BY: Allison Stewart
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Joanna Sumner and Alex Maynard might know a thing or two about downloading content on a computer. As computer science majors, they focus their studies on critical thinking, computer programming and advanced computing skills. Both Joanna and Alex hope to use their degrees to become software developers. Specifically, Alex’s goal is to work in Huntsville. Joanna is interested in mobile app development.
Joanna’s favorite things about AUM are the small class sizes and accessibility to professors when she needs help.
Starting her Warhawk career in 2017, Joanna began as a math major. After taking a course where she learned about programming, Joanna fell in love with how computers work. She changed her major to computer science. Now, she is minoring in mathematics.
Joanna’s favorite thing about computer science is simply learning how computers operate. She is fascinated by their complexity. Also, she enjoys how you can write a program to perform a particular task. She currently holds an intern position with the U.S. Air Force.
When asked about advice she would give to an incoming computer science major, Joanna replied, “I would advise them to not only go to class, but get involved in the computer science club. There are even local competitions to participate in. This way, you are being exposed to more opportunities so you can grow.” Joanna is a part of the AUM University Honors program, math club, computer science club and Montgomery’s BEST Robotics.
A couple of summers ago, Joanna travelled to England. She went with UHP on a study abroad trip to Oxford and London. After the study abroad trip, she stayed in England for ten more days with her family. One of the places they travelled to was the Peak District. Joanna shared that she and her mom went a captivating hike. At the top of their trek, there were no trees and only low brush. They could see far off into the lands. Her love for travel sparks Joanna’s interest to travel to New Zealand in the future.
Joanna has always been an avid reader. She enjoys the various writings of C.S. Lewis and Jane Austen. Her favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice. As for music, Joanna enjoys contemporary worship.
Alex began his academic career at AUM in 2016. He has always been a computer science major. Alex’s favorite thing about computer science is learning about programming. He also enjoys how AUM provides an inviting atmosphere to make new friends. His goal for this semester is to perform well in his classes. When asked about what advice he would provide for new students, he replied, “Make as many connections as possible. You may meet someone who knows a helpful tutor or can connect you to a good job.” Alex definitely followed his own advice—he is currently a student worker at AUM in ITS.
Alex is interested in graduate school after he completes his undergraduate degree.
During his free time, Alex enjoys gaming. His top games to play include Borderlands 2, Undertale, the Total War series and Pokemon. If you are a gamer too, you should definitely team up with Alex. Like Joanna, Alex enjoys reading too. The Percy Jackson series is his favorite.
Another interest of Alex’s is music. His go-to band is the Newsboys. The original Teen Titans on Cartoon Network is his preferred television show.
Destin, Orlando, and Williamsburg, VA are the best places Alex has visited. He hopes to travel to Scotland and Ireland one day.
As they continue their studies at AUM, Joanna and Alex are building great foundations. With their passion for a bright future and dedication in the classroom, they will surely succeed in their career goals.
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