- Major: Computer Engineering
- Company: Dominion Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Graduation Year: 2024
- E-mail: lsmit248@vols.utk.edu
Profile
I've had the incredible opportunity to complete two co-op rotations with Dominion Energy as a nuclear engineering student before making the switch to computer science. Although I didn't finish the co-op, it played a huge role in helping me discover my true passions and career path. My summer internship at ORNL in 2023 was an absolute game-changer! It solidified my love for computer science and research, giving me hands-on experience which took my skills to a whole new level.
During my time at ORNL, I worked on BRIAR, which stands for "Biometric Recognition and Identification at Altitude and Range." I got to play around with camera equipment and dive into coding in C using the GStreamer plugin. It was an awesome chance to learn and adapt to new technologies in a real professional setting. I learned so many new things there that no classroom could ever teach me! I'm really hoping I can continue my internship with ORNL in the future.
When I'm not buried with school work, I'm an adventurous soul who loves exploring new places and trying out all sorts of activities. Museums, national parks, caves‚ you name it, I'm there! Oh, and let's not forget my love for anime and manga. Going to anime conventions is like stepping into a whole new world! Art is another passion of mine, and although I had a full scholarship opportunity for art school, I ended up at UTK as an engineering student. Life works in mysterious ways, huh?
As a TA for lower-level computer science classes, I love helping my fellow students succeed and making their learning journey a bit smoother. It's all about supporting each other and having fun along the way!
So, my journey from nuclear engineering to computer science has been quite the adventure. Dominion Energy and ORNL have been instrumental in guiding me toward what I'm truly passionate about. I'm a knowledge-hungry individual with a burning desire to make a difference in the world of computer science. With my diverse experiences, love for exploration, and dedication to helping others, I'm ready to continue growing and helping others along the way as well.
