Encouragement opens the door for new opportunities

By GRACE HOGGARTH '22 on March, 8 2024

A domino effect of opportunities led Papa Pene to pursue a doctorate at TU. And after earning his master’s degree in computer science with a track in data science, Pene has found a home in the Fisher College of Science and Mathematics’ information technology Ph.D. program.

He is researching a variety of topics, including big data, cybersecurity for cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things and branches of artificial intelligence like distributed machine learning and deep learning.

Pene moved to the U.S. from Senegal to pursue his undergraduate studies. His path through higher education was not without its challenges. Studying as an international student involves extensive paperwork and credential upkeep, particularly where student visas are involved.

It was through applying for his master’s degree program that Pene sought out TU’s International Student and Scholar Office, which he credits for their substantial support in helping him renew his visa and enabling him to continue his academic journey in the U.S.

When Pene began his studies at TU, he was more interested in an industry career than an academic one in the computer science field; however, his experiences and relationships with faculty and students helped him form a new perspective.

It was through his master’s degree at TU that Pene found his love for education, which has continued to blossom throughout his Ph.D. studies.

“I love seeking knowledge, and I value the power of sharing knowledge,” he says.

Pene began working as a graduate assistant during his master's program studies and has continued this work and additional fellowship opportunities. As a graduate assistant, he presents lectures and provides support for students—a role that was a catalyst for his decision to pursue the academic computer science track for his terminal degree.

Pene’s students have approached him on and off campus to thank him for his encouragement—with some students crediting his motivation and support to their passing a class or being hired for a job.

“Those are the things that money cannot buy. The feeling is priceless. I motivated them, and it helped them try their best,” says Pene. “There were times I regretted pursuing my degree because of how hard it was. But thinking about those I helped and the knowledge I gained kept pushing me forward.”

Currently, he is working on research to determine how to anticipate the number of people using renewable energy in their homes and, in turn, predict energy consumption needs. This endeavor involves the development of machine learning models designed to predict energy consumption patterns.

In addition to his studies, Pene has published research in the computational intelligence field and is an adjunct professor in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences.

More recently, Pene was appointed as an ambassador for the information technology Ph.D. program, where he guides candidates through the application process.

The program has a breadth of research areas within computer science, information systems and information technology and prepares students to become professors, scientists and entrepreneurs.

Program director Wei Yu, Ph.D., shares, “Papa is a student role model for our program in IT, excelling in impactful research and effective teaching.”

"Our program offers students the opportunity to conduct research and disseminate scholarly research to the community. Accomplished and dedicated faculty mentors strengthen our course offerings and provide expertise that enables high student success,” says Yu.

Where Pene will go after he earns his Ph.D. is an exciting question that he isn’t expecting to have an answer to for some time.

“For many reasons, I stopped planning for what’s coming next. I believe I will seize the next great opportunity when it arises,” he says.