Student Profiles

Meet Our Alumni: Success Stories from the USF Pathway to Computing Program

Our alumni have leveraged the skills gained in this program to transition into tech careers, advance in their current roles, and pursue master's degrees in computer science or data intelligence at USF. With expertise in programming, algorithms, and system architecture, they are driving innovation, solving complex computing challenges, and shaping the future of technology.

A man stands outdoors in a large paved area in front of an industrial complex with tall buildings and secured fencing, resembling a space or research facility. He is wearing a dark polo shirt, a baseball cap, sunglasses, and has a short beard. His posture is relaxed, facing the camera. Parked vehicles and a gated perimeter are visible behind him. The lighting suggests daytime with strong sunlight casting shadows. On the left side of the image is a simple icon of a person wearing a graduation cap, seated behind a laptop. Across the center of the image, large text reads: 鈥淎 Space Coast Summer: How the PTC Certificate Sparked a Journey to NASA.鈥 The image conveys a personal story or pathway from education to a career in a space-related field.

When Ryan Stapf earned a geology degree as an undergrad, he never imagined he鈥檇 find himself completing a software engineering internship at Kennedy Space Center just a few years later. After his initial career plans took an unexpected turn, Stapf decided to pivot into the computing field and used the Pathway to Computing program to gain essential computing basics. Now, he鈥檚 on a path toward an exciting career in aerospace engineering.

A man in a military uniform is centered in the image, seated and facing the camera with a slight smile. He appears to be indoors against a plain gray background. He is wearing a camouflage-patterned uniform, indicating active duty or military service. Partial views of two other individuals in similar uniforms are visible on either side of him, cropped at the edges. On the left side of the image is an icon of a person wearing a graduation cap and sitting behind a laptop. Across the center of the image, large text reads: 鈥淔rom the Army to Computing: Joshua Santobianco鈥檚 Journey to a New Career.鈥 The image presents a personal story highlighting a transition from military service to a career in computing.

After serving in the Army, Josh Santobianco sought a new challenge that would combine structure, strategy, and problem-solving. The Pathway to Computing Graduate Certificate helped him gain the technical foundation to transition into the world of software development. Now, he鈥檚 using his military precision and newly acquired programming skills to forge a future in tech.

A digitally styled scene showing a long, tunnel-like wall filled with many small images and video thumbnails arranged in rows, creating the effect of a media gallery extending into the distance. A bright light source appears at the far end, giving a sense of depth and perspective. In the foreground on the left, a larger image shows a woman looking at a smartphone with a faint overlay of a globe, suggesting technology or data visualization. Other thumbnails along the wall show people, technology, and various scenes, though they are smaller and less distinct. On the left side of the image is an icon of a person wearing a graduation cap and sitting behind a laptop. Across the lower center of the image, large text reads: 鈥淔rom Film to AI: An Unconventional Path to Computer Vision.鈥 The image conveys a narrative about transitioning from media or film into artificial intelligence and computer vision.

Carl Ayala started his career in film production, then pivoted to finance at a global banking firm. However, the lifelong learner wanted a stronger technical foundation. He used both the Pathway to Computing and Artificial Intelligence certificates to bridge the gap between creativity and coding. Now, as he pursues a PhD in Computer Science and Engineering, he鈥檚 exploring how AI can analyze and interpret digital media, blending his passions in a whole new way.

A graphic design slide with a green patterned background and gold accents. On the right side is a portrait of a young woman with long, wavy hair, facing the camera and smiling softly. She is wearing a blouse with a tied bow at the collar. The portrait is framed with a light border. On the left side, large stylized text reads: 鈥淪tudent Spotlight鈥 鈥淩ita Sharipova鈥 鈥淧athway to Computing鈥 The layout highlights the individual as a featured student, emphasizing her journey or involvement in computing.

Growing up, Rita Sharipova was fascinated by technology, but when it came time to choose a college major, she opted for hospitality management at the University of Central Florida. At the time, tech felt intimidating, especially as a male-dominated industry with lingering gender stereotypes. Hospitality seemed like a safer choice.