Moving from Cairo, Egypt, to Halifax to study in ±«Óătv’s Faculty of Computer Science was a big adjustment for Seif Elbayomi (BCS’24). Not only was the weather (a lot) colder, but culturally and academically, he had a lot to learn. Thankfully, learning is something Elbayomi is very good at.
Now he’s graduating with a Bachelor of Computer Science (Co-operative Education). He also completed a Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and earned Sexton Distinction by achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.85 or higher. He’s also recently won the 2024 Digital Nova Scotia One to Watch Award for emerging talent from an underrepresented community who is making waves in the tech industry.
Related reading: Tech triumph: ±«Óătv wins big at 2024 Digital Nova Scotia awards
Such a high achiever could study anywhere in the world, but Elbayomi chose Dal. “What drew me to Dal was the tech sector in Atlantic Canada and the growth I saw happening here,” he says. “That, plus the feedback I found online about how Dal’s Computer Science program is always evolving; they’re not just teaching the same old courses year after year. They’re actively improving, keeping things relevant.”
I found online how Dal’s Computer Science program is always evolving; they’re not just teaching the same old courses year after year. They’re actively improving, keeping things relevant.
To Elbayomi, it felt like an exciting opportunity to be in a place where tech talent and innovation were being prioritized.
While at Dal, Elbayomi thrived on the theoretical aspect of his education. “One course that sticks with me is the History of Computer Science,” he remembers. “Learning the backstory of how the field evolved gave me a deeper appreciation for the discipline.”
He credits all his instructors for having a significant impact on his studies and is particularly grateful to Dr. Alex Brodsky for teaching him about leadership and mentorship in addition to computer science. “Dr. Brodsky had this way of not just teaching the tools but diving into the theory behind them, which really clicked with me,” he says.
Ever the hard worker, Elbayomi is graduating with a full-time job at as a software developer for VTScada. He helps design and implement digital solutions, which he describes as challenging but rewarding work.
Moving on from Dal is bittersweet for Elbayomi. He will miss the sense of community he felt on campus, the lectures and lively discussions that often followed, and working with students as a TA. He’s confident, though, that his studies prepared him for what’s ahead: “My time at Dal really broadened my perspective and gave me a more well-rounded understanding of what it means to be a computer scientist.”
This story appeared in the DAL Magazine Fall 2024 issue. Flip through the rest of the issue using the links below.