As undergraduates in the class of 2022 cross the stage in the University of Toronto’s historic Convocation Hall throughout the month of June, we caught up with five students graduating from Computer Science in the Faculty of Arts & Science and asked them to reflect on their time as undergraduates at U of T.
Through the unique experiences of five students, these spotlights demonstrate the breadth of pathways that a computer science student can take — both during their time as a U of T student, and as they take their next steps upon graduation.
Samantha Fassnacht
Students like Samantha Fassnacht pair studies in computer science with other fields of interest. In Fassnacht’s case, she combined a computer science major with minors in environmental studies and environment and energy.
As a student, she conducted climate science research with Steve Easterbook, director of the School of the Environment and professor in the Department of Computer Science.
While on campus, she leaned into her love of gardening by taking on a leadership role with Dig In Campus Agriculture, a student club dedicated to small-scale, sustainable food production at U of T.
Following her graduation, Fassnacht will be working at sustainability-focused smart home company ecobee.
Antoine Finot
Antoine Finot, a computer science specialist and statistics minor, got involved outside of the classroom in a variety of ways. Among other involvements, he founded a computer science club that provides software solutions for nonprofits, mentored international students and managed the finances for intramural sports at Victoria College.
A lesson he says he’ll take with him is to try new things and take risks. “Some of my best memories are from things that I was initially hesitant about trying,” he said.
Upon graduation, Finot will join financial technology startup Ridgeline in New York City.
Shannon Komguem
Shannon Komguem, a computer science major with minors in mathematics and statistics, credits Department of Computer Science faculty for their mentorship and guidance. “Many of my most formative opportunities in computer science (such as TAships and research opportunities) have been thanks to professors seeing a potential in me that I didn’t see in myself,” she recounted.
Komguem served as a representative in the Computer Science Student Union (CSSU), joined the U of T chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and served as a Department of Computer Science Ambassador, which allowed her to connect with current and prospective students considering a future in CS at U of T.
This fall, she joins Microsoft to work on the Xcloud gaming product, and following successful admission to Stanford University, is considering starting a master’s degree in computer science in fall 2023.
Matthieu Chan Chee
Matthieu Chan Chee, a computer science specialist, statistics minor and mathematics minor from the island nation of Mauritius, had the unique opportunity to contribute to two award-winning teams during his time as a student: U of T’s self-driving car team, and a student team that won the global ProjectX machine learning undergraduate research competition in 2020.
"Don’t be afraid to say you don’t understand something,” advised Chan Chee. “More often than not, people around you will be happy to help, or at least point you in the right direction.”
In his next chapter, Chan Chee joins AMD to work full-time on deep learning.
Evan Kanter
In choosing CS as his field of study in university, Evan Kanter was "inspired by the endless possibilities to use computer science to improve society and help people,” he explained.
As a U of T student, the computer science specialist and political science minor got deeply involved in governance and student advocacy — from a leadership role in the CSSU, all the way up to the University’s Governing Council.
As he takes on a software engineering role at Meta Platforms, he looks forward to bringing together his academic experience in computer science, ethics and political philosophy to address ethical issues at play in the products the company delivers.
These five graduates’ experiences reflect the many ways to be a CS student — and CS graduate — at U of T. The class of 2022 has contributed to cutting-edge research, taken on leadership roles in a wide range of student organizations, and forged lifelong friendships. Now, as they move on to their next chapters, we celebrate their remarkable achievements.