Computing Grad’s Journey Back to Tech Leads to Impactful Research and Mentorship
When computer science (CS) graduate Nicholas Unger arrived at Georgia Tech in fall 2018, he faced a steep learning curve. He encountered challenges he hadn’t anticipated, including failing classes for the first time in his life.
After taking a gap semester and exploring other programs, he returned to Tech for the Fall 2022 semester, determined to finish what he had started.
“I originally concluded that I could never succeed at Tech, but I began to wonder if I had given up on myself too quickly,” he said. “It was a bit of a winding journey, but I wouldn’t change anything about it.”
While attending Engineering and Science University Magnet School (ESUMS) in West Haven, Connecticut, an eighth-grade reading of Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs sparked the idea that computing could be creative and impactful. High school mentors at ESUMS nurtured that spark.
“Their support and belief in me gave me the confidence to pursue CS and to feel like I could make a difference,” he said.
At Georgia Tech, he combined academics with hands-on experience. Internships at AT&T, Bank of America, and M&T Bank allowed him to work with Next.js, React, and related technologies, while reinforcing the importance of collaboration and communication.
“Anyone can acquire the skills to work with just about any CS technology, but communication and collaboration skills are just as, if not more, important,” he said.
He honed these skills by mentoring students as a teaching assistant (TA) for CS 1332: Data Structures and Algorithms, taught by School of Computing Instruction Interim Chair Mary Hudachek-Buswell. He learned to adapt to different learning styles and help students engage with course material on a deeper level.
“You have a lot of power as a TA to help people recognize that they can go above and beyond,” he said.
Extracurricular activities also played a major role in shaping Unger’s Tech experience. Leading the Video Game Development Club (VGDev) provided opportunities to organize events, connect with industry professionals, and help launch the inaugural Georgia Game Development Exposition.
Participation in Ramblin’ Reck Club and Survivor Georgia Tech helped him build skills outside the classroom.
“I highly encourage everyone to find an extracurricular activity here at Georgia Tech and to stick with it,” Unger said.
“I’ve taken on leadership positions in all three of these clubs, and each one has helped me not just develop skills as a leader, but to meet all kinds of different people and learn from them.”
In addition to club involvement, he highlighted his research with School of Interactive Computing Professor Thad Starner in the Contextual Computing Group as one of his proudest accomplishments. Unger led a team for Starner’s PopSign VIP, developing games to teach American Sign Language to hearing parents of deaf children.
“We’ve been working on this project for over a year now, and it was an incredible opportunity to combine my interests in game design, human-computer interaction, and using technology for good,” Unger said.
“Dr. Starner taught me a great deal about working in an academic environment, conducting research, and developing technology with a purpose.”
For students considering academic changes or new challenges, he says it doesn’t hurt to try things.
“You really won’t know until you actually go out and do it! See if you have the capacity to balance involvement with a club with your academics as opposed to assuming you can’t,” he said.
After graduation, Unger plans to return to AT&T in Middletown, New Jersey, while keeping his sights on a master’s degree, ideally at Georgia Tech, where he hopes to become a Double Jacket.
