I am currently a full stack software engineer at Google on the Google Fi team. I work on the desktop and mobile website.
2) What was your major at UH Manoa?How has your education & experiences at UH Manoa prepared you for your current position?
I initially majored in accounting and finance when I began college in 2012. I started ICS in 2014-2015 after I learned how to program in VBA to automate Microsoft Excel tasks. However, I took ICS 111 in my first semester but discontinued the major because I thought I was the only person in class who didn't know what I was doing! The neighborly quality and community-mindedness of the UHM ICS program isn't something I've ever found anywhere else. I picked up these values during my time at UHM and I was able to bring these ideas over to my professional environment. I realized that my ability to contribute to a positive, inclusive, and fun work culture is greatly valued. It brings joy and warmness to work, which ultimately improves everyone's productivity and success.
3)What was your best college memory?
I enjoyed participating in the NASA hackathon with my friends at Manoa Innovation Center. We made a Unity 3D game called "Koala Space Program". After winning the state level, the best international project was determined by voting, so my team did our best to promote the project. What we didn't expect was the ICS department supporting us by sending out emails and calling Hawaii News Now to interview our team for a news segment! It was really cool.
4) What are some challenges you faced in your academic or professional career? How were you able to overcome them?
Even in my first semester taking ICS 111, I always felt like I was behind everyone else in terms of skills and knowledge. This insecurity only intensified when I transferred majors from business to ICS. I avoided applying for positions and opportunities because I felt like I wasn't good enough. It wasn't until I read other people's experiences online and talked to other students from UHM and mainland universities that I realized that many people faced the same challenges as me. The way that they overcame their struggles was by practicing more, coding more, reading more -- all things that can be achieved through sustained effort by anyone who is motivated enough. People aren't born successful; they become successful through hard work. If you're not successful yet, remind yourself to persevere. With the right amount of work, you will achieve your goals.
5) What advice would you give to current computer science students?
For a long time, I struggled with studying and learning certain types of subjects (like science and math). I accidentally found a free online Coursera course called "Learning How to Learn" that taught me how to study properly with research-backed methods. The course took me a week and a half to complete, and I felt so foolish for waiting so long to finally learn how to learn the right way. The class discusses study methods that don't work (and why), different learning styles, methods that work and which research corroborates their effectiveness, among other important topics.
Here are a couple of helpful ICS Department Presentations that were facilitated by Stephani Diep '18
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Kiran Datwani is a Junior in the Department of Information & Computer Sciences. Kiran was recommended Dr. Martha Crosby to be this week's student spotlight. Below is our interview with Kiran. Read below to see what Kiran has to share.
1) What is your major and class standing?
I am a third-year student (Junior) majoring in Computer Science.
2) What are your plans for after graduation? career aspirations?
After graduating from UH Mānoa with my Bachelor of Science's degree in Computer Science, I am planning on furthering my education by attending graduate or professional school. I am interested in learning more about computing theory, research design, and business knowledge. With that in mind, I am planning on pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree to support me in my career aspirations. That being said, I desire to pursue a career in software engineering, UI/UX design/direction, product management, or a technical role in management in a couple of years.
3) Best college memory so far.
I believe every memory has been valuable and crucial to my college experience. I particularly enjoyed studying abroad in Kobe, Japan during Spring 2020. I made many lasting friendships and experienced a new culture and lifestyle up close. I still keep in touch with my host family, friends, classmates, and teachers from Konan University, and smile thinking about the adventures I had and the places I went to. Even though I was stuck in Japan when the pandemic hit, I have no regrets, and if I had the chance, I would relive the experience again.
4) What advice would you give to underclassmen and/or peers?
I wish someone would have told me that it was perfectly okay for the first friends one makes or the first people you meet won’t always stay. It’s impossible to get along with everyone, please everyone, and expect everyone to like you. The closest friends I made over the years were the ones I met during my second semester or second year. It is not necessary to try to fit in where you hoped to, but to belong where you need to. The important thing is remember who you are and your values, and the people who respect you will cherish your friendship. It’s okay for people to come and go; make yourself and your social and emotional health your first priority.
Along those lines, don’t forget to grow and expand your horizons, and leave your safe haven in order to become the person you dream to be, whether that be through study abroad, joining an student organization, or taking on a summer internship. You never know what might happen if you don't give yourself (and potential opportunities) a chance.
5) How have you managed schooling during the COVID19 pandemic? Any advice for your peers?
Initially when the COVID-19 pandemic started during Spring 2020, I was doing well academically, and spending most of my time studying and keeping up with classes. The following summer and fall semesters didn't go as well because I was trying to return back home, and trying to keep up with my classes while dealing with travel arrangements and legal logistics. This Spring semester has been going better, and I have been able to concentrate more on my classes, and perform better. My advice to my peers would be to take classes that are more relaxing and enjoyable if you can. At times like this, it is difficult to balance everything, so it will help that classes serve as a less stressful part of it.
6) What are some challenges you faced in your academic or professional career? How were you able to overcome them?
A common challenge I have faced academically is taking on too many credits and commitments in a semester. It took a few semesters for me to realize how I didn't need to occupy every single bit of my life with something, and several friends that helped me overcome my problem of overthinking and stressing.
The pandemic has most definitely contributed to academic challenges I have faced in the more recent semesters. I am still working on overcoming them by trying to be organized, motivated, and remembering why I decided to take this path, and what I always wanted out of life. I have also been trying to stay healthy, and connecting with people from afar.
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Upcoming Events & Opportunities
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Oceanit is honored to host a presentation by our colleague, Professor Noam Chomsky, and excited to invite you to this No Limits event as Noam explores deep questions on the nature of mind, language, and creativity. Taken together with inequality, the emergence of alternative facts, social media, and climate, Dr. Chomsky will discuss how this all informs our current actions and challenges, as well as the fate of the Human Experiment.
Event Details: Thursday, May 13th, 10 a.m. Hawaii Time (4 p.m. EST)This event is completely free. To RSVP, please click the button below and use the password Oceanit2021 to reserve your spot. Contact us via nolimits@oceanit.com if you have any questions.
Register here:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/no-limits-at-oceanit-presents-noam-chomsky-tickets-147207314039
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AnitaB.org is on a mission to ensure women in tech across the globe have access to pathways, networking, and resources to help drive their career and provide job opportunities for students in STEM and technical fields. AnitaB.org will be having their Virtual Grace Hopper Celebration (vGHC) on May 25-27. In interested in attending? Register here.
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UROP Summer 2021 Project
If interested in applying,please send an email to Prof. Song (zsong@hawaii.edu) and copy mjeske@hawaii.edu and jwallen@hawaii.edu with 1) your resume and 2) the position number.
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Scholarship Opportunities
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Summer 2021 FAFSA
Planning to take summer classes and need financial assistance? The Summer FAFSA application is now open for you to apply! Click here to apply.
Summer registration began March 9, 2021 (Seniors) and March 10, 2021 ( All other continuing students). For course overrides in the College of Natural Sciences please click here.
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Internship & Job Opportunities
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Check out WiDSHI Live Listing of internships and scholarship opportunities by
Clicking Here
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Student Success Resources
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Registered Independent Organizations
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