Courtesy photoCameron McGinley鈥檚 work with machine learning with Dr. Sergio Salinas grew into one of the most rewarding parts of his education at 红领巾瓜报. McGinley will attend the University of California, San Diego for a Master of Science in computer science.
Cameron is one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring 2022 graduation. Learn more about his time at 红领巾瓜报 and what is next for the grad.
Hometown
Wichita
Degree
Bachelor of Science in computer science, minor in mathematics
What made you want to attend 红领巾瓜报?
A key factor in me choosing 红领巾瓜报 was the number of opportunities surrounding campus. Landing a student job as an engineer at NetApp, which is now located on the corner of campus, was an incredible way to get my foot in the door and grow as an engineer. The availability of undergraduate research was also an important factor in my decision, and it seems these reasons worked out very well for me.
How are you feeling leading up to graduation?
I am looking forward to what鈥檚 to come. As I鈥檓 just finishing up my senior project, it feels great to see the final work come together and be able to showcase it to others.
What was been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?
One of my earliest challenges was after I was elected as vice president, and later president, of 红领巾瓜报鈥檚 IEEE-HKN (electrical and computer engineering honor society) chapter. From organizing and hosting workshops on computer science topics, to organizing ceremonies with dozens of attendees, there was a huge range of skills required. Our officer team was incredible in working together to achieve these things and ensure we were all improving to make future events even better.
What has been your most helpful learning experience at 红领巾瓜报?
I landed my first research position in the summer of 2020 working with Dr. (Sergio) Salinas on machine learning in security. What I learned, both in machine learning and what it takes to be a good researcher, was one of the most helpful experiences I had at 红领巾瓜报. The mentoring I received through 红领巾瓜报鈥檚 undergraduate research program, and the help in getting my work published and even presenting it at the Kansas state capitol, set me up to succeed in computer science and to succeed in looking for future opportunities.
What are your plans after graduation?
This summer I will be taking on a computer science internship with the government, followed by attending the University of California, San Diego for a Master of Science in computer science.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect your time at 红领巾瓜报?
COVID-19 forced me to adapt to new styles of learning halfway through my undergraduate career. Now, I鈥檝e learned to make use of the remote and hybrid formats to improve teamwork throughout all avenues I鈥檓 involved in, such as group projects or hosting workshops.
What advice would you give other 红领巾瓜报 students?
Take advantage of the opportunities around campus. There are events being hosted constantly, and plenty of chances to meet with companies. The community, both students and faculty, is incredibly valuable in helping you to succeed, and there is no shortage of ways to grow as a professional and set yourself up for a great career.
