ºù«Ӱҵ

What led you to choose to study computer science?

I have always had a passion for maths and computing. From the age of 7, I started taking basic lessons, learning how computer hardware works and how to use Microsoft Office, which was very popular at the time. My dad, an electrical engineer, also sparked my curiosity by showing me some of the machines he worked with, further deepening my interest in technology.

As I progressed in my education, my enthusiasm for computer science grew and my tutors noticed this. They often encouraged me to help my classmates with coding tasks or demonstrate my solutions to the class. This support not only boosted my confidence as a programmer, but also helped me develop valuable leadership and communication skills.

Choosing my university course was a significant moment for me, especially because I’m the first person in my family to attend university - my parents never had that opportunity. While I felt pressure, the strong support system around me helped me believe in my potential.

Why did you choose to study at ºù«Ӱҵ?

What ultimately influenced my decision were the positive experiences shared by other Cypriot students studying at ºù«Ӱҵ and the university’s strong ranking for computer science.

Hearing such great feedback from fellow students and seeing the program’s reputation reassured me that ºù«Ӱҵ was the right fit for my academic and personal growth.

That said, the hills were a big surprise when I finally arrived!

What are the best things about studying in the School of Computer Science?

The best aspects are the direct access to experts in the field and the cutting-edge resources available to us. Many of our tutors are actively involved in research across various areas of computer science, which allows us to learn from those who are at the forefront of technological advancements.

Additionally, our school provides invaluable support through a dedicated mental health advisor, which is something I deeply appreciate. Mental health plays a critical role in academic success, and having that support readily available ensures that we can thrive both personally and academically.

Another highlight is the access to labs equipped with state-of-the-art technology, which significantly enhances our hands-on learning experience and prepares us for the challenges of the industry.

What have you enjoyed most about your course so far?

The variety of topics we get to explore! Studying computer science opens up so many career paths and I love how each module offers a new perspective. My favourite first-year module was machines and intelligence, which was partially taught by our current Head of School, who is an incredible teacher. I also really enjoyed functional programming because it combines two of my favourite things—maths and coding.

Another highlight has been the group work experiences. You learn so much from your peers and it is also where I met some of my closest friends. Even when things do not go as planned, those moments help you grow both as a student and as a person.

How was the overall experience of completing your placement at Matillion?

It was a transformative experience that provided me with valuable technical skills, industry insights, and professional development opportunities.

I worked on a variety of projects that allowed me to gain practical experience in software development, security measures, and quality assurance. Collaborating with talented engineers and participating in professional development activities deepened my understanding of market trends and best practices.

My exposure to diverse engineering challenges enhanced my adaptability and resilience, which are crucial for thriving in dynamic work environments. I believe that future placements should prioritise hands-on learning and foster collaborative environments, as these experiences offer great growth opportunities for aspiring engineers.

Additionally, my involvement in the Springboard program, testing conferences, hackathons, and leadership roles enriched my placement experience, contributing to both my personal and professional development.

These activities expanded my professional network, gave me important industry insights, and empowered me to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. I am confident that the skills and lessons I gained during my placement will provide a solid foundation for my future career.

What skills have you gained from your placement year that you'll be taking with you into your studies and future career?

I am excited to apply the practical knowledge I gained to modules such as ‘Cybersecurity in Action’ and ‘Introduction to Cryptography,’ which will deepen my understanding of cybersecurity principles. The ‘Software Testing and Analysis’ module will also help refine my testing methodologies, building on the real-world experience I gained at Matillion. I am particularly looking forward to working on my dissertation, ‘Inferring Software Causality from Source Code,’ with the hope of contributing something innovative to existing methods.

My placement also prompted a shift in my career aspirations toward cybersecurity and software testing. I am now aiming to combine my technical expertise with a focus on developing secure and reliable software solutions. Additionally, participating in the ‘Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme in Computer Science’ will give me the chance to share industry insights and inspire future engineers.

I am also passionate about continuing to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, striving to create environments where people from all backgrounds can thrive and contribute to technological advancements.

What do you like most about the City of ºù«Ӱҵ?

It’s hard to pick just one thing I like most about ºù«Ӱҵ. Coming from a completely different environment, I fell in love with how green the city is. From the beautiful parks to the ability to hike in the Peaks, it almost feels too good to be true. ºù«Ӱҵ feels both big and small at the same time—large enough to offer plenty of things to do, yet still manageable and welcoming. The fact that it’s primarily a student city is a big plus, as it creates a vibrant and youthful atmosphere.

The people are also one of my favourite things about ºù«Ӱҵ; they’re friendly and welcoming. There’s something for everyone here, no matter what your interests are. My time in ºù«Ӱҵ has definitely met my expectations, especially in terms of the city’s environment and community. It’s been a great place to live and study.

Are you in any student societies? If so, what have you enjoyed the most?

Yes, I’ve been a member of several societies! However, I’ve had to be more selective due to my workload this year. That said, I’m excited to be returning to the ºù«Ӱҵ Women in Computer Science (SWiCS) committee for a second consecutive year, this time as president. SWiCS has always been one of my favourite societies and I wanted to take on a more active role to help shape its growth and impact.

What I love most about societies is the social aspect. They make it so much easier to connect with people who share similar interests and they provide a great sense of community. 

Where do you see yourself in the future? 

I envision myself working in a vibrant and sunny location for a company that is making a meaningful and positive impact on the world. I aspire to be involved in cutting-edge research, where I can contribute to innovative advancements within the technology industry. While some may view my dreams as ambitious, I believe that true growth comes from setting high aspirations. By continuously pushing boundaries, I aim to make a lasting and positive difference in the field.

As technology continues to evolve, I’m particularly excited about the potential of quantum computing. I would be incredibly curious to dive into this field and contribute to its advancement, particularly as it holds the promise of revolutionising how we approach complex problems! Ultimately, I want to contribute meaningfully to the industry and keep learning and evolving as a professional.

What advice would you give to a younger student considering studying your course at university?

My advice to a younger student considering computer science is that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.

Unfortunately, computer science is often underestimated in schools, at least where I am from and there are still stereotypes about what a computer scientist should look like or be like. Ignore those negative stereotypes and focus on your own interests!

Also, if you enjoy maths, I would encourage you to try programming - it gives you a similar sense of satisfaction when solving problems. Start by learning Python, and really take the time to understand it. If you enjoy it, pursue computer science. It is a field full of opportunities, and as I mentioned earlier, it truly is the future.