Assia Ouaoua

Assia Ouaoua is in her 1st year of studying Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence and will be graduating in 2028.

Why did you choose to study your program?

I chose to study Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence because I feel that it’s a very relevant subject to study in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. I wanted a better understanding of how it works and how it can be utilised to help people as well as learn the foundations of theoretical Computer Science and coding.

Why did you choose to study at Queen Mary?

I chose to study at Queen Mary due to its diverse and inclusive student community, with students coming from more than 60 countries. As an ethnic minority, it was important for me to be comfortable and represented in the environment I was studying in. Additionally, Queen Mary’s wide range of cultural societies offers a great opportunity to connect with others, celebrate diversity, and learn more about different cultures and backgrounds.

What do you enjoy most about your course?

I enjoy the mathematical side of Computer Science the most as it’s interesting to see how it applies to such a complex subject. I also enjoy coding and understanding the theory on how computers interpret and execute source code.

What are you proud of from your experience at Queen Mary?

I’m proud of the fact that I have been able to develop several projects in such a short amount of time such as a portfolio website, a horse racing simulator and a text-based dungeon crawler. Despite having no prior experience with Java, I was able to build these programs confidently thanks to the skills I've gained through my studies and my determination to learn independently.

Which modules do you enjoy the most and are there any academics that have a strong influence on shaping you time and studies here?

My favourite module on my course has been Automata and Formal Languages, as I found the theoretical foundations behind how systems are constructed to be interesting.

What’s one piece of advice you’d offer to someone considering studying your program at Queen Mary?

If you don’t understand something right away, don’t get discouraged. Keep researching and revisiting the concepts until they click. Developing a deeper understanding will not only help you grasp the module as a whole but also improve your chances of achieving higher marks in the future.