Every other week we spotlight an OMSCS TA, so you can get to know who's behind the screen. Here are four questions for Omar Elabd who is a TA for CS 6263: Introduction to Cyber Physical Systems Security.
What do you do professionally?
I work as a software engineer in a mechatronics company developing business-to-business solutions for the industrial automation sector. Being a small business, I tend to wear a few hats allowing me to complement my technical skills with soft skills when put in client-facing roles.
Why do you TA for OMSCS?
OMSCS has opened many doors for me in my professional life, and I find this as an opportunity to give back to a cause I ardently believe in. Traditional barriers to graduate education have been broken by Georgia Tech’s OMSCS, allowing an affordable degree that will not come in expense of your career growth. Moreover, the chance to meet very smart students in the classroom excites me, especially when answering their intellectually stimulating questions, allowing me to rethink and relearn core concepts.
What's your advice for future students in OMSCS?
Try to finish the program quickly because this Georgia Tech degree will positively affect your professional career. There is a significant return on investment after completing the program, and you should try to capitalize on it as soon as possible.
What's your favorite memory from your time in or working with OMSCS so far?
Working all night, at times till the next morning, without any need for caffeine when trying to finish my Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Python projects. It truly makes me wonder how these projects sparked my intellectual curiosity to the extent that my body even forgot the need to sleep! I remember my mom waking up the next morning in shock finding me still awake troubleshooting code on my laptop.
