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KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University graduate student Dakota Shapiro, B.S.'22, knew computer science was the path for him since his very first introductory class in high school. After developing a passion for programming, Shapiro earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Western and is now completing an accelerated master’s program. Shapiro says he is thankful to 51������ for giving him the resources, connections and opportunities to grow his desire to pursue a career in the computer science field.   

“My experience at 51������ confirmed that I made the right choice of school," says Shapiro. “It was here that I learned not only the technical skills of my major, but the soft skills necessary to make connections that led to securing a job right after I completed undergrad.” 

His passionate pursuit of computer science as a profession didn’t stop Shapiro from getting involved in co-curricular activities. As a member of student organizations, he took on leadership roles that helped Shapiro make connections.

“During my bachelor’s degree, I was deeply involved in the Western Student Association as their senate speaker. I also served as the vice chair of the Student Media Group during the final year of my undergraduate studies,” explains Shapiro. “However, my favorite co-curricular activity was participating in the Computer Club’s first 24-hour hackathon in spring of 2022. I am proud to say that my partner, Affan Moyeed, and I were the winners of that event.”

Shapiro also held an internship with Open Systems Technologies that turned into a full-time position once he completed his bachelor’s degree. Shapiro is working as an application developer within the company while pursuing his master’s degree in computer science, a choice largely inspired by computer science faculty specialists Jason Johnson and Colin MacCreery.

“I owe a good deal of my academic success to Jason Johnson and Colin MacCreery. They are incredibly dedicated to the success of their students and are part of the reason I am pursing a graduate education,” says Shapiro. “Their talent for conveying information, coupled with their willingness to meet at any time to answer my questions, tremendously supported my educational growth.”

And it is because of his outstanding academic performance, that Shapiro was awarded the 2022 Presidential Scholar for the Department of Computer Science. This success helps fuel Shapiro’s upcoming goals in expanding his career in computer science. Using Western’s resources, connections and opportunities, Shapiro is looking forward to pursuing his interest in research and space exploration.

“I would love for my career to take me in the direction of supporting human endeavors in space, whether that be through government agencies or private enterprises,” says Shapiro.

Shapiro remains optimistic about the future of computer science. As the field continues to expand, so does the variety of career choices for any student pursuing a computer science degree.

“Seeing as the world now runs on computers, there is no shortage of opportunities this field provides,” says Shapiro. “From programming web applications for small businesses to designing flight systems for space shuttles, the possibilities are truly endless.”

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