Virginia Tech - Department of Computer Science

09/04/2026

Panelist Spotlight: David Smith IV
Rounding out our panel introductions, we are thrilled to feature David Smith IV for our upcoming webinar, "The New Shape of CS Careers!"

David Smith IV is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Virginia Tech whose research sits at the intersection of Computing Education and Human-Computer Interaction. He earned his PhD from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2025. His work focuses on how people learn programming and how tools like automated feedback, assessment systems, and generative AI can better support that learning and assessment at scale, especially for novice programmers.

David will join a diverse panel of faculty and alumni in a proactive conversation exploring how AI is reshaping computer science, why systems thinking is more vital than ever, and where CS skills are driving innovation across every industry.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain real-world perspective on where the field of computing is heading.

Primary Format: Live via Zoom
Local Watch Party available: 1100 Torgersen Hall (Blacksburg, VA) with post-webinar networking & light refreshments
When: Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7:00 p.m. EST
Register now to join the conversation! https://aimsbbis.vt.edu/CSwebinar2026

09/03/2026

Panelist Spotlight: Mark Shapiro (BS '02)

We’re excited to introduce Mark Shapiro as a featured panelist for "The New Shape of CS Careers" on Tuesday, Sept. 22!

Mark Shapiro lives in Richmond, Virginia with wife, Jessica (also a Hokie!), and their cat, Lexi. He's an avid gym rat and of course loves returning to Blacksburg every fall to jump with 66k of his closest friends. Currently he is a Director of Software Engineering at CoStar Group, leading multiple teams in the finance division responsible for managing payments and Customer experience for paying bills.
During his career, Mark has worked in multiple industries including e-commerce, banking and finance with companies ranging from the government to large enterprise and small software shops. He said serving on the department's advisory board is his way of living the Virginia Tech motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) by helping students and the university that he loves.

Mark will join our panel discussion that will explore how engineering teams are leveraging AI as a daily force multiplier, how entry-level roles are shifting, and why foundational CS problem-solving remains irreplaceable.

Whether you're looking toward your future college journey, currently studying CS, or navigating your career in industry, this conversation offers valuable insights for the entire CS@VT community.

Primary Format: Live via Zoom
Local Watch Party available: 1100 Torgersen Hall (Blacksburg, VA) with post-webinar networking & light refreshments
When: Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7:00 p.m. EST
Register now to join the conversation! https://aimsbbis.vt.edu/CSwebinar2026

09/02/2026

Panelist Spotlight: Meg Kurdziolek (BS '05, MS '07, PhD '11)
Join us on Sept. 22 to hear from Meg Kurdziolek during our live virtual webinar, "The New Shape of CS Careers!"

Meg Kurdziolek is the UX Lead at Intrinsic, an AI and robotics group within Google. She holds a Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction from Virginia Tech, and specializes in discovering intuitive user experiences for complex, emerging technologies. Her background spans leadership roles across robotics, cloud computing, and voice UI systems, focusing on bridging the gap between sophisticated AI systems and human-centered design.

Meg will join a diverse panel of faculty and alumni in a proactive conversation exploring how AI is reshaping computer science, why systems thinking is more vital than ever, and where CS skills are driving innovation across every industry.

Whatever your connection to CS@VT (prospective student, current student, educator, or alumni), we invite you to join this national conversation.

Primary Format: Live via Zoom
Local Watch Party available: 1100 Torgersen Hall (Blacksburg, VA) with post-webinar networking & light refreshments
When: Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7:00 p.m. EST
Register now to join the conversation! https://aimsbbis.vt.edu/CSwebinar2026

09/01/2026

Panelist Spotlight: Dan Dunlap (BA '87, MS '95, PhD '02)
What skills will define the next generation of computer scientists? Dan Dunlap will be addressing this question and more as a panelist for "The New Shape of CS Careers" on Tuesday, Sept. 22!

Dan Dunlap is a faculty member in Computer Science at Virginia Tech whose teaching explores the intersection of computing, society, ethics, and professional practice. As a longtime instructor of Professionalism in Computing, he has helped students examine changing expectations for computing careers through engagement with industry professionals and recruiters. His current work focuses particularly on generative AI, and how it is reshaping education, professional practice, and the skills and responsibilities expected of future computing professionals.

Dan joins Department Head Dr. Christine Julien and a diverse panel of faculty and alumni to explore how AI is transforming daily workflows and how CS professionals are driving innovation in fields like healthcare, finance, policy, and beyond.

The webinar promises something for the entire CS@VT ecosystem: from students exploring career options to working alumni building community around shared industry changes.

Primary Format: Live via Zoom
Local Watch Party available: 1100 Torgersen Hall (Blacksburg, VA) with post-webinar networking & light refreshments
When: Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7:00 p.m. EST
Register now to join the conversation! https://aimsbbis.vt.edu/CSwebinar2026

08/31/2026

September 2026 events for the Computer Science Department! For more information on these events, visit ct.vt.edu

08/31/2026

Meet our webinar moderator, Dr. Christine Julien!
As artificial intelligence and technology markets evolve, what does the modern computer science career look like? Join us on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. EST for "The New Shape of CS Careers," a live virtual discussion moderated by CS Department Head Dr. Christine Julien.

Dr. Julien will lead a panel of alumni, faculty, and industry leaders in a proactive conversation exploring how AI is reshaping computer science, why systems thinking is more vital than ever, and where CS skills are driving innovation across every industry.

Dr. Christine Julien is professor and head of the Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech. Her research applies principles from software engineering to pervasive computing systems, with a focus on how smart environments can interpret human intent, reason about context, and respond in ways that are privacy-preserving and locally adaptive. Before joining Virginia Tech in 2024, she was a faculty member at the University of Texas at Austin.

Primary Format: Live via Zoom
Local Watch Party available: 1100 Torgersen Hall (Blacksburg, VA) with post-webinar networking & light refreshments
When: Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7:00 p.m. EST
Register now to join the conversation! https://aimsbbis.vt.edu/CSwebinar2026

08/27/2026

Welcome our new academic advisors to the team! We are excited for them to join and see what their experiences will bring!

08/26/2026

There are only a few spots left for this year's Computer Science at The Steger Center program in Switzerland. Don't miss out on some great learning experiences and memories!

Click here to apply and learn more: https://bit.ly/CSatSC2027

08/24/2026

Welcome back, Hokies! 🦃The first day of classes is here, and the Computer Science Department is excited to start another semester of learning, innovation, and discovery. Whether you’re new to Virginia Tech or returning to campus, we’re glad to have you with us.

Here’s to a successful semester filled with great ideas, exciting projects, and plenty of opportunities to grow. 💻🧡

08/24/2026

Save the date for the 2026 CS|Source Fall Career Fair.

Monday, Sept. 14
Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires Student Center

9 a.m.–1 p.m.: Internships and co-ops
2–6 p.m.: Full-time employment opportunities

The fair is open to Virginia Tech computer science majors, minors and graduate students, as well as CS alumni. Onsite registration is required, and current students must bring a Virginia Tech student ID.

Update your résumé, upload it to CS JobHub and Handshake, and bring printed copies to share with employers.

Details:

Whether you’re recruiting the next standout developer or looking for your first or next opportunity, this is where conversations turn into careers.