Our Students
Our computer science students come from a range of academic and personal backgrounds, and have set themselves on the path to a diverse range of careers. Find out more about a selection of our current and past students below:
Rory Mitchell
Graduate Diploma, Master of Science, PhD
"I would recommend studying computer science at Waikato University. I believe we have high quality courses on offer, particularly at the postgraduate level, taught by world experts in several fields."
Jarrod Broughton
Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
"My experience as an adult learner has been excellent. I have had excellent mathematics department mentors who are always eager to help. I can see a big space between where I was and where I am now and every year that gets bigger and bigger and that’s what I love."
Ragavan Rajan
Master of Information Technology
"I've had extraordinary support from my lecturers, who are all extremely knowledgeable. I’ve also really enjoyed the 24/7 lab facilities and library which keep me busy and focussed."
Jesse Read
Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours, PhD
"Waikato was local and it had a good reputation, particularly in computer science."
Dylan Exton
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours, Master of Science (Research)
"I really enjoyed working alongside my supervisors. They made the task much more enjoyable and gave me guidance where it was needed."
Jianhao Zhou
Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
"I looked at other universities, but chose Waikato because it is friendly and not too big... Waikato has a lot of diversity, with a lot of students from different countries, which I really like."
Youyou Gao
Bachelor of Computer Graphic Design
Youyou Gao says her design degree from the University of Waikato helped her get to where she is now - working as a user experience designer at Westpac in Auckland.
Becky Dawson-Smith
Bachelor of Science
"I like that studying Computer Science allows me to utilise my analytical and problem solving skills, but also gives me opportunities to be creative."
Jon Allitt
Bachelor of Science
Since 1998 Jon has worked at Weta Digital on the visual effects for many well-known movies, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy, King Kong, Avatar, and most recently Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy.
Gian Perrone
Master of Science
"The highlight for me was making that transition from standing back in awe at the cutting edge of computer science to being actively involved in it, and now my career is helping define the ways in which computing and information enrich our lives."
Steven McTainsh
Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Steven's role as a Mobile and Web Developer for Wellington company Alphero, involves developing iPhone and iPad apps, as well as mobile websites for clients like TVNZ, State Insurance, Westpac New Zealand and Vodafone.
Sjoerd de Feijter
Master of Cyber Security
Sjoerd de Feijter began an internship with Gallagher, after being awarded the Sir William Gallagher Cyber Security Scholarship.
Simon Campbell
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
University of Waikato software engineering graduate Simon Campbell is enjoying his job as a developer at Hamilton company Enlighten Designs.
Sam Thompson
Bachelor of Computer Graphic Design
Sam has always been interested in both the creative and computing sides of design...
Kerry Arts
Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Recent University of Waikato Computer Science graduate Kerry Arts, is enjoying his role as a software engineer for Smartrak Ltd in Hamilton.
Kelly Wilson
Bachelor of Computer Graphic Design, Bachelor of Design
Kelly chose the Bachelor of Computer Graphic Design because of its strong design focus and programming component.
Gage Hall
Bachelor of Computer Graphic Design, Bachelor of Design
Former Hamilton Boys’ High School student Gage Hall is in the final year of a Bachelor of Computer Graphic Design at the University of Waikato.
Gabe Young
Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
Gabe completed his BCMS (First Class Honours) in 2011 and went to work at Microsoft HQ in Seattle, USA.
Claudia Wu
Bachelor of Science with Honours
University of Waikato Computer Science graduate Claudia Wu spends her days making sense of numbers, to ensure ANZ are lending responsibly.
Carlin St Pierre
Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
Being awarded one of ten Computer Science Fees Scholarships in his first year set Carlin St Pierre up for success.
Laura Bocock
Bachelor of Science with Honours
Laura spends her day training and mentoring others in concepts and tools for change leadership and improvement.
Giri Selvanathan
Master of Cyber Security
"I wanted to learn more about cybersecurity, and to study it in-depth. After researching options in New Zealand, where I was keen to move to study, I saw the University of Waikato was the only university that offered a dedicated qualification in cybersecurity, so my mind was made up."
Harpreet Singh
Master of Information Technology
"The University of Waikato and New Zealand have given me so many new experiences and exceeded my expectations on every level."
Brandon Hutcheson
Bachelor of Science
"It’s essential we stay ahead of the game, because if our customers are doing something we haven’t thought of, then we’re not doing our job properly. We’re constantly having to pivot."
Tom Lochore
Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Tom works as a Scrum Master, or project manager, at Datacom, a company that builds, designs, and runs IT systems for businesses.
Greg Taylor
Bachelor of Computer Graphic Design with Honours, Master of Computer Graphic Design
"The foundational knowledge I received in design has shaped my entire career. It’s as simple as that."
Grace Nolan
Bachelor of Science
"You can work with your passions, take something you are interested in and add computer science to it. I just want girls to know it's an option."
Sara Schaare
Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
"“I love the problem-solving aspect of computer science and the challenge of finding a solution.""
Katie de Lange
Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
University of Waikato alumna Katie de Lange celebrated the completion of her PhD at the University of Cambridge in July 2017.
Francine Tan
Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
"My teachers back home had told me that the University’s research programme was really strong and I was pleased that it lived up to its reputation. My work with the cyber security lab helped me to fine-tune my practical skills."
Lynley St George
Bachelor of Science, Master of Science (Technology)
"I’ve loved my time at Waikato. I’ve never felt boxed in, I’ve been able to explore and have fun, and if I find an academic’s online profile and they’re researching something I’m interested in, I simply go and knock on their door for a chat."
Bridie McPherson
Bachelor of Computer Graphic Design with Honours
University of Waikato honours student Bridie McPherson is exploring how consumers react differently to typography and hand lettering.
Amanjot Kaur
Master of Cyber Security
"I’ve had so much practical exposure and learnt a lot of new skills here"
Alena Choong
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
""After my first work placement at the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, I realised that the degree structure at Waikato prepares you to become an engineer fit for any industry.""