Inspirations in Computer Science: Megan Ngo’s Path to the Wolfson Scholar Award
Megan Ngo holding her Wolfson Scholar award received for her exceptional academic work
Last year, CSUN celebrated the outstanding achievements of its 2022 graduating class at the annual Honors Convocation. Megan Ngo, a graduate in Computer Science from the College of Engineering and Computer Science, was honored with the prestigious 2022 Wolfson Scholar Award during this event. Megan’s journey serves as a clear example of how the support from college programs like Attract, Inspire, Mentor, and Support Students (AIMS²) played a vital role in her success. And with her receipt of the Wolfson Scholar award, it shows that with unwavering determination, one can overcome any obstacle.
The Wolfson Scholar award, named after CSUN’s inaugural vice president, Leo Wolfson, is a distinguished accolade reserved for outstanding students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and made notable contributions to both CSUN and the broader community. This prestigious recognition is bestowed upon individuals who consistently exhibit excellence, both inside and outside the classroom. To be considered for this esteemed award, candidates must have made substantial contributions that positively influence CSUN and/or the wider community.
Megan not only met but exceeded the award’s criteria. With a remarkable 3.98 grade point average and active participation in renowned programs like the College of Engineering and Computer Science’s AIMS² program, she unequivocally proved herself as the rightful recipient of the 2022 Wolfson Scholar title.
In selecting the College of Engineering and Computer Science at CSUN, Megan recognized the opportunities it offered individuals with disabilities. Additionally, it provided her the platform to delve deeper into her passion for programming, an interest that had ignited during her high school experience with an AP class.
However, Megan’s journey to receiving the Wolfson Scholar Award was not without its challenges. As a first-generation college student, she initially felt unprepared for the academic transition from high school, grappling with the pervasive imposter syndrome that often plagues engineers and computer scientists worldwide.
Yet, thanks to programs like AIMS² funded through the U.S. Department of Education, Megan not only received the support she needed to embark on her higher education journey, but also gained invaluable experience and resources. These resources included professional mentors, workshops, paid internships for undergraduate research, and prospective career pathways. AIMS² in particular is dedicated to furnishing resources and opportunities to students from Hispanic or low-income backgrounds with a passion for engineering or computer science garnering national recognition from Excelencia, UEDA (University Economic Development Association) and the White House Initiative for Educational Excellence for Hispanics.
Dr. S. K. Ramesh, Director of AIMS², and Megan Ngo.
Megan’s involvement in the AIMS² program extended beyond receiving assistance. Initially relying on her mentor for guidance in adapting to college life, she eventually assumed the role of mentor herself, guiding freshmen and transfer students in navigating campus resources and selecting suitable courses. In doing so, she not only extended a helping hand to others, but also forged enduring friendships, establishing lifelong connections with the students she aided.
Now, armed with her bachelor’s degree and the Wolfson Scholar Award, Megan is poised to continue her contributions to the development of assistive technology applications through her pursuit of an MBA at CSUN. As a graduate student, she plays a pivotal role in a groundbreaking initiative known as A11Y+, a project dedicated to promoting inclusivity and best practices for teaching inclusion and accessibility, particularly in Hispanic Serving Institutions. Her ultimate aspiration through this endeavor is to champion the cause of assistive technology, endeavoring to create greater opportunities for those in need.
In a closing reflection, she underscores the importance of not burdening oneself with excessive pressure. Megan advises future CSUN students to give their best, and that even in the face of challenges, college marks a new beginning for everyone. And as Megan’s story illustrates from this starting point, truly remarkable work can emerge from humble beginnings.
Update: Since the article’s publication, Megan has become a Fellow of the Autonomy Research Center for STEAHM (ARCS) and is now involved in the Wheelchair Assist Technology and Co-bot Helper Robot (WATCHER) project. Megan’s involvement holds the promise of advancing assistive technology, particularly in the realm of mobility aids.
