At the age of 21, I have seen an evolution take place in today’s society, technology. It is evident in even the smallest gadgets we may use regularly such as Ipods and cell phones; or as significant as advancements made to spacecrafts that orbit the earth.Computers have been integrated into virtually every aspect of daily living. I have made the vital decision to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree and ultimately a Doctorate in Computer Science and minor in Mathematics.

As a candidate for 2011 graduation, I am taking advantage of the opportunities which are given to me at Elizabeth City State University. The CERSER Research program allows me ample time to be involved in hands-on projects and assessments which will prepare me for my future career. Within my four years of undergraduate schooling, I have been involved in two summer internship programs and four academic year research projects. These experiences have not only given me the knowledge needed for my profession, but also the competence and experience, which is a common obstacle for applicants.

Since becoming a part of Center of Excellence in Remote Sensing Education and Research (CERSER), I have been involved in several research projects. During the second semester of my freshman year, I conducted research on Interactive Data Language (IDL). Not only did I learn how to code in this language I used it to manipulate scientific data. Over the summer, I continued to research in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program at the University of Kansas. I was granted the opportunity to work with experienced professors, seismologists, and various scientists to study “Wireless Networking for the Seismic Monitoring of Ice Sheets.” The following year, I engaged in yet another research opportunity, Implementation of a Static Based Cluster. This allowed me to work with a different aspect of Computer Science, networking. During my junior year, I focused on building a community informatics framework focused on GIS and GPR protocols. I was given the opportunity to present and publish my findings at the IEEE-GRSS conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. The summer following my junior year I interned at the NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center to focus on benthic habitat fishing activity off the Gulf of Mexico. This was in response to the Deepwater Horizon Spill; my research was in the preliminary stages of addressing changes in fishing trends. By studying such a broad range of subjects, my knowledge about the Computer Science field has grown. This has also increased my determination to attend graduate school