Sam Nelson

What have you been doing since you left Bucknell?

I am a Ph.D. candidate in Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. My core research area is networking in disruption prone environments where network connectivity is minimal. In these networks, it cannot be assumed that one computer can talk to any other computer; an assumption that many networks (such as the Internet) make. Therefore, these networks utilize mobility by storing messages and forwarding them along when new encounters occur. One example where these networks are useful is post-disaster environments.

Why major in CS?

I enjoy working on cutting-edge technology. The ability to use networking technology to connect millions of people around the world really inspired me. CS is a very dynamic field, what makes it one of the most exciting. The cool technologies of today, from YouTube to Facebook, to robots on Mars, are only possible because of solutions developed by Computer Scientists.

Why did you choose Bucknell?

The two primary reasons were the quality of the education and the atmosphere of the University. Bucknell has an excellent professors who do a great job of preparing students for life after college. Due to the student/faculty ratio, students have many opportunities to work closely with faculty, something that is not possible in many other universities. College, however, is not just about academics. Bucknell has a picturesque campus and phenomenal atmosphere. Because of its relatively small size, it’s not uncommon to know a large portion of your class. The infamous Bucknell “bubble” is not just a result of living in the middle of nowhere, but also due to students being so happy at Bucknell that they forget what’s happening off-campus.

How did your Bucknell education help your post-graduate pursuits?

Bucknell gave me a solid background both in terms of core knowledge and in research experience. My core classes gave me breadth of knowledge and prepared me for more advanced, specialized classes in the areas of my interest. The work I did on a summer research project on a simulator of wireless ad hoc networks (SWAN), which later on became my honors thesis, sparked my interest in the pursuit of a graduate degree. Starting research as an undergraduate is something I highly recommend it to anyone considering a graduate degree.

Advice for incoming students

One of the worst mistakes one can make in college is only concentrating on academics. I recommend getting involved early with non-academic programs and sports. It is a way to relieve stress, to meet interesting people, and to become a well-rounded person.