My area of study in Computer Science was Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). I started my career in Quality Assurance (QA) as in intern. Then I slowly realized in all the work that I was doing, functionality, look-and-feel, usability were paramount. Security and privacy were (and are still) never a part of the development or testing processes, or left at the end at the very best. That is why so many problems persist today. Moreover, anything (e.g. applications) that require the network automatically becomes a complex mess. Then I started to break my own web applications --rather easily. That is how I entered the dark art.
Yes, they are very different. But it is perfectly fine to have one or two fields of interest. And who doesn't love computer/video games? Game development is the more broader of the two fields. I also feel that it is one of the hardest Computer Science courses to teach because it encompasses everything in the field: data structures, databases, networking, graphics, HCI, algorithms, AI, etc. I am teaching the course for that reason, because I love Computer Science. The course that I am teaching also gives undergraduate students a flavor of Computer Science, especially for those who are afraid to delve into it.
I am flattered, yet uncomfortable when students me "professor" because it makes me feel a lot older, and I do not have a Ph.D. (yet). I also hate it when people call me "Mr. Chow" because that is my dad. So just call me Ming.
Sure, but I hope that you are energetic and creative.
If you are a Tufts Program of Study major (that is, you create your own major at Tufts), then yes. If you are a Computer Science or Engineering student, then no, because I am not a full-time faculty member.
I love Computer Science, and I tend to be interested in all facets of the field. Unfortunately, that is not necessarily a good thing. Professor Rob Jacob told me that I cannot have too many interests, and that I need find one or two areas of focus: it is far more valuable to do a few big and outstanding projects, than to do many quick and divergent projects. That was the most valuable academic advice that I have ever received.
Well ultimately, I want to be a full-time tenured professor at a renown Computer Science program. Why? Because I value the research and academic freedom. More importantly, former students become a part of your extended family. I am so fortunate that I have the opportunity to get a big head start, and at a pretty early age too. The work that I do for my courses is also professional development for me, so it is valuable and fun. Also, teaching at Tufts is also my opportunity to give back to my alma mater.
As a full-time job, no. First of all, I do not want to deal with the mess known as teachers' unions. I really feel that teachers these days do not have the talent, creativity, energy, and dedication to students. Those that do teach at private schools where you don't have to deal with teachers' unions as well. Plus, I don't want to teach a course that revolves around a statewide standardized test (e.g. the MCAS in Massachusetts). Lastly, I don't want to teach students that "don't want to be there" --that is a complete waste of my time. If I was a professor, I would be glad to teach math and science at a public high school during one of my (yearly) sabbaticals.
The relationship that I have with former students. I also like to see them do well in life, and many have. I am proud to have them as former students. Many have asked me for letters of recommendation, and help with résumés and cover letters. One of my former students, whom I wrote a letter of recommendation for graduate school, is now studying at New York University. I'm so happy for him.
Yes, I was born in Boston, MA. My parents were born in China/Hong Kong, and I am the first one in my family to go to college.
Six unbelievable years that I certainly would not mind reliving again. I felt like living in the center of the world. It was a very healthy atmosphere. Wonderful neighborhood (Medford/Somerville); very close to Boston, Cambridge, and everything that you would ever need in life. Tufts was essentially a learning playground: academically and socially. That is still the paradigm of the Computer Science department there --a place to play. The schoolwork (a la busywork) was only a small part of the Tufts experience. The opportunities to think and learn how to live a life (on your own) made the Tufts experience worth every penny.
My last year in graduate school (2004); my 24th birthday at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). First I saw BU beat UNH in overtime at the Whittemore Center that pushed BU into Hockey East playoffs (surprising huh?). Then, my friend Megan along with friends from my former hometown (Saugus, MA) threw me a birthday bash at her place. She even baked the cake. It was just an incredible night. I never had a birthday party before, until that night.
As an undergrad, the second semester of Senior year. I went to New York City with Brian on my birthday. I visited my friend Rob (and his fiancee Candice) at the University of Miami, FL for Spring Break. I was there right after their football team won the national championship. And Senior Week: going to Six Flags New England (in the rain), and Senior Night at The Rack in Boston --all in one day.
Progression is important for me. Of course, I graduated undergrad at Tufts in 2002. In 2003, I started graduate school. I enjoyed my new academic life, new part-time job, and a lot of other fun stuff. Yes, I worked a part-time job while going to school, and I wouldn't mind doing it again. In 2004, I became sick of academics and wanted to leave. So I graduated with my Masters, my part-time job became a full-time job (you can also call it a promotion), and bought my first home later that summer. In 2005, I started teaching back at Tufts. Ditto in 2006 (new course), and was in Rob's wedding (my first among my small circle of best friends).
I wouldn't sit on my ass, that's for sure. Reading, programming, traveling, and playing golf.
I grew up watching them on TV. Especially in the early 90s when I was in elementary school, they were the team to beat. It is just one of those things in life that hangs on with you. I went to my first game at Walter Brown Arena back in 2001, and it has been addicting ever since. I have been a season ticket holder for five years now. It gets me through the winter, and I do go to all the home games. I am also still very fond of the school. I visited there many times when I was young, and I had relatives and friends who went there. I was offered a very generous scholarship to go there for undergrad, but I turned it down for Tufts, which I have no regrets. But I know I would have been happy there if I had attended BU. And yes, Agganis Arena is really that nice!
No. The undergraduate education there is outstanding, and the campus is very pretty. My friend Brian went there, and I had some great times there, especially at the MODs before the football games. Hockeywise, of course, but the BC-BU rivalry on the ice is one of the best in all of college sports.
No. Maybe that's a good thing because I don't have to live under anyone's shadow.
Keep it simple stupid. And do it right the first time.