Spotlight on Computer Science

Professor Soha Hassoun looks over computer science student Yan Zhou Chen's shoulder at a laptop screen.

Student highlight

Name: Yan Zhou Chen
Degree: MS and PhD in Computer Science
Faculty lab: Professor Soha Hassoun
Hometown: Saint Paul, MN

Why Tufts?
I love the supportive and collaborative environment at Tufts. I did my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering at Tufts, but I discovered my true passion in computational biology near the end of my senior year. Despite my limited computational skills, Soha, my current advisor, encouraged and supported me to pursue a graduate degree in computer science. Everyone in my lab has been extremely supportive and helpful in my research endeavors.

Favorite thing about living in the Medford/Somerville and Boston area?
There are always things to do and there's always a community for you! I enjoy attending boxing classes regularly and I occasionally try out new activities like axe throwing or aerial yoga. Most importantly, the food options here are endless.

Any advice you’d give to prospective students or new graduate students?
Find a hobby outside of school and attend social events hosted by the graduate student council or the department and meet other grad students!

Professor Soha Hassoun and computer science student Yan Zhou Chen smile at one another.

Faculty highlight

Name: Professor Soha Hassoun
Research interests: Computational methods for systems biology and metabolic engineering, computer-aided design for integrated circuits

About Professor Hassoun:
Professor Hassoun has a primary appointment in the Department of Computer Science and holds secondary appointments in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. Hassoun was an integrated circuit designer with Digital Equipment Corporation's Microprocessor Design Group, and worked as a consultant to several EDA companies, including Mentor Graphics and Carbon Design Systems. Her current research interests include developing algorithmic solutions to facilitate designing integrated circuits, and understanding the impact of new technologies such as double-gate devices, carbon nanotubes, and 3-D integration on design.