Lawrence Deng has been chosen to receive the  Academic Excellence in the MCS Award for the 2024-25 academic year.

This competitive honor recognizes academic prowess, the variety and difficulty of courses taken along the way, as well as instructor feedback.

"Take advantage of the resources and opportunities provided by college. Engage with professors, classes, classmates, and activities as much as you're willing and then a little more; it'll make the experience more fun and more rewarding, often in in unexpected ways."

How did your High School and undergraduate studies lead you to the U. of Iowa as an MCS student?

My experience in my high school's cybersecurity club and my interest in programming led me to pursue CS as my undergrad degree at Iowa. It was a natural choice to pursue an MCS here following my undergraduate studies, since I saw up close the many opportunities provided in the department experience and education-wise.

How was your experience at Iowa -- including research, courses (as student &/or TA), and other outside-the-department endeavors?

It got quite busy at times, but that's what you hope for with these things. The research I've been a part of was both challenging and exciting in how it asked me to approach and apply my skills to answer real-world questions. My program coursework put me in contact with a lot of great faculty and students, many of who've become great mentors and friends. Working as a TA was probably a big highlight; it was very rewarding to support students both in and out of the classroom, and I've learned a great deal about leadership and mentorship in the process.

What’s next for you post graduation?

I am taking on a Data Science role at State Farm, and I am considering postgrad opportunities once I have a couple years of working experience.

What advice do you have for our students?

Take advantage of the resources and opportunities provided by college. Engage with professors, classes, classmates, and activities as much as you're willing and then a little more; it'll make the experience more fun and more rewarding, often in in unexpected ways.