Student Spotlight:
Genevieve Kochel

What makes Washington State University’s Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture stand out from the crowd for those looking to get a degree?

We ask computer science major Genevieve Kochel for her thoughts on what makes WSU such a special place.

What made you decide to attend WSU?

I chose to attend Washington State University because of its strong sense of community, welcoming atmosphere, and generous scholarship opportunities. When I initially visited campus, the supportive environment was overwhelming. I knew it was a place where I could grow personally and professionally, and attain a well-rounded college experience. When it came to selecting my major, I wanted to pursue something that combined my interests in engineering and mathematics. I found computer science to be a great intersection of these fields. I enjoy how CS encourages creativity through coding while still being rooted in mathematical theory and engineering principles. Computer science is also extremely versatile, and plays a major role in countless industries.

What has been your favorite class or program that you have been involved with at WSU?

CptS 121 and 122 with Professor Andy O’Fallon is a class that I’ve both taken and TA’ed for. It offers a challenging but rewarding start to the computer science major. He genuinely cares about his students and does a fantastic job preparing them for the rigor of the major.

Have you participated in any research projects related to your field of study?

I’ve had the opportunity to work with Professor Venera Arnaoudova on a research project focused on evaluating and enhancing the debugging techniques used by students and industry professionals. This work allowed me to learn more about the cognitive processes behind programming and contribute to research aimed at improving software engineering education. Also, I’m an active member of WSU’s chapter of the CySER (Cybersecurity Education and Research) program, led by Professor Assefaw Gebremedhin. Through this program, I’ve been involved in research examining the impact of AI tools on source code and their implications for authorship attribution. We also are currently preparing a paper for this project and I am excited to see how it continues to grow and contribute to the field. Overall, It’s been incredibly fulfilling to explore different branches of computer science and to learn from experts and leaders in each of these fields.

Have you participated in any internships related to your field of study?

Yes! This semester I’ve had the privilege of working at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) in Pullman, which has been very rewarding. I’ve really enjoyed seeing how a software engineering team operates and it’s refreshing to see how collaborative everyone is. It’s also been cool to learn more about electrical engineering concepts, since SEL specializes in these areas. This upcoming summer I am excited to be joining Amazon as a software engineering intern in Seattle!

Why would you recommend attending Washington State University?

The professors and mentors you meet at WSU truly want you to succeed. Through applying myself in my coursework—especially introductory classes—I’ve been fortunate to build strong relationships with faculty members who continue to offer support and guidance even after I’ve completed their courses. It’s motivating to know I have professors who are genuinely invested in my growth and education.

What do you want to do with your degree after you graduate?

I plan on using my degree to pursue a full-time job in software engineering. I would like to start out at a tech company to initially grow my technical skills in an industry setting. Over time, I hope to transition into the financial sector—specifically in a quantitative or algorithmic trading role.