Meet Alex Cao, a sophomore computer science major from Granger, Indiana (he lives 10 minutes away from campus, he couldn’t get away from ND if he tried). With a pretty snarky sense of humor and a penchant for pop culture critics, sci-fi, and political rants, Alex is certainly someone who gets a conversation going. His interests don’t stop at coding, and he’s that one Observer reporter who is awesome enough to take those pesky stories on quantum mechanics and bio analytics grants off our hands. When he’s not doing that, he’s either getting his friends to watch that new Nostalgia Critic video, weighing in on the merits of Steven Moffat, or persistently persuading his friends to watch the Newsroom. Ladies and Gentlemen, Alex Cao!
Dorm Allegiance: Morrissey
Year: Sophomore
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Granger, Indiana
North or South? The one that looks like the Great Hall from Harry Potter
Favorite TV show and why: Suits, because Harvey Specter
Extracurricular activities: Observer, Undergrad Research
Best study spot on campus? Math Library Front Desk. hmu
Ok. What’s the number one perk about being a comp-sci major?
Our Fundamentals of Computing Professor, Ramzi Bualuan who’s a total boss!
Why do you love computer science?
That feeling when something you make finally manages to work *does the money Manziel*
Can you tell me about the research you’re working on?
It’s testing the functionality and limits of Google Glass, mainly its camera and the possibility of facial recognition.
What’s the coolest thing about it?
Glass is a rather nascent, new-ish platform. Whatever route we go down could possibly affect or change the future of the platform and we could very likely be a part of that change.
What would be your dream job?
Please, Comedy Central, let me replace Colbert.
Besides being a major comp-sci nerd, you also write for the Observer and have an uncommon obsession with the Newsroom. Why the interest in journalism?
Because I love interviewing and listening to tons of different people and being on the Observer is really like having a finger on the pulse. Also because I want to be like Will McAvoy.
Use three adjectives to describe yourself:
Dauntless, Erudite, Abnega – okay I can’t finish that with a straight face.
Use three adjectives to describe sophomore year:
Tough, Unbelievable, Incredible
What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?
Easy there on the Facebook page
Best ND experience?
The Michigan Game
Worst?
Hearing Ann Coulter’s black joke
What’s the one thing you love about ND?
My school’s in the best sports movie of all time.
One thing you wish ND would change (parietals doesn’t count):
Fine then, Co-ed Dorms
All time favorite quote:
“This is the name of someone who never makes mistakes: COWARD” – that boss Fundamentals of Computing Prof., Ramzi Bualuan
Thanks, Alex!!!!!
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