TA Spotlight: Christine Zaytsev
Each week we spotlight an OMSCS TA, so you can get to know who's behind the screen. Here are four questions for Christine Zaytsev, who TAs CS 6750: Human-Computer Interaction.
What do you do professionally?
My bachelor’s degree is in bioengineering, so I spent a lot of time conducting research in laboratories. I realized that my favorite aspect of these experiences was often data analysis and experiment simulation. As a result, I started my career in data analytics consulting. This field involves helping companies to aggregate, understand, and make actionable decisions based on data. I decided to apply to OMSCS in order to broaden my knowledge base and explore new areas of computer science.
Why do you TA for OMSCS?
In the past, I worked as a math and ACT/GRE tutor. Creativity and collaboration are two things I look for in a job, and I think that tutoring or TA-ing requires these skills. I enjoy helping students understand a concept that they previously found difficult and seeing them progress throughout the semester. The other TAs I work with are also supportive and fun to chat with on Slack, so being a TA is almost like a hobby for me.
What's your advice for future students in OMSCS?
You’ll get out of OMSCS what you put in. The semesters where I have been active on Piazza and read every paper resulted in long-term retention of concepts and new ways of thinking. It can be challenging to manage a full-time job, family, and other commitments, but try not to let coursework slide. I find that taking one class a semester is the best option for me to stay fully engaged and balance the different areas of my life.
What hobby or activity are you looking forward to getting back to once you're done with OMSCS?
My husband and I are avid travelers and hikers. Our favorite national parks in the U.S. are Haleakalā and Rocky Mountain. It will be nice not to have a double workload on weekdays to free up the weekend!