MAY 10, 2023 — Jenelle Millison’s time as an undergraduate student at UTSA has done wonders for her, she says.
The Colorado native was initially drawn to UTSA for its reputable cybersecurity program, but a love for data science bloomed when she was invited by Amanda Fernandez to study in the Vision and Artificial Intelligence Lab.
Fernandez, an assistant professor in the UTSA Department of Computer Science, was the first of many women in technology to leave a lasting effect on Millison’s path.
“Looking back, that moment has really led me to where I am,” said the UTSA Honors College student.
After she earns her bachelor’s in computer science with a concentration in data science this month, Millison will join the John Hopkins Applied Physics Lab in Maryland. She’ll be working on artificial intelligence projects with applications to various sectors, including public health.
“There’s such a great support system here at UTSA. College was something that I didn’t have to do alone,” she said. “Classes are an integral part of university, but there are also different clubs, internships and events happening to help you professionally.”
The community of support from professors and organizations led Millison to blossom. She was part of the MATRIX AI Consortium’s inaugural Project Lovelace cohort. Led by Dhireesha Kudithipudi, the McDermott Endowed Chair in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and founding director of MATRIX AI, this mentorship program seeks to increase the representation, participation and entrepreneurial skills of women in technology-focused careers. Students build collaborative mentorship relationships with female AI scientists and are immersed in a rich research environment
As a student, Millison grew alongside the newly minted School of Data Science (SDS), where she helped organize the first-ever Rowdy Datathon. She served in multiple roles, including as vice president and first female president of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) at UTSA. Through the organization, she participated in UTSA’s hackathon, RowdyHacks, an event she was intimated by as a freshman.
“But I was encouraged to sign up and just try by my friend and mentor Anna Arroyo, a UTSA ’21 alumna. That was honestly the greatest thing that I ever could have done,” Millison said. “I found out I was capable of more than I thought I was.”
Now, on the cusp of graduation, Millison looks to give others the same support she received as a student.
“I feel that the four years and graduation is really a testament to how much UTSA has helped me grow and succeed. I’ve been fortunate to have received support and pass it on to the next person. That’s what I really hope to do throughout the rest of my career and in my personal life,” Millison said. “I want to help people in the way that I’ve been helped by so many amazing women in tech.”
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September is National Hispanic Heritage Month. House of Neighborly Service is gearing up to increase awareness of the growing needs of our Westside community while embracing our Hispanic culture every step of the way. Our team is excited to announce the First Annual La Casita del Barrio 1K/5K Walk/Run.
Our Lady of the Lake University, 11 SW 24th St, San Antonio, TX 78207Come experience a Hispanic Market with us!
Rowdy StatueWe will be reading For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez. We will meet on Zoom to discuss the book. The book is free for students who request it, please email multicultural@utsa.edu to request the book and/or to join the Book Club and receive messages and information about this and future readings and discussions.
Virtual EventCome and practice your Spanish in a friendly and engaging environment! You will also learn about Hispanic cultures with us as we play games, watch videos, sing, and participate in many other language and cultural activities! All levels are welcome! ¡Nos vemos!
Willow Room (SU 2.02.12,) Main CampusIn partnership with UTSA Libraries and the Consulado General de México en San Antonio, Carriqui will host Ven a Tomar, where guests will sample mezcal, cocktails and unique bites to celebrate UTSA's Mexican Cookbook Collection.
Carriqui, 239 E Grayson St San Antonio, TX 78215The UTSA Orchestra will be performing Rapsodia Mexicana, a captivating concert celebrating Mexican music and the confluence of cultures in South Texas. Joined by organist Colin Campbell (Texas A&M International University) and UTSA's Mariachi Los Paisanos, watch as the orchestra brings to life the essence of Hispanic culture through their powerful performances.
UTSA Recital Hall, Main CampusA fun night for UTSA students to relax and play loteria. Student Success Centers will also have recourses for students to learn more about programs and services.
Denman Ballroom (SU 2.01.28,) Main CampusThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education.
The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to ending generations of discrimination and inequity. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.