Read the interviews below about the APSE minor has influenced the interests and professional goals of some of our graduates.

Caroline Murphy, B.S. Biology (Quantitative Track), APSE Minor

Why did you decide to minor in APSE?
I absolutely loved taking the intro APPL 110 course and using the BeAM makerspace before the minor was introduced. It just made sense to continue taking courses and learning skills I enjoyed once the minor became official, which also allowed me to justify dedicating more time to these interests of mine.

What are your plans for after graduation?
I am going to serve as an AmeriCorps NCCC Team Leader after graduation, then the following year I will start my Master in Public Health in Applied Epidemiology at UNC where I am excited to be a double Tar Heel!

How do you think you will apply the skills learned in the minor after graduation?
I think the minor provides everyone a solid STEM foundation with prerequisite courses, hands on BeAM makerspace and computational skills with intro courses, as well as flexibility with elective courses to have skills applicable to many careers. For my interests specifically, I think the COVID-19 and SIR modeling simulations will help prepare me for further studies in epidemiology, while the engineering and entrepreneurial mindset I have gained will help put my skills into practice to solve real challenges the world faces today.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experience minoring in APSE?
The APSE minor is an exciting way to become introduced to STEM without having to fully commit to a specific field and meet people from the variety of different majors the department attracts. Due to the interdisciplinary nature, APPL courses are collaborative, challenging, and fun.

Andrew Fulmer, B.S. Computer Science, APSE Minor

Why did you decide to minor in APSE?
I loved APPL 110 and wanted to take as many APPL courses as I could. I love designing, building, and problem solving, so a minor involving engineering seemed perfect for me, and I loved every second of it.

What are your plans for after graduation?
I’m looking for software development jobs in the triangle.

How do you think you will apply the skills learned in the minor after graduation?
This minor has provided me a lot of skills for working on group projects. APPL group projects aren’t like other projects; they are projects that use the design and creative side of your brain. These skills will make me a better team member on any development team. I’m better at expressing my ideas with words and sketches, I’m better at communicating and presenting projects I’m passionate about, and I’m a much better at communicating and working in a diverse team of people with different backgrounds.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experience minoring in APSE?
APPL classes are by far my favorite at UNC. You’re able to build projects you’re passionate about, learn in an intimate setting, and work in teams to solve complex problems. I highly recommend the APSE minor to anyone in a STEM major interested in working in engineering or working with people of other backgrounds.