COSMOS is happy to announce the graduation of six of our own Cosmographers, Lotenna Nwana, Mary Mezue, Anulika “Pearl” Nwashili, Stella Mbila-uma, Ishmam Ahmed Solaiman, and Chinni Krishna Kongala! All six receive their Masters this Spring 2024. Dr. Agarwal said, “I am extremely proud of their accomplishments and the numerous contributions they have made to the COSMOS Research Center. Even though they have graduated, they are eternally part of COSMOS – they just shine from a distance! I wish them all the best for their future endeavors.”
Below are interviews detailing their personal stories of classes at UALR and work at COSMOS.
Lotenna Nwana
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Lotenna Nwana. I am from the South Eastern part of Nigeria with a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from Covenant University. Following my undergraduate degree, I worked as a Data Analyst and Technology Consultant for over three years, enabling me to develop and deploy disruptive products for diverse clients.
What was your inspiration for joining COSMOS?
I have constantly sought opportunities that allow me to drive impact and build my skills, especially in this constantly evolving world where technological advancements are happening at such a rapid rate. Learning about COSMOS and the important work that Dr. Nitin Agarwal is doing in leveraging computational techniques to analyze and understand social behaviors, I knew that this was a perfect opportunity for me to hone my skills and drive impact. I saw the opportunity to learn in-depth about social networks beyond what I knew, as well as to contribute incredibly to social media efforts concerning international happenings. Beyond that, I learned about the unique team at COSMOS and the great work and accolades they had received, and I knew I had to be in that space where I would get to collaborate with and learn from each of them. Overall, I have gotten even more than I had imagined.
How has COSMOS helped in your journey?
COSMOS has helped in developing my skills. I have strengthened my understanding of tools such as Python, SQL, and GEPHI. Before COSMOS, I had never developed a network nor explored the intricate details of a social network to extract critical information. However, since I joined, I have been engaged in tasks that have seen me not just develop networks but dive deep into social networks and extract critical information relevant to the academic community.
COSMOS has connected me to a network of smart, driven individuals who I am able to collaborate with and reach out to for guidance.
Finally, COSMOS has given me the confidence to publish. I am able to work on analysis, explore the results, and publish my findings without being scared of feedback or failure.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, my plan is to work as a Data Analyst and Scientist utilizing the skills I have gained at COSMOS to drive growth within an organization.
What is your fondest memory as a Cosmographer?
I enjoyed the bonding opportunities we got at COSMOS, including the birthday celebrations and team bonding picnics that we did together. My fondest memory as a Cosmographer, though, was when my first paper was accepted to be published as part of a conference proceedings. I remember that moment vividly because, about three months prior, the same paper was rejected by a different conference. It is not the best feeling having your work criticized and rejected, but I remember how Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Mustafa Alassad encouraged and guided me through making improvements and resubmitting to another conference. This taught me resilience and grit and improved my writing considerably.
Do you have any parting words for Cosmographers?
Enjoy the process. You will definitely be better for it.
Ishmam Ahmed Solaiman
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Ishmam Ahmed Solaiman; I am from Bangladesh and will be graduating with a Master in Computer Science.
What was your inspiration for joining COSMOS?
The research being done at COSMOS on tackling misinformation really inspired me, and this led me to apply. Before I found out about COSMOS, I had no idea of the amazing work that was possible in the social computing field, and realizing this was what COSMOS was tackling got me excited to join the team.
How has COSMOS helped in your journey?
I was able to explore the realm of social media data sciences, and the intersection with social science has really helped me not only learn about concepts from social sciences and graph theories but also challenged me to tackle difficult problems that may seem impossible at first but with effort and perseverance become possible. I have grown a lot since I first joined, and thanks to the guidance of Dr. Agarwal I was able to develop various solutions that I hadn’t even thought were possible at first.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I’m aiming to join a leading tech company as a software engineer, though I remain open to the right opportunity that allows me to grow and contribute meaningfully. My priority is finding a role and environment aligned with my passion for creating innovative software solutions.
What is your fondest memory as a Cosmographer?
One of my fondest memories as a Cosmographer was the first outdoor gathering organized by the team. It was a wonderful opportunity for all of us to come together, socialize, and bond on a personal level. We enjoyed delicious food and played engaging games, and Dr. Agarwal shared his high expectations and belief in our potential to achieve great things in the upcoming semester. The experience was truly wholesome, allowing us to connect with our fellow Cosmographers in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. It was a moment that fostered a sense of community and camaraderie, which I cherish dearly.
Do you have any parting words for Cosmographers?
To all my fellow Cosmographers, you are part of an exceptional community, guided by dedicated mentors who believe in your potential. Although the journey may seem challenging at times, remember that these experiences are shaping you into brilliant minds and resilient individuals. Embrace the pressure as a means for growth, transforming you from rough stones into polished diamonds.
Chinni Krishna Kongala
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Kongala Chinni Krishna, and I hail from India. I am graduating with my Master’s degree in Information Quality. In addition to my studies, I have had the privilege of working as a Graduate Research Assistant at COSMOS.
What was your inspiration for joining COSMOS?
My decision to join COSMOS was from a deep fascination with the profound impact of social media on human behavior and societal trends. I was captivated by the dynamics of online interactions and their far-reaching consequences in the real world. COSMOS presented itself as the ideal environment to nurture my passion and enhance my skills in this domain. This curiosity fueled my desire to join COSMOS.
How has COSMOS helped in your journey ?
COSMOS has been instrumental in enriching my academic and professional growth. Through hands-on research and collaborations, I’ve gained invaluable insights into the nuances of online behavior and social media’s societal impact. The mentorship and support from my fellow colleagues has equipped me with the knowledge and abilities to navigate throughout my stay here.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I aim to apply the valuable knowledge and skills I’ve gained to make a positive impact in the Information Technology field. My goal is to join an innovative organization where I can contribute to developing cutting-edge solutions that address real-world challenges. I’m driven to continuously learn, adapt to new technologies, and bring fresh perspectives, while seeking opportunities for professional growth in this dynamic industry.
What is your fondest memory as a cosmographer?
My best memory as a Cosmographer was working on the Data Object project. This project looked at how society behaves using real software tools. It really made me think hard and let me work closely with a team of people who really cared about what they were doing. I loved finding out new things, and it felt great when our work helped others understand more about how software interacts. This experience showed me how working together can lead to big discoveries and changes. It reminded me how important it is to work as a team to learn new things and make a difference in the world.
Do you have any parting words for Cosmographers?
As I move on to the next chapter of my journey, I want to leave you with a few parting words. Never underestimate the impact of the work we do here at COSMOS. The exploration and understanding of social media behavior are vital in shaping the digital future—a future that is inclusive, safe, and empowering for all.
Keep pushing the boundaries of what is known, dare to ask the difficult questions, and cherish the unique community we have built here. Remember, each one of you plays a crucial role in unraveling the complex web of online interactions. Carry forward the spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and commitment to excellence that defines a true cosmographer. Thank you for the memories, the learnings, and the inspiration.
Mary Nwaife Mezue
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Mary Nwaife Mezue, and I am from the Eastern part of Nigeria. I recently completed my Master’s in Business Information Systems and Analytics. Through my studies, I’ve developed strong skills in Data Analysis, Modeling, and leveraging technology for business growth.
What was your inspiration for joining COSMOS?
My inspiration to join COSMOS was a lot of factors, but if I had to summarize them, I’d say it stemmed from these two key factors: the remarkable people and the impactful work.
I was inspired by Cosmographers, especially the alumni, whose achievements exemplified greatness. Additionally, the profound impact of COSMOS’s research, addressing real-world challenges both locally and nationally, resonated with me, as I took a significant time checking out some of the publications of Dr. Nitin Agarwal before joining, and I was sure this was an organization I wanted to be a part of. As a Product Manager, I loved building products that made an Impact, and when I decided to take a career break to go for my Master’s, I knew COSMOS was the right fit for me to work as a Graduate Research Assistant while studying.
How has COSMOS helped in your journey?
COSMOS has been instrumental in my journey, both in the US and my overall career. Working here exposed me to seeing social media and blogs beyond just the user interface. I learned how one post can sometimes spark larger movements beyond what the eye could see, and how to use these data to draw insights. I got to work on a major research tool, BlogTracker, which is a social computational tool for tackling misinformation on blogs. As a product manager, COSMOS helped me understand how social media data can be transformed into valuable insights. Overall, COSMOS broadened my horizons and equipped me with tools to navigate research especially with regards to social media
What are your plans after graduation?
Upon graduation, I’ll be joining a technology company as a Digital Technical Data Consultant.
What is your fondest memory as a Cosmographer?
My fondest memories as a Cosmographer were from the bonds I created with my colleagues beyond work. On Fridays, after the All-hands meeting, we somehow found ourselves discussing random interesting topics, sharing opinions, and learning from each other. At COSMOS, you get the chance to meet colleagues from different parts of the world, so it was always a great time not talking about just work, because it helped build interpersonal relationships which also helped boost productivity.
Do you have any parting words for Cosmographers?
I appreciate every one of you!! The people I got to work with personally and those I never really worked with. I wish you all the best in all that you do. Keep the COSMOS energy burning!
Anulika Pearl Nwashili
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m Anulika Pearl Nwashili, from Nigeria, and I am currently wrapping up my Master’s in Bioinformatics.
What was your inspiration for joining COSMOS?
Having a computer science background, I was intrigued by how the knowledge of Data Science could be applied to social media research. Amazing research at COSMOS involving mitigating malicious activities and toxicity in online social networks were major attractions to this distinguished Research Lab.
How has COSMOS helped in your journey?
I’m especially grateful for our Friday All-hands meeting, and being able to take published research and present it has really helped me understand technicalities outside of my own research and improved my public speaking skills. As a researcher at COSMOS, collaboration and teamwork are core skills I picked up, and these have translated into various areas of my personal growth. Definitely my research and writing skills have significantly improved as well.
What are your plans after graduation?
Upon graduation, I intend to work in a pharmaceutical company, where I can contribute significantly.
What is your fondest memory as a cosmographer?
It has to be our outdoor hangouts and celebrations, being able to connect with other Cosmographers outside of work has really helped build better work relationships.
Do you have any parting words for Cosmographers?
Believe in yourself, always! Nothing is too big for you to conquer! Also, you have other Cosmographers to help along the journey if you ever get stuck.
Stella Mbila-Uma
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Stella Mbila-Uma. I am from Nigeria and receiving my Master’s in Information Science.
What was your inspiration for joining COSMOS?
Drawing from my prior work experience in social media analysis, which was instrumental in enhancing our market applications, I found the operations at COSMOS to be particularly intriguing. They were actively addressing the issue of misinformation in social media, a challenge that resonated with my interests. As I was pursuing a Master’s degree in Information Science, I recognized that COSMOS would be the ideal environment to hone my skills and gain valuable experience. However, upon joining, I discovered that COSMOS was more than just a workspace. It was a nurturing space that harnessed my full potential and cultivated the best version of myself.
How has COSMOS helped in your journey?
Joining COSMOS straight out of my undergraduate studies with limited experience was a pivotal decision that significantly impacted my journey. It provided me with the perfect environment to expand my skill set and prepare for the professional world. The invaluable experience and knowledge I gained during my time at COSMOS played a crucial role in securing an internship at Intuit and establishing a solid foundation for my career growth. Moreover, the exposure to writing research papers and presenting them was a transformative experience that I never anticipated I would have the opportunity to engage in. It not only broadened my horizons but also instilled in me a newfound confidence in my abilities. In essence, COSMOS has been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory, equipping me with the tools and confidence needed to succeed in the ever-evolving field of technology and social computing.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will be joining Intuit as a Business System Analyst.
What is your fondest memory as a cosmographer?
My fondest memory as a Cosmographer was the weekly general meetings. During these gatherings, I cherished the opportunity to discuss various perspectives on social computing, expanding my knowledge base. Also, the outdoor activities, filled with games, laughter, and discussions about achievements, left a lasting impression.
Do you have any parting words for Cosmographers?
To all Cosmographers: as you embark on your journey, remember to cherish every moment of learning and growth within COSMOS. The knowledge and experiences you gain here are invaluable. Take advantage of this opportunity to harness your skills and shape your future. Stay curious, stay motivated, and never underestimate the potential of what you’re learning.