I am a graduate of Elizabeth City State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer and Information Systems as of May 2008.  While studying at my undergraduate institution, my field of study was Computer Science with a minor in Geographical Information Systems. My mentor, Dr. Linda B. Hayden, has provided me with a world of exposure through my involvement with the Center of Excellence in Remote Sensing Education and Research (CERSER) that has developed my interests and prepared me for graduate school. My ultimate goal is to a Ph.D. in field of Computational Science.

            Throughout my academic preparation, I have participated in research in all of my undergraduate years during the academic year and in the summer. I have been involved in research projects related to remote sensing, global warming, photo imaging, stock assessment, scientific programming, water quality, information systems, systems vulnerability, and non-profit organization development. I have presented my research findings at scientific meetings throughout the world. My attendance at state, regional, national, and international conferences has exposed me to the latest research in my field and has helped me become an excellent public speaker. I have command of more than 20 programming languages (Please see listing below); therefore, my visual aids have exceeded most expectations of undergraduate and graduate student researchers. My networking skills have helped me develop important contacts and relationships that will enable me to develop my graduate and professional career. I have participated on a number of research teams, including the Population Dynamics, Multimedia Team for two consecutive years, and the Water Quality Team. I was also selected to participate in the Summer 2005 & 2006 Undergraduate Research Experience in Ocean Marine, Polar, and Spatial Science, as a member of the Stock Assessment & Antarctic Temperature Mapping Teams.

            In the summer of 2007, I was selected for the Carnegie Mellon University “Information Systems in the Community” internship, where I served as the Assistant Project Manager of a team of eight undergraduates. As the Assistant Project Manager, my responsibilities entailed time accounting, task analysis, project metrics, risk analysis, problem analysis, and client issues. I identified internal and external system vulnerabilities and learned how to exploit the systems. In addition to assisting with quality assurance concerns, PHP MySQL coding errors. The importance of “People, Process and Technology” is the Information Systems’ slogan, which I will follow when sharing my education with the world. I learned that technology hardly ever fails; it is actually the people who use the wrong process that fails.

            During my undergraduate years at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), I have built a strong, supportive network with Computer Scientists whose day is not complete unless they have had interaction with an Information System. Within these up and coming years, I would like to obtain a fellowship to pursue a Masters Degree in a scientific field and continue to develop applications using Geographic Information Systems. This will allow me the opportunity to identify additional mentoring at a research institution where my research can be developed and grow. In the next five to ten years I will obtain a Ph.D. and demonstrate my accomplishments in the field of Computer and Information Systems and Mathematics.

            I believe strongly in the notion of giving back and to that end, I will mentor African American undergraduates so that ultimately they will have learned how to excel. Much has been given to me and I desire to help others, especially young African-American men who need guidance and encouragement.