Anthony Castanares

I am a first generation college graduate who received an undergraduate degree in computer science in December of 2001. I will receive a master's in computer science on December 13, 2003. Along the way I have had three summer internships with International Business Machines (IBM) in Houston and Poughkeepsie, New York. The education I received here prepared me well to tackle such projects as compiler optimization for the zSeries instruction set architecture (2003), functional testing for the T-Rex server (2002), and portal development for the state of Arizona (2001).

During these internships, I was pleased to learn of the great reputation UTEP has within IBM. UTEP graduates are considered among the brightest and most productive of IBM's staff. While in New York, I discovered that our school's reputation is parallel to that of the Northeast's most prestigious technical universities. I am thoroughly convinced that UTEP has given me the academic preparation I need to excel in technology's leading companies. 

UTEP is an excellent place to learn computer science. I have had the privilege of serving as a research assistant in software engineering while at UTEP. The research being conducted at UTEP in computer science is ground breaking and has prepared me to conduct thorough and significant contributions to our field. Here I have found faculty that are both gifted and giving. The university has also helped me attain my degree through scholarships and funding with the National Science Foundation (NSF). The years to come are bright and full of potential for our department. I encourage any potential student to strongly consider UTEP CS. 

As advice, I share two ideas. First, I would point out that nothing worth doing is going to be easy, but a degree in computer science will open many doors for you. Second, I would emphasize something I learned in graduate school: don't confuse effort with progress.

My future goals include moving on to PhD school after my masters. I want to either join a research lab in industry or teach at the college level to encourage growth in the small number of Hispanics who pursue engineering degrees. 

Coupled with great faculty, enthusiastic students and cutting-edge technology, UTEP computer science is going to have an amazing future. I am proud to say that I am a graduate of this program because my computer science degree from UTEP has provided me with great opportunities. It has taken me places I never dreamed of, but wherever I go, I'll always be a fighting Miner!

Back to Student Pages Home