Ahmed Ashkar
Class: Junior
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Business Administration, Honors Program
Activities: National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Thurgood Marshall College Fund Student Ambassador
Ahmed Ashkar came to Bowie State as a freshman biology major with dreams of becoming a medical doctor. His plans quickly changed though, after taking a computer course during his first semester. “Dr. (Daryl) Stone changed my mind. In his class I was analyzing data, solving problems, typing code – creating things. I liked it so much that I changed my major to Computer Science,” he said.
Two years later, Ahmed has tapped into his passion for building technology and is methodical about tailoring his college experience to fit his interests.
Besides course work, Ahmed is gaining valuable experience on campus and out in the real world. He is president of BSU’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, student ambassador for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and has represented the university at multiple hackathons across the country.
Exciting summer internships have given Ahmed priceless industry experience. At a computer camp hosted by the Department of Technology & Security he guided middle school boys through fun projects using coding, robotics and virtual reality. The following year, he landed an internship at Booz Allen Hamilton and spent a summer using artificial intelligence and machine learning to build sensor technology for drones.
Ahmed says that he appreciates Bowie State’s small community because everyone has a chance to do great things. “I love it here because the opportunities are endless. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without Bowie State.”