Eight CICS Graduating Seniors Honored with 2024 Undergraduate Achievement Awards

Eight graduating seniors have been chosen by the UMass Amherst Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) Undergraduate Awards Committee to receive its 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Achievement Awards, the college’s highest honor given to undergraduates. 

This year’s recipients recognized for outstanding performance in the classroom and the community are Ramita Dhamrongsirivadh, Brian Evans, David Gerard, Joyananda Gi, Maximilian Kuechen, Max Sonderegger, Alyssa Stainton, and Brian Zhang. 

Additionally, Benjamin Burns, Ruchi Gupta, Ibrahima Keita, and Naveed Rizvi have been selected to receive Lifetime Undergraduate Course Assistant awards for exceptional student leadership, support, and their efforts to advance the college's teaching mission as an undergraduate course assistant.

RAMITA DHAMRONGSIRIVADH

Academic and Research Excellence

For exemplary academic performance, achievement in research, and consistent commitment to teaching and mentoring

Ramita Dhamrongsirivadh is being recognized for contributions within the Advanced Human Health Analytics Laboratory, which “not only demonstrated her unparalleled academic and research performance, but also significantly advanced the field of health informatics.” Her project on generating virtual Inertia Measurement Unit data from videos of human motion earned her the Best Demo Award at IEEE BSN 2023 conference, showing her “dedication to leveraging technology for impactful health solutions.” Ramita’s academic excellence is further highlighted by her 4.0 GPA, receipt of a Spring 2024 Rising Researcher Award, and distinction as the top student in COMPSCI 240: Reasoning Under Uncertainty. She will continue to “break barriers and serve as a role model for aspiring female researchers in computing” as she pursues the MS/PhD program in computer science at UMass Amherst.

BRIAN EVANS

Computing for the Common Good

For sustained dedication to community-centered work, student advocacy, and the utilization of technology for the common good

Brian Evans is recognized for his “exceptional work on his undergraduate honor’s thesis,” which “stands as a remarkable example of how computing can be harnessed to address pressing societal issues.” His research on making epidemiological data related to COVID-19 more accessible and understandable is “a testament to his innovative spirit and commitment to public welfare,” and his “dedication to using his skills in computing to contribute to the common good makes him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.” In reflecting on this honor, Brian said, “My dedication to mastering the field reflects my commitment to leveraging technology for positive change.”

DAVID GERARD

Academic and Research Excellence

For exemplary academic performance, achievement in research, and consistent commitment to teaching and mentoring

David Gerard is recognized for “standing out as an exceptional honors student, showcasing unparalleled motivation, and a profound dedication to advancing the field of cloud computing.” His research on the Rust programming language’s applications to cloud computing and his innovative work on enhancing the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm demonstrate his aptitude for navigating complex computational challenges. David’s work “serves as a pioneering model for future research in the development of complex distributed systems, making him a most deserving recipient of this award.” He will continue his education at UMass Amherst, pursuing his master’s degree in computer science under the Bay State Fellowship Program. 

JOYANANDA GI

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

For inclusive leadership, commitment to social justice, and advocacy for marginalized identities

Joyananda Dasa Gi’s academic journey at UMass Amherst is described as “a testament to extraordinary resilience and an unwavering commitment to leveraging technology for societal benefit.” In addition to achieving a near perfect GPA, Joyananda “has dedicated their studies and research to the betterment of underrepresented communities, focusing on innovative solutions for LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those who rely on caregivers for daily activities.” This dedication “not only highlights a significant academic achievement, but also a deep-seated passion for inclusivity and support for those often marginalized in our society.” As Joyananda transitions from academia to the professional world, their future endeavors “promise to continue challenging the status quo and making significant contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

MAXIMILIAN KUECHEN

Student Leadership 

For exceptional student leadership, support, and efforts to advance the college’s teaching mission as an undergraduate course assistant

Maximilian Kuechen is cited for his contributions to COMPSCI 220: Programming Methodology as an undergraduate course assistant (UCA), where he “exemplified outstanding leadership, a deep commitment to our college’s educational mission, and a dedication to enhancing the learning experience of his peers.” He was pivotal in organizing and motivating a diverse team of almost 20 UCAs and graduate TAs, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Nominators praise Maximilian’s “selfless dedication to office hours, lab sessions, and review sessions before exams “has earned him the universal respect of both students and colleagues.” 

MAX SONDEREGGER

Academic and Research Excellence

For exemplary academic performance, achievement in research, and consistent commitment to teaching and mentoring

Max Sonderegger distinguished himself through his involvement with the UMass Digital Evidence Lab, a collaboration between the UMass Amherst Cybersecurity Institute and the offices of the Massachusetts Attorney General and the Northwestern District Attorney. Through this initiative, Max contributed significantly to the field of digital forensics under the guidance of professional examiners as part of the Cybersecurity Institute’s CyberCorps Scholarship for Service program, funded by the National Science Foundation. His honor’s thesis, which includes developing a comprehensive series of exercises that guide students through constructing an operating system kernel from the ground up, is not only a testament to his exceptional technical mastery but also to his ability to inspire and educate his peers. 

ALYSSA STAINTON 

Academic and Research Excellence

For exemplary academic performance, achievement in research, and consistent commitment to teaching and mentoring

Alyssa Stainton is cited for her “unique interdisciplinary approach, combining biochemistry and molecular biology with computer science,” which “sets her apart as an extraordinary scholar poised for significant contributions to the field of neuroscience.” In addition to maintaining top standings in rigorous courses, Alyssa also conducted research contributing to the early diagnosis of neurological diseases and participated in the highly selective Bruins-in-Genomics program at the University of California, Los Angeles, further highlighting “her capability to transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries.” As she prepares begin work towards a doctoral degree at Yale University, Alyssa’s accomplishments “serve as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the powerful outcomes of combining computational science with biological research,” and her journey “exemplifies the essence of academic excellence and research innovation, making her a most deserving recipient of this accolade.”

BRIAN ZHANG

Student Leadership 

For exceptional student leadership, support, and efforts to advance the college’s teaching mission as an undergraduate course assistant

As the head undergraduate course assistant for CICS 160: Object-Oriented Programming, Brian Zhang trained efficient course staff while “cultivating a rewarding educational environment for students.” Under Brian’s guidance, the course staff of 20 been able to manage and support over 800 students across four semesters, “reflecting his educational values in their teaching methods.” Nominators cite his “dedication to enhancing student engagement through interactive lab sessions...[which] exemplifies his passion for teaching and his significant role in creating an immersive learning experience.” Brian will be graduating with a dual degree in computer science and mathematics, with a minor in food science.