Outstanding Seniors in the College of Science: Nimet Bozdag

This spring, each department in the University of Arizona's College of Science nominated an outstanding senior who went above and beyond during their time as a Wildcat. We are pleased to share their stories as they reflect on their time at UArizona. Our next Outstanding Senior is Nimet Bozdag in the Department of Computer Science. 

Nimet Bozdag

Department: Computer Science
 

College of Science: Why did you choose your area of study? 

Bozdag: I chose Computer Science due to my fascination with Artificial Intelligence and Neural Networks during high school, even though my understanding was very limited at the time (as I would come to realize later on). Moreover, I aimed to play a part in shaping the future of technology and believed that a Computer Science major would provide me with the necessary tools. Concurrently, I pursued a Mathematics major to improve my understanding of mathematical principles and machine learning algorithms.

COS: Tell us about a class or research project you really enjoyed.

Bozdag: My journey into the world of research began with a project focused on analyzing the intimacy of tweets. Delving into the realm of neural networks, I aimed to computationally model the elements that contribute to the intimacy of a tweet. Looking back, this may not have been the most challenging research problem, but holds a special place in my heart as it ignited a curiosity within me for Natural Language Processing research. Along the way, I improved crucial skills like critical thinking, and developed proficiency in fine-tuning neural networks. This experience served as a gateway to a multitude of new opportunities and ultimately led me to uncover my profound passion for research and my desire to pursue a PhD.

COS: What is one specific memory from your time at UA that you'll cherish forever? 

Bozdag: One standout memory from my time at the UA is the night my friends and I spent grinding on a final group programming project in the library. We usually nailed deadlines, but this one pushed us hard. So, we camped out, coding like crazy, fueled by caffeine and each other's humor. By morning, we made it to class, bleary-eyed but proud, with a working game ready to go. Getting an A was sweet, but what really stuck with me was our unwavering support for each other's success. These friendships made navigating my academic career much easier, and I’m incredibly grateful for their support and camaraderie.
 

COS: What is next for you after graduation? 

Bozdag: I will be pursuing a CS PhD program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where I will focus my research on Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning.