Masoumeh Heidari Kapourchali, Computer Engineering Alum

Degree(s)

MS (2016) and PhD (2019)

Current Residence
Anchorage, Alaska

Current Employer 
University of Alaska Anchorage

What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering?
I decided to attend Herff College of Engineering for my PhD because of my strong interest in data science, and Herff was well-equipped to support my studies in this area. Additionally, I was offered a research assistantship, which provided both financial support and valuable research opportunities.

How did Herff prepare you for your career?
Herff College of Engineering significantly prepared me for my career through its rigorous curriculum, which provided a deep understanding of computer engineering and data science fundamentals. The opportunity to network with established researchers and observe successful academics further enriched my learning experience. My research assistantship allowed me to attend and present my work at various conferences, helping to build a professional network and increase my visibility in the data science community. These experiences were crucial in shaping my career path.

What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career?
In addition to technical skills like advanced analytics and data modeling, my time at Herff College of Engineering also taught me to effectively collaborate with diverse teams and apply creative problem-solving strategies. These experiences have strengthened my ability to persist and adapt, preparing me well for various situations in my career.

Who was your most impactful professor? Why?

During my time at Herff College of Engineering, I was influenced by many dedicated professors. I’m grateful for each of their contributions to my growth.

Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)?
I was involved with the Institute for Intelligent Systems Student Organization (IISSO) at the University of Memphis.

What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal?
I had support from family encouragement, a research assistantship, and guidance from mentors and peers. Knowing I wanted to stay in academia helped me stay focused on building research skills, gaining experience, and reaching my goals during my Ph.D.

What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff?
During my five years at Herff, I have mostly good memories, from learning new things and sharing my research findings through presentations and publications to engaging in meaningful discussions outside of research. The combination of discovery, collaboration, and connecting with others made that time truly rewarding.

What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering?
My advice for those considering Herff College of Engineering is to focus on doing the right work and putting in the hard work. Don’t get discouraged by challenges---everyone faces them, but they’re part of the journey. Herff provides a supportive environment where you can grow, learn, and truly push yourself, so embrace the opportunities and stay committed to your goals.

What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff?
I wish I had been more involved with student groups. I spent most of my time focused on research, which I’m glad about, but getting more engaged with others could have provided additional valuable experiences and connections.

Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?
Yes, it was definitely worth it, and I would do it again. I wouldn’t change much, as the experience meant a lot to me.