Below are some personal stories of Cosmographers who graduated in Spring 2023. In their own words, they delve into what brought them to UALR and COSMOS, what careers they have Below are some personal stories of Cosmographers who graduated in Spring 2023. In their own words, they delve into what brought them to UALR and COSMOS, what careers they have begun, and some of their parting words for fellow cosmographers.
Ivory Okeke
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Obianuju Ivory Okeke, and I am from Nigeria. I recently received my master’s degree and graduated from the Department of Business Information Systems at UA Little Rock.
What was your inspiration for joining COSMOS?
COSMOS is a research lab that prioritizes people, exciting ideas, and discovering novel methods of answering questions. I decided to join COSMOS because I wanted to stretch my programming capabilities, learn new technologies, and apply my knowledge to software and research.
How has COSMOS helped in your journey?
The COSMOS research lab exceeded my expectations when I first joined in 2021.
Before joining the COSMOS research lab, I had an unstructured approach to problem-solving. Also, I needed to learn how to integrate software engineering into solving research problems. With the skills I have gained from working in COSMOS, I have learned how to apply my engineering capabilities better and now approach problem-solving more efficiently. Since joining COSMOS, I have grown as a software engineer and devoted myself to research.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to work in the tech industry as a software engineer. This is very exciting for me as I look forward to applying all I have learned as a graduate assistant at COSMOS and as a graduate of the Business Information Systems department.
What is your fondest memory as a Cosmographer?
I have been blessed to have several fond memories from COSMOS, but my most memorable was having the paper I worked on with my team at COSMOS get accepted to the HUSO 2023 conference. I got to travel to Spain and speak about the work we had worked so hard on in the past year.
Do you have any parting words for Cosmographers?
I have had the opportunity to work in several companies. One exceptional feature of the COSMOS research lab is the number of growth opportunities available to those ready to work hard, learn new things, and apply themselves.
I will always advise my colleagues to be confident in taking on new challenges at COSMOS and ready to learn and deliver. There will always be people around to assist you when you have questions.
Vanessa Okeke
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Nneka Vanessa Okeke, and I’m from the South-Eastern part of Nigeria called Anambra. I am graduating with my Master’s degree in Business Information Systems and Analytics from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
What was your inspiration for joining COSMOS?
The amazing projects inspired me to join. I knew I wanted to learn and grow in a place where challenges are encouraged and where I’d have the opportunity to work with researchers. Another big part of why I wanted to join COSMOS was that it is a diverse group of people building tools to change narratives.
How has COSMOS helped in your journey?
Through COSMOS, I have learned to consciously step outside of my comfort zone, in order to learn, grow, and achieve things I didn’t think were possible.
I have also had the blessing of good people around me, and COSMOS has helped me cultivate the habit of being grateful not only for the skills I have but also for appreciating the gift of the people around me.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to work as a software engineer where I can put into practice a combination of what I’ve learned in my degree and at COSMOS.
What is your fondest memory as a Cosmographer?
Friday presentations at COSMOS. Looking back on it, Friday presentations were the days where we would all, as a group, come together, learn new things, ask questions and collectively laugh and make good memories. The presentations served as an opportunity to get over stage fright and see how far we’ve all come in building skills and friendships.
Do you have any parting words for Cosmographers?
You have given me many fond memories that I’ll not forget for a really long time, and for this, I say Thank you!
Nahiyan Bin Noor
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am Nahiyan Bin Noor Nabil, and I am from Bangladesh. I have a B.Sc. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering. I graduated with a Master’s in Information Science from UA Little Rock.
What was your inspiration for joining COSMOS?
The COSMOS Research Center at UA Little Rock is comprised of a large number of individuals who are focused on promoting diversity. I recognized that this environment would offer me the opportunity to enhance my teamwork skills by collaborating with individuals from various backgrounds. Participating in COSMOS would equip me with the skills needed to prepare for my future endeavors.
How has COSMOS helped in your journey?
There are a lot of skillful people and great technology. They helped me to learn the technology, and working with them enhanced my experience. Now I can confidently handle and use these software in my upcoming journey.
What are your plans after graduation?
There was a multitude of proficient individuals and advanced technology available to me. They provided me with the necessary guidance to learn about the technology and work collaboratively to enhance my experience. As a result, I am now equipped with the confidence to handle software competently and incorporate them into my upcoming endeavors.
What is your fondest memory as a Cosmographer?
My fondest memory as a cosmographer is working with my team. We typically met twice a week to share updates and accomplishments for the week, and our meetings were always fulfilling.
Also, the monthly celebration of cosmographers’ birthdays and accomplishments was exciting with good food and a calming space. Finally, it is worth mentioning that one memory I’ll always remember was my trip to Barcelona, Spain, to present a paper publication with Director Dr. Nitin Agarwal and my colleague Ivory Okeke.
Do you have any parting words for Cosmographers?
Learn as much as you can, get to work, and publish your papers at conferences. Conferences not only allow for global recognition of your work but also provide an opportunity for you to travel.
Mayor Inna Gurung
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am Mayor Inna Gurung, and I did my Master’s in Information Science.
What was your inspiration for joining COSMOS?
Social media research!! I was really into it and thought it was very interesting.
How has COSMOS helped in your journey?
Everyone in Cosmos is very supportive; you always hear that you did great and that you can always do better! And that inspires you.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am excited to continue my education at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock pursuing my Ph.D. in Computer and Information Science.
What is your fondest memory as a cosmographer?
I loved my early days here! I was so naive and used to ask all these stupid questions that, now, I look back and laugh about. Shout out to my team leaders for always having my back.
Do you have any parting words for Cosmographers?
Reach out for help if you are stuck on something; don’t hesitate! Everyone will help you. Just do your best, and you will be fine.