Every other week we spotlight an OMSCS TA, so you can get to know who's behind the screen. Here are four questions for Melissa Chen is a TA for CS 6262: Network Security.
What do you do professionally?
I have been working in an investment bank as an Analyst (tech) since graduating from college in 2018. At work, I deal with a lot of financial data related to different types of financial reports. I also help to automate the financial process for the bank. Currently, I am on the machine learning track in OMSCS and pursuing CFA. I want to be a data scientist in the future.
Why do you TA for OMSCS?
I am a TA for CS6262 Network Security. I took Introduction to Cybersecurity CS6035 and Network Security CS6262 in a row. The course subject itself is also quite interesting. We learned about hacker attacks in real life using techniques like clickjacking. And I liked the projects that I worked on when I took the class. I think I can help the students learn using my experience in the course.
What's your advice for future students in OMSCS?
Don’t overlook the difficulty of some courses! As someone from a CS and math background, I found some projects quite challenging. You should always start your project as soon as you get it! I would also advise you to make friends with your classmates. I made some good friends with classmates, and we still talk occasionally after the course ended. They can be your study buddies throughout the semester!
What is your favorite memory from your time in or working with OMSCS so far?
I came to the US from a small town in southern China when I was a teenager. I was surprised to find out that the Ph.D. student who is TAing with me to build the same project is also from the same town! What a rare chance. Also, there was another time that a student wrote me a thank you email, and I felt happy that I can help students learn.
