The four first ever Computer Science majors of Baruch College. L to R: Samuel Smith, Yaohui Wu, Angelo Vitalino, and Jie Ying.

As the demand for computer science professionals continues to soar, Baruch College's Department of Mathematics proudly introduces its new Computer Science major officially beginning this Fall 2023. The major distinguishes itself by emphasizing a robust technical foundation, ensuring students are well-prepared for the constantly evolving tech industry.

“We want to ensure that the major is at a strong technical level, preparing students for jobs, graduate school, or any other pursuit they might have in mind,” Professor Adam Sheffer, the Program's Director said. Despite the program’s challenging prerequisites, it promises a more personalized experience for students. “It allows us to give more one-on-one attention to each student." Sheffer added, emphasizing the close-knit community the program aims to foster.

A unique aspect of Baruch’s new Computer Science Major is its adaptability. “Computer science is a field that moves fast,” Sheffer explained, “So our approach is that the curriculum has to constantly evolve.” While there is a foundational core that all students will cover, the electives will be fluid, changing according to industry trends, advancements, and student-led specialization. Machine learning and natural language processing like ChatGPT are currently popular, but Sheffer predicts that in a few years, there'll be completely unforeseen fields that the program will train future experts in.

Jie Ying, one of the first four students to officially declare the major, intertwines her aspirations of medical school with a childhood dream of creating video games. "I really enjoyed playing simulation games. Back then, I always wanted to make one myself because I always had opinions about the games I played. Now, with Baruch offering Computer Science, I get to explore programming and genuinely enjoy the challenges it presents," says Jiang. Her sentiments echo the passion of many students who want to mold emerging technology to connect with their interests.

For Samuel Smith, the journey into computer science was more serendipitous. Originally heading down the path of financial math, Smith's realization of his true strengths led him towards coding. "What I liked about computer science is the blend of problem-solving and creativity. It allows for a practical application of mathematics, and my previous experiences made this major feel like a timely and perfect fit."

To ensure that the transition from college to career is smooth, Sheffer and his team are working to create strong connections with the professional world. “We're very oriented towards making sure our CS majors can find a job,” he emphasized. He further detailed an initiative to keep students informed: “I have a mailing list where I share opportunities—be it hackathons, competitions, or summer openings.” Beyond that, Sheffer has introduced casual meetings—sessions of what he calls a "not-club"— where students can discuss their interests, concerns, or simply learn more about advanced topics in computer science.

In the end, Sheffer's vision for the program extends beyond just imparting knowledge. He hopes to transform the lives of students, especially those who haven't had prior opportunities. “We’re striving to make sure our program is diverse and inclusive. My hope is that we have numerous stories of students who, through this program, achieve a satisfying career and a better life. There are only four now, but I think this is the beginning of something big.”

As the world becomes increasingly dependent on technology, Baruch College’s new Computer Science Major promises to be an essential pathway for students eager to make their mark on the digital world.

David Gruber Captures Exceptionally Rare Whale Birth Featured in The New Yorker

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Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences David Gruber recently offered the world a rare glimpse into the hidden life of marine mammals. On an expedition with Elizabeth Kolbert, a long-time reporter for The New Yorker, he and his team were fortunate enough to witness the birth of a sperm whale, a nearly mythic spectacle that has seldom been observed. As the ocean waters turned red with blood, Gruber initially thought he was witnessing an attack. Instead, the head of a newborn calf soon emerged evoking profound amazement even amongst the crew of seasoned whale experts. This encounter soon became even more cinematic as multiple marine species seemingly gathered around to acknowledge the calf. Gruber's interpretation paints a scene reminiscent of "The Lion King", suggesting a possible collective, protective marine response.

Math Department Receives S-Stem Grant from National Science Foundation

The Department of Mathematics was awarded nearly $1 million from the National Science Foundation. This six-year grant, “S-Stem: Sustained Cascade Mentoring in Mathematics and Related Fields,” will begin this coming Spring semester. With the award, faculty will develop mentoring programs aimed at advancing education for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, who wish to pursue degrees in mathematics, actuarial sciences, or statistics.

The program, led by Associate Professor Pablo Soberón-Bravo and Co-Investigators Guy Moshkovitz, Timothy B. Ridenour, and Matthew Junge, will help expand the Math Department's already supportive environment and fully solidifies Baruch College as a math destination. Students in the program, called “S-STEM Scholars,” will receive scholarships of up to $15,000 per year over four years in addition to academic, social, and career mentorship.