Computer Science

Newly minted 麻豆果冻传媒 computer science alumni Megan Hendrickson and Vincent Lin are among the latest recipients of the university鈥檚 prestigious W.A. Howard Award, an honor bestowed upon graduates who earn all A鈥檚 throughout their college career.

鈥淚t was already such a high note being able to say I earned my degree in just three years, but knowing I did it with a 4.0 GPA was the icing on top of the cake,鈥� Hendrickson, a native of Spring Hill, said. 鈥淚t still feels surreal, but it鈥檚 incredible for sure.鈥�

Lin, who hails from Nashville, said earning his bachelor鈥檚 degree in computer science with a perfect finish was a rewarding payoff for 鈥渇our years of dedication and hard work.鈥�

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 aim for a 4.0; it was simply the outcome of doing my best in my studies,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 focused on understanding the ideas rather than just memorizing what was taught. Being open to asking for help also played a big role.鈥�

Hendrickson, who also received a College of Engineering Eminence Award for Outstanding Senior, said it took self-discipline and hard work to finish strong.

鈥淔or me, studying a couple hours per day in the days leading up to an exam was far more effective than cramming the night before,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 also made a strong effort to always start assignments early. Even if I procrastinated toward the end, I at least had a good idea of how long something was going to take me and how much effort was needed.鈥�

Both Lin and Hendrickson had a passion for technology and coding prior to their studies at Tech.

鈥淲hat drew me to Tech was that it has a well-established computer science program where I felt like I could learn a lot,鈥� Lin, who graduated from McGavock High鈥疭chool in 2020, said. 鈥淚 wanted to major in computer science because the idea of coding and creating products that assist people in their daily lives interested me.鈥�

Hendrickson, a 2021 graduate of Summit High School, credits her father and high school computer science teacher for her decision to major in computer science.

鈥淢y dad has a degree in electrical engineering, and I definitely inherited his STEM brain, so he encouraged me to go for computer science or something in engineering,鈥� she said.

So that鈥檚 what Hendrickson did 鈥� despite having been the only girl in her high school computer science class.

鈥淭hat was discouraging at times, but my teacher, Mrs. Valentine, was not only a huge supporter of me as a student but also as a woman wanting to go into STEM,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 think that experience inspired me even more to go into computer science and to be a part of the shift of getting more women involved in STEM.鈥�

Hendrickson chose Tech because she anticipated 鈥渁 great computer science program鈥� 鈥� but it was something else too.

鈥淚t just felt like home the first time I visited in the fall of 2019,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was pretty much an instant decision after that visit that I would be going to school here.鈥�

Lin said his favorite computer science classes were web development and software engineering, and he made great memories while working with classmates on group projects.

鈥淲orking with others to brainstorm and create a product is very enjoyable while getting to know the team members better,鈥� he said.

After graduation, Lin returned to Nashville to pursue a career in software or web鈥痙evelopment.

鈥淭ech taught me many concepts and tools that are used in the industry,鈥� he said.

Hendrickson said her favorite classes were discrete mathematics and web development. She also enjoyed being a student representative on the Computer Science Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

鈥淢y entire experience was amazing,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 built so many great relationships with faculty and friends, and even when things got difficult, knowing I had support from them made everything so much better. I truly feel I have gotten so much out of this program, and that鈥檚 an experience I wouldn鈥檛 trade for anything.鈥�

Hendrickson plans to continue her studies at Tech as a graduate student this fall.

Computer science is among 麻豆果冻传媒鈥檚 fastest-growing majors and one of the top two undergraduate degree programs by enrollment in the College of Engineering. Concentrations include data science and artificial intelligence; information assurance and cybersecurity; and high-performance computing. For more information, visit www.tntech.edu/csc.