Discover Our Majors: Computer Science

When it comes to getting the full college experience, Kevin Sun may have cracked the code. A typical week in his life includes computer science classes, undergraduate research and powerlifting at the gym.

Initially enrolled in biomedical engineering, NC State academic advisors helped Sun navigate the process of finding a major that better suited his interests. After a quick stopover in chemical engineering, he landed safely in computer science.

“As a kid, I was always in front of a computer — either playing flash games or just working,” said Sun. “I never really thought about doing coding in college.”

Pinpointing Passion

NC State’s computer science program is one of the oldest in the nation. Undergraduate students have the option to add a concentration onto their degree — cybersecurity, game development or artificial intelligence.

Sun is hoping to add the artificial intelligence concentration to his degree. He recently took the course Automated Learning and Design, where his final project involved training AI to operate at a faster speed.

During his third year, Sun began applying his coursework outside of the classroom by participating in undergraduate research. “My research project focused on electrocardiogram sensing and trying to find a more robust way of diagnosing patients with potential heart problems,” said Sun. His research used AI-driven code to help determine if patients would need immediate treatment for their condition.

To students considering computer science at NC State, Sun says: “I think the biggest thing is to just be prepared. For computer science, start early — and it’s OK to fail. I think that’s the biggest thing I’ve learned in college.”

After graduation, Sun is hoping to combine his minor in statistics with his computer science background in pursuit of a career in data science and analytics.

Finding Balance

When he first started at NC State, Sun was worried about finding community at a university with more than 40,000 students. 

“I remember going to orientation and just thinking ‘I’m not going to meet a single person,’” said Sun. “But the first person I met was also from Charlotte. We’ve been friends ever since.”

Sun continued to grow his own Pack, organizing study groups in the Hunt Library, becoming a student creator with University Communications and Marketing, and joining the Strength Club — a student organization dedicated to weightlifting and powerlifting. 

“To know that there are people [on campus] with similar hobbies and passions — it’s comforting.”

The routine helps him stay balanced, both mentally and physically. “During the day, when I’m tired or frustrated, I can go into the gym and just unplug,” said Sun. When he’s training for a competition, he spends about two hours in the gym five days a week with his teammates.

From the weight room to the classroom, seeing his friends is always a highlight for Sun. 

“They really do make my day, being with my friends, because they’re the ones who you’re truly making memories with in school,” said Sun.

Out of all of the memories he’s made so far, one stands above them all: rushing the Belltower with his friends during the historic men’s and women’s basketball March Madness run in 2024. 

“If I could pay someone to be able to experience that, I would,” he said.