Computer Science

Newly minted Tennessee Tech computer science alumni Megan Hendrickson and Vincent Lin are among the latest recipients of the university’s prestigious W.A. Howard Award, an honor bestowed upon graduates who earn all A’s throughout their college career.

“It was already such a high note being able to say I earned my degree in just three years, but knowing I did it with a 4.0 GPA was the icing on top of the cake,” Hendrickson, a native of Spring Hill, said. “It still feels surreal, but it’s incredible for sure.”

Lin, who hails from Nashville, said earning his bachelor’s degree in computer science with a perfect finish was a rewarding payoff for “four years of dedication and hard work.”

“I didn’t aim for a 4.0; it was simply the outcome of doing my best in my studies,” he said. “I focused on understanding the ideas rather than just memorizing what was taught. Being open to asking for help also played a big role.”

Hendrickson, who also received a College of Engineering Eminence Award for Outstanding Senior, said it took self-discipline and hard work to finish strong.

“For me, studying a couple hours per day in the days leading up to an exam was far more effective than cramming the night before,” she said. “I also made a strong effort to always start assignments early. Even if I procrastinated toward the end, I at least had a good idea of how long something was going to take me and how much effort was needed.”

Both Lin and Hendrickson had a passion for technology and coding prior to their studies at Tech.

“What drew me to Tech was that it has a well-established computer science program where I felt like I could learn a lot,” Lin, who graduated from McGavock High School in 2020, said. “I wanted to major in computer science because the idea of coding and creating products that assist people in their daily lives interested me.”

Hendrickson, a 2021 graduate of Summit High School, credits her father and high school computer science teacher for her decision to major in computer science.

“My dad has a degree in electrical engineering, and I definitely inherited his STEM brain, so he encouraged me to go for computer science or something in engineering,” she said.

So that’s what Hendrickson did – despite having been the only girl in her high school computer science class.

“That was discouraging at times, but my teacher, Mrs. Valentine, was not only a huge supporter of me as a student but also as a woman wanting to go into STEM,” she said. “I think that experience inspired me even more to go into computer science and to be a part of the shift of getting more women involved in STEM.”

Hendrickson chose Tech because she anticipated “a great computer science program” – but it was something else too.

“It just felt like home the first time I visited in the fall of 2019,” she said. “It was pretty much an instant decision after that visit that I would be going to school here.”

Lin said his favorite computer science classes were web development and software engineering, and he made great memories while working with classmates on group projects.

“Working with others to brainstorm and create a product is very enjoyable while getting to know the team members better,” he said.

After graduation, Lin returned to Nashville to pursue a career in software or web development.

“Tech taught me many concepts and tools that are used in the industry,” he said.

Hendrickson said her favorite classes were discrete mathematics and web development. She also enjoyed being a student representative on the Computer Science Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

“My entire experience was amazing,” she said. “I built so many great relationships with faculty and friends, and even when things got difficult, knowing I had support from them made everything so much better. I truly feel I have gotten so much out of this program, and that’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything.”

Hendrickson plans to continue her studies at Tech as a graduate student this fall.

Computer science is among Tennessee Tech’s fastest-growing majors and one of the top two undergraduate degree programs by enrollment in the College of Engineering. Concentrations include data science and artificial intelligence; information assurance and cybersecurity; and high-performance computing. For more information, visit www.tntech.edu/csc.