Mia Thompson, a native of St. Mary’s, Georgia, is preparing to graduate from Augusta University’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences with a degree in computer science. She did not have an in-person high school graduation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed her excitement about participating in the upcoming ceremony.
“I didn’t have a ceremony back then, so I am trying to soak it in every chance I get,” said Thompson.
Initially enrolling at Augusta University (AU) with plans to pursue medicine, Thompson changed her focus after two years. Through career discussions and aptitude tests, she decided on computer science as her new path. Her parents were initially uncertain about this change but became supportive after learning more about post-college opportunities.
“I wanted to do something with logic and reasoning and not just having to memorize everything because that’s what I felt like I was doing with biology,” Thompson said. “I took my first Python class, and I fell in love with it.”
Thompson noted that creativity played a significant role in her decision. She appreciated the opportunity for problem-solving within software development.
She also spoke about being one of few women in her early classes: “In her first classes, she was one of three women in a class of 20.” This made the experience intimidating at times, but she prioritized both academic success and creating a welcoming environment for herself.
“A friend of mine, who is now my roommate, founded Girls Who Code the same year I switched over. She served as president, and I served as vice president, and I think that’s what helped that transition go well for me,” Thompson said. “Overall, I really had to come out of my comfort zone and talk to people that I didn’t know or talk to the professor a little bit more.”
She credited Mike Dowell, PhD., for making challenging topics engaging: “I literally can’t say that I didn’t learn from him. Dr. Dowell really wants you to learn, and you can tell he’s very passionate about what he’s saying,” Thompson said. “I’ve learned the most from him.”
“One of the challenges that I experienced was being surrounded by people who programmed or did cybersecurity, what seemed like 24/7, and it felt like I was always behind,” she continued. “To have a professor that I felt comfortable asking what felt like stupid questions to was really helpful in my journey to just like figuring out these classes and stuff like that.”
Thompson discussed balancing internships with research work during college as another challenge due to rapid changes in computer science fields such as cybersecurity.
“They’re always talking about getting an internship and needing to do research because computer science is always changing. Cybersecurity is always growing, and there’s always a new bug that comes out,” she said. “I think that that was a little bit intimidating at first, but I did go out and try to be as proactive as possible. I joined a research group, and I applied for scholarships. I got those which gave me even more resources.”
During her studies at AU she received several scholarships including CyberCorps Scholarship for Service; participated as a VICEROY scholar; obtained Sec+ Certification; interned at Air Force Research Laboratory through VICEROY; interned at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS).
Thompson worked closely with Jason Orlosky, PhD., associate professor of computer science whose lab focuses on augmented reality (AR) & virtual reality (VR). She presented research at the IEEE VR Conference—an experience marked by diversity—which contributed significantly toward programming & mathematics skills development.
“Those characteristics were a positive influence on our lab culture—and—I think Mia inspired students around her—to be better versions of themselves,” Orlosky said.“She has been—a very consistent representative—for many years—evidenced by—her diverse skill set—and roles—in Girls Who Code—the AR/VR lab—external internships—and interactions—with peers.”
Orlosky offered advice: “Any path you take in life will come with its own difficulties and challenges.Pick something worthwhile—and let those—in need be your guide if—you ever lose your way,” he said.
After graduation Thomspon will join SRNS following short break.She reflected positively on AU:
“I think it means—that I’ll always have—a place—to come back—to because I’m not—from here—but—I definitely feel like—a native.The school has been so supportive.I’ve never experienced—a person—or department where—I couldn’t ask questions—and be helped—in some way.”
