Student Voices: Reflecting on Their Showcase Experience
The Philander Smith team shared their experiences from their 2020 Showcase journey from the faculty and student perspective. This moderated discussion enlightened the audience on the Showcase timeline, from the application process to pitching their prototype at the Showcase competition. We heard from their faculty advisor to learn how faculty supports student teams along this journey, and found out what the future holds for their award-winning innovation.
A recording of the webinar can be viewed here.
Archived slides can be found here.
About the Speakers
Suzan Anwar
Computer Science Professor, Philander Smith College
Dr. Anwar is a computer science professor at Philander Smith College. Her research covers different aspects of using Computer Vision and Machine Learning techniques. Dr. Anwar has an impressive publication record and national and international teaching experience. She mentors students from independent study projects to M.S., groups of students that take her classes, and prospective students. In 2016, she won the first place UALR Applied Innovation award for developing a system that detects human eye blink using Android devices. In 2018 she received the Second place UALR Applied Innovation award for developing a system to detect facial emotion.
Sam Davis Omekara Jr.
My name is Sam Davis Omekara Jr. I am a sophomore majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics at Philander Smith College. In my freshman year, I represented my college in the AAAS HBCU Making and Innovation Showcase, and we placed Second among all participating schools. This Summer, I am an Explore Intern at Microsoft where I am rotating between SWE and PM roles. Aside from coding, I enjoy playing soccer and helping people.
Utkarsh Goyal
Utkarsh Goyal, a Computer Science student at Philander Smith College. Co-founder of Mathematical and Sciences club on campus. Peer tutor in computer science and an RA on campus. Aims to be an entrepreneur in a tech-related field. Worked with academic advisors to develop Hotel Management System, Mobile Prototype Application, UX/UI research, and Imitate Jackson Pollock paintings using python. Have represented Philander Smith College at various events: AAAS HBCU Making and Innovation Showcase, ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing Conference, Citi HBCU Innovation and Leadership Symposium, HBCU C2, Little Rock Tech Fest, etc. Recipient of Thomas Mason Scholarship (Tuition Ride), 4.0 Scholar Award, President's List, Ray Greenly Scholarship, Tapia Lyft Scholar, Citi CUPID Scholar.
Darren Butler
Darren Butler is a Computer Science student at Philander Smith College. He aims to pursue a PhD in Computer Science and follow a career in research and development with a focus on Human-Computer Interaction, Educational Technology, and Artificial Intelligence. His previous research includes a study of the usability and efficacy of autograders in Computer Science courses and modeling of instructor feedback in introductory Computer Science courses. He is also an HBCUvc Fellow Alumni and works with education outreach programs in the United States and Caribbean.
Faruq Hammed
Faruq Hammed is a graduating senior at Philander Smith College studying Computer Science and Mathematics. Very interested in the UN SDGs, he is dedicated to using his skills to providing solutions to major world problems. Last year, he participated in the HBCU Innovation Showcase and came second place with the Thyfz team. When he isn't doing tech related things, you can find him reading, writing, speaking, and cooking.