I became interested in computer science when an alumnus of North Carolina State University came to my school and informed the honor seventh grade students about the shortage of minorities in the computer science field. I have felt compelled since then to make it a goal to become a computer scientist. I have also been working to the best of my ability in completing this goal since that day. I know I am just one person, but I also know I can make a difference in the field of computers just by having the strength and determination to succeed.

         I plan to obtain my Master's degree in computer science following my four-year Bachelor's degree. I also plan to graduate with a minor in mathematics. Working through the Center of Excellence in Remote Sensing Education Research program, hopefully, this goal will become true soon in my future. Under the direction of Dr. Linda Hayden through CERSER, I have participated in training and research opportunities. The training was helpful in broadening my horizon about computers and other related topics. Mrs. Kiesha Wilkins led several training classes associated with satellite imagery, in the Fall of 2007. Mr. Je'aime Powell led training classes about Linux and Unix in the Fall of 2008. I was also a student teacher in the Macintosh training. In the summer of 2008 Darlette Meekins led training classes in GIS and GPS. I have also been in several training activities under Mr. Jeffery Wood in digital camera training.   
   
         As a sophomore I have had ample opportunities involving research. In the past spring semester of 2008 I was given the chance to go and present my research. My team member and I presented a poster on the Polycom PVX software and Polycom 8000VSX teleconferencing systems. This was in support of the main polar grid project's goal to travel to Greenland and collect data. This presentation took place at the University of New Hampshire. I have also been given the opportunity to be involved on the Remote Sensing team this past summer in the Undergraduate Research Experience internship. My team members were Omotilewa Oluwatoba and William Shannon. We modeled beach erosion using video imaging supported by prior research from the Field Research Facility in Duck, North Carolina. Entering my second semester sophomore year of college here at Elizabeth City State University I will be participating on the Polar Grid team. We are developing our own 64 node cluster for the data collected on a recent trip to Greenland, by my mentor Mr. Je'aime Powell and his fellow associates.

        By having these many chances and opportunities this far, I know that there are many to come to provide me with more knowledge that will assist and contribute to me in the future.