The 2nd W&M CS Graduate Symposium Attracted Students from Virginia, the USA, and Beyond
The William and Mary Computer Science Department hosted its second Symposium for Graduate Studies on November 4, attracting over 90 in-person attendees to our beautiful campus. Aimed at prospective graduate students, the symposium provided a comprehensive look into the vibrant and innovative world of computer science at William & Mary. Attendees came not only from Virginia but from other states (Ohio, Wisconsin, California, etc.) and other countries from around the world (Bangladesh, Colombia, South Korea, Greece, Iran, etc.).
The day commenced with a lively Meet & Greet session, creating a welcoming atmosphere for participants to connect and share their passion for computer science. As the sun rose over the historic campus, students, faculty, and guests gathered for a day filled with insightful presentations and discussions.
Provost Peggy Agouris set the tone for the event with a warm welcome, highlighting the university's achievements and commitment to fostering excellence in computer science education and research. Provost Agouris emphasized the establishment of the newly approved School of Computing, Data, Applied Sciences, and Physics, which will include the computer science department as an integral unit. Christopher Carone, Vice Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, echoed Provost’s remarks, underlining the research-intensive character of our department.
Evgenia Smirni, Chair of the computer science (CS) department, extended a gracious welcome, providing attendees with an overview of the department's vision, achievements, and commitment to advancing knowledge in the field. Denys Poshyvanyk, CS Graduate Program Director, then offered a comprehensive overview of the CS graduate program, giving prospective students a glimpse into the admission requirements and application, the graduate program, and the enriching academic journey that awaits them.
One of the highlights of the symposium was the Lightning Research Talks, where the CS faculty shared their research findings and projects. These talks not only showcased the department's commitment to cutting-edge research but also provided a glimpse into the exciting possibilities for graduate students.
The day continued with a faculty panel moderated by Assistant Professor Pradeep Kumar, featuring Assistant Professors Janice Zhang and Huajie Shao, Associate Professor Adwait Nadkarni, and Professor Andreas Stathopoulos. The panel engaged in discussions about student mentoring, recruiting, and research, as well as the department's strengths, challenges, and the collaborative environment that defines computer science at William & Mary.
Ph.D. student Collin MacDonald moderated a dynamic student/alumni panel featuring Ph.D. students Trevor Stalnaker, Amit Seal Ami, and Ying Li, and alumni Amanda Watson and Carlos Bernal. The panelists shared their personal experiences and success stories, offering valuable insights into the diverse career paths available to graduates and life as graduate students at William & Mary.
A vibrant session of posters and awards capped off the day, allowing attendees to interact with interactive presentations of ongoing research and celebrate the achievements of the department's talented individuals. Awards were given to the best posters and presentations by Ph.D. students Amit Seal Ami, Prianka Mandal, Victor Olaiya, Antu Saha, Anna Schmedding, and Ying Li.
In addition to the in-person attendance, more than 100 prospective applicants connected to the event's YouTube livestream, demonstrating the widespread interest in the William & Mary Computer Science Graduate Program.
For those who could not attend or wish to revisit the symposium, visit the CS department's YouTube channel to watch the video recording of the entire event.
