BCoE Student Hall of Fame 2026: Rachel Guynes

What is your name, age, classification and major?

I am Rachel Guynes, a 21-year-old senior computer science major with concentrations in human & visual computing and artificial intelligence with a minor in business information systems.

What year did you begin studying at MSU, and when is your expected graduation date?

I began studying at MSU in August 2022 and will be graduating in May 2026.

Why did you choose to attend MSU, and why did you choose an engineering field of study?

While researching universities, I wanted to attend one that would help me achieve my overall goal of analyzing and improving how people interact with technology. After attending Academic Insight during my senior year of high school and hearing about the different projects professors in the computer science and engineering department were working on, I knew MSU was the best school for me. Being awarded the Presidential Endowed Scholarship only solidified my choice because of the opportunities that were now available and the lack of financial strain on my parents due to being awarded the scholarship.

What are your favorite campus organizations you have become a part of?

While all of the organizations I’ve been a part of are important to me, if I had to pick my top three, they would be the National Society of Black Engineers, Honors OnStage, and CSE Ambassadors.

What has been your favorite course you have taken at MSU and why?

My favorite course that I’ve taken here was an Honors Seminar in Science Fiction. Since I was younger, I’ve enjoyed and been inspired by the sci-fi genre, specifically the stories about robots or extended reality technology. In this class, we began with some of the earliest stories in the genre and examined the tropes and conventions that evolved over time. Through this class, I developed a new appreciation for the genre and received a new list of book recommendations.

Which course has been your most challenging at MSU and why? What was something you learned about yourself after taking that course?

While it may not fit the traditional definition of a course, my honors thesis has been the most challenging and rewarding academic experience at MSU. Although I have participated in undergraduate research since my sophomore year, I quickly learned that the research and development process for one project is rarely the same for another. I am now in the final steps of my thesis project, but the most important thing that I learned about myself is that I knew a lot more than I initially gave myself credit for. To complete this project, I had to recall skills and knowledge I’ve been building over the past four years, from foundational concepts in Intro to Computer Programming to more complex applications of Machine Learning in AI Robotics and Intro to Machine Learning. While this may have been a challenging journey, the experience and confidence I gained will stick with me as I continue my academic and professional career.

What is one thing you have learned related to engineering during your time at the Bagley College of Engineering?

One of the most valuable things I have learned at the Bagley College of Engineering is the importance of receiving feedback and constructive criticism. The work we do as engineers has the ability to greatly improve our way of life, but that often happens after rounds of failed attempts and iterations. Learning to welcome outside perspectives has helped me identify blind spots in my own thinking and arrive at stronger, more well-rounded solutions. During my time here, I now view criticism as an essential part of the engineering process that can lead to more impactful outcomes for the people who depend on our technology.

How has MSU and, specifically, the Bagley College of Engineering prepared you for professional life after college?

MSU and the Bagley College of Engineering have not only taught me the technical skills I need to be successful in my future career but have also shaped me into a well-rounded professional. Specifically, group projects often mirrored how we are expected to work in a professional setting. I learned the importance of being able to bridge the gap between high-level ideas and complex topics. Having technical knowledge needs to be balanced with the ability to listen, articulate, and collaborate with others.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduating in May, I will be attending MSU for a Master of Science in Computer Science. Afterward, I want to work as either a user experience designer or a researcher to help shape the next wave of technology. My interests combine artificial intelligence and human-computer interactions to ensure that emerging technology is not only innovative but also accessible, safe, and trustworthy.

What will you miss most about MSU after you graduate?

The thing I will miss most about MSU is the community. I am constantly inspired by what other students and faculty have accomplished. I will also miss the professors and mentors who have helped me funnel my interests into projects and experiences that are fulfilling for both my educational and personal goals.