By Angelica Largo, Marketing and Communications
Whether it is gaming, coding or creating new projects with his 3D printer, Nicholas Brough’s interests have always been tied to his love for computers. This led him to study engineering at UBC Okanagan (UBCO) in Kelowna. However, his interests evolved as he took various courses in his curriculum.
Introductory computing science courses at the university solidified his passion for technology and made him reconsider his academic focus. “I really enjoyed the programming courses; they instantly sparked my interest in computing science,” he says. This newfound enthusiasm prompted him to rethink his career path.
The decision to leave UBCO was not made lightly, but Nicholas had several motivating factors. Many of his loved ones lived in the Lower Mainland, making it practical for him to relocate closer to them. After researching computing science programs in the area, Nicholas decided to attend Douglas College. The Certificate in Computing Science stood out to him as it offered a solid educational foundation in a short time frame.
The art of coding
Transitioning to a new school and city can be challenging, but Nicholas found a sense of community at Douglas. “I met people who share similar interests as me, making the experience enjoyable and enriching,” he says.
Once he started the Certificate in Computing Science at Douglas, Nicholas found that the hands-on learning approach was particularly rewarding. A stand-out course within his program was Designing with Raspberry Pi, which focuses on designing and developing practical applications with Raspberry Pi, a single-board computer. “It was immensely rewarding to see my code working in real life, not just on a computer screen,” he says.
Inspired by his hobby of 3D printing and through watching YouTube videos about the Raspberry Pi computer, he designed a drawing robot that translates images into motor movements to control a pen for an assignment in his course. This project required him to design mechanical parts and write the code to control them – a process that involved trial and error, resulting in a successful second prototype.
The course’s open-ended nature meant students could design any project of their choice using Raspberry Pi. From a handheld snake game to toy cars that automatically avoid walls, the projects demonstrated the diverse applications of computing science.
The future of machine learning
Nicholas is particularly drawn to the use of artificial intelligence. He envisions a future where AI plays a critical role in various industries, making it an exciting field to be part of. “AI seems like something very useful that will have a dramatic impact on people’s lives,” he says.
He aspires to become a machine-learning engineer, a specialist who creates AI algorithms that enable computers to learn from data, recognize patterns and make autonomous decisions. Throughout his time at Douglas College, Nicholas has honed invaluable technical skills and gained a deep understanding of computing science principles. As he approaches the end of his program, he is considering furthering his education by pursuing a degree in computing science.
Nicholas’ journey from studying engineering at a university to Computing Science at Douglas is a testament to the importance of following one’s interests and being open to change. “Don’t be afraid to change paths to find what you’re truly passionate about,” he says. “Studying at Douglas allowed me to explore my interests and untap my potential in the field of computing science.”
Interested in Computing Science at Douglas? Learn more at douglascollege.ca/computingscience.