Sam is currently the vice president of the Gail Bierenbaum Women’s Leadership Council, a military-connected student and member of the Rider University Veterans Association, the Math Club, Active Minds, a campus organization focused on mental health and wellness, and a SheTek ambassador. Additionally, she works in the Office of Admissions as a tour guide.
Why Sam chose Rider
Sam transferred to Rider while also changing her major from mathematics to computer science. Her main concern was how her credits would transfer, but she was also looking for a school that would make her feel “cherished,” one that saw Sam for herself and not just another number or statistic. Luckily for Sam, Rider’s Admissions team was there to ease her mind and guide her through the process of not just transferring but also applying for scholarships. Sam cites a combination of rigorous coursework and a strong family community that made her realize Rider is where she belonged.
Rider’s impact on Sam
During her time at Rider, Sam’s passion for technology and dedication to academic excellence have guided her path. Inside the classroom, she’s completed research alongside classmates and faculty and was one of the first computer science students to present research at Rider’s Independent Scholarship & Creative Activities Presentations (ISCAP) Day, which is a forum for students to discover and share their cutting-edge research and other activities. She is also working with Dr. Md Liakat Ali, a Rider computer science professor, to have their research published.
Outside of the classroom, she further develops her passion through stellar experiential learning and professional development opportunities. In the summer of 2022, Sam took part in the IBM Accelerate program that equips high-achieving undergraduate students with skills necessary for finding career opportunities within the technology industry. Additionally, she was recently awarded scholarships from Google and The Grace Hopper Program to attend the Great Minds in STEM conference in Pasadena, California, and the Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC), which is one of the largest conferences for women in tech.
She continues to remain active in extracurricular activities, including serving as vice president of the Gail Bierenbaum Women's Leadership Council and being a member of several campus organizations. In addition, Sam remains a working student holding an off-campus role in logistics and project management and an on-campus position as a tour guide
Rider has taught me to feel confident in asking questions. The faculty here care about your success and are willing to help guide you in the right direction.”
Computer Science, B.S.
Sam credits Rider for providing her with valuable work and life skills. Aside from everything computer science, she’s learned how to communicate more effectively and developed leadership skills that she can apply to her career now and in the future.
Looking ahead
Sam will graduate in May 2023 and has plans to return to IBM next summer as a strategy communications consultant intern. Her end goal is to run operations for a tech company. Sam’s advice to fellow and future Broncs is to take advantage of the opportunities and resources available, and don’t be afraid to make connections and ask questions. “I don't think my path would have been so successful if it wasn't for those I connected with at Rider.”