Cohort of Computing Students Named Squarepoint Foundation Scholars
A new cohort of computing students has been named Squarepoint Foundation scholars.
Five Georgia Tech computer science (CS) students have been named Squarepoint Foundation Scholars, receiving merit- and need-based scholarships for their undergraduate studies. The Squarepoint Foundation is providing $100,000 to fund the awards, which offer $10,000 per year for two years to rising third-year students.
Now in its second year of supporting the College of Computing, the Squarepoint Foundation continues to expand opportunities, enabling students to focus fully on their studies and pursue activities outside the classroom.
A selection committee led by Mary Hudachek-Buswell, interim chair of the School of Computing Instruction (SCI), chose this year’s cohort.
“These students exemplify the curiosity, talent, and determination we strive to cultivate in computer science,” Hudachek-Buswell said. “The Squarepoint Foundation Scholarships will give them the opportunity to focus fully on their studies while pursuing research and projects that have the potential to make a real-world impact.”
The scholars have demonstrated strong leadership across campus, with all five serving as teaching assistants (TAs) and earning faculty honors. The cohort is also engaged in research and study abroad opportunities.
Founded in 2021, the Squarepoint Foundation supports STEM education and research while partnering with organizations worldwide to expand opportunity and access.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with Georgia Tech, as we extend our support to a number of students working towards achieving their academic goals,” said Allison Henry, Squarepoint Foundation manager.
“The Squarepoint Foundation aims to increase access to education, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to pursue the degree of their choice, no matter their circumstances. We wish these talented students the best of luck as they undertake their studies and recognize them for their hard work and dedication to the STEM field."
Meet the Scholars
Maria Cymbalyuk
Cymbalyuk studies Cybersecurity and Information Internetwork threads, focusing on how technical systems shape who is protected or exposed in digital environments. She’s interested in supporting public defenders and improving access to justice through technology.
“This scholarship made this semester feel less financially stressful and more like I can focus on building the skills and experiences I care about,” Cymbalyuk said. “I want to use my skills to build tools and do research that supports public interest organizations.”
Marziah Islam
Islam concentrates on the People and Intelligence threads, exploring how humans interact with technology. She is developing a sign-language learning mobile app through a Vertically Integrated Project and hopes to build accessible, reliable systems in healthcare technology.
“I am fascinated by the intersection of humans and computing, and I want to design technology that better supports real people,” Islam said.
Sahadev Bharath
Bharath studies Architecture and Information Internetworks threads, with interests in low-level programming, operating systems, and large-scale systems. He plans to begin his career in software engineering, focusing on distributed systems and AI infrastructure.
“Coming from India, being able to afford out-of-state tuition has been a challenge. This scholarship relieves financial stress and gives me more time to focus on my academics and career,” Bharath said.
“I am passionate about teaching and sharing my knowledge with fellow students. Being a TA has been extremely fulfilling and motivates me to continue contributing to education.”
Joie Yeung
Yeung studies Information Internetworks and Intelligence threads, with a focus on data and artificial intelligence. She has received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for completing more than 100 service hours in one year. In addition to pursuing a career in software engineering, she is passionate about mentoring younger girls and addressing the gender gap in STEM.
“I want to create meaningful and impactful technology while giving back to my communities. I also aim to show younger girls that they can succeed in computing despite the gender gap,” Yeung said.
Jun Hong Wang
Wang studies system architecture and intelligence with a minor in mathematics, concentrating on computer architecture and low-level optimization. He is considering careers in software engineering, research, or entrepreneurship at the intersection of hardware and software.
“I’m especially interested in how hardware and software intersect, and I hope to use my work to create solutions that are meaningful and helpful for the world,” Wang said.
The scholarships offer vital support as these students keep advancing research, leadership, and influence in computing.