MAY 9, 2025 — Meet Laura Barnes, a senior from Dallas, Texas, and a UTSA Honors College student who is graduating from the College of Sciences this spring with a degree in computer science and a degree in mathematics of data and computing.
From the moment Barnes stepped foot on the UTSA Main Campus, she felt destined to become a Roadrunner.
“It immediately felt like home,” she said. “I knew it was where I belonged as soon as I visited.”
This strong sense of belonging propelled Barnes toward an academic journey filled with leadership, service and exploration.
As a freshman, Barnes immersed herself in the university's computer science community. She served as vice president and as president of Rowdy Creators, an organization where students gain access to experiential learning opportunities by collaborating on tech projects throughout a semester.
Barnes is also currently the secretary of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and has competed in multiple hackathons — one of which turned into a business venture through an incubator hosted by Geekdom, a coworking community for startups based in San Antonio.
Starting in high school, Barnes was interested in studying computer science and discovered the mathematics of data and computing curriculum as a Roadrunner. She loves how versatile her areas of study are, offering potential careers from software engineering and video game development to data science and cybersecurity.
Among her favorite courses was an artificial intelligence (AI) class taught by Ramin Sahba, assistant professor of instruction in the Department of Computer Science. Barnes describes the class as challenging but deeply rewarding and now considers herself to be well educated on the topic of AI.
“The list of possible careers with my majors is infinite and they taught me how to think programmatically,” Barnes said. “They offer flexibility that I feel not many other degrees have, which makes them a great choice!”
Outside of working with 0s and 1s, Barnes dedicates time to give back. In December 2023, she participated in an Alternative Break Experience in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where she volunteered with nonprofit organizations as part of a service-learning experience that focused on youth advocacy.
As a student in the Honors College, Barnes also had the chance to explore disciplines outside her major. One stand-out experience was a course on Canoeing, Paddle Making and Embodied Ecology, where she learned about woodworking, built and used her own paddle, and studied rivers and ecology. “It taught me how fun woodworking can be and sparked my interest in volunteering to clean up rivers.”
Outside of the opportunities to pursue new interests and grow professionally, what stands out most to Barnes about UTSA is the culture.
“UTSA is different from other universities due to the friendliness of the student body, unique location and attentive professors,” Barnes said. “It truly lives up to its mission of being ‘urban serving’ by making it easy to thrive with plentiful opportunities that allow students to find their perfect fit.”
For prospective students considering UTSA, Barnes offers this advice: “Just do it! Coming to UTSA has absolutely changed my life for the better, and I do not think I would have had the same experience at another school.”
UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to [email protected]. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
Join us as we celebrate and induct our students who are ready to begin their journey to becoming teachers.
Retama Auditorium & Galleria, Main CampusJoin the doctoral candidates for the Doctoral Conferreal Ceremony and celebrate their accomplishments.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusCelebrate the graduates from the biology, health and environment program.
Denman Galleria (SU2.01,) Student Union, Main CampusJoin us for the Veteran Cording Ceremony, a special graduation event honoring the journey of our veteran students. This ceremony celebrates your achievements and the unique path you've traveled to reach this milestone. You will have the opportunity to be corded on stage by someone of your choice—a loved one, mentor, or friend—or by our Director of Veteran and Military Affairs.
Richard Liu Auditorium (BB 2.01.02,) Main CampusCelebrate the graduates from the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, College of Education and Human Development, Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design and University College.
AlamodomeCelebrate the graduates from the College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and College of Sciences.
AlamodomeUTSA Staff Senate will be sponsoring the UTSA Great Staff Appreciation event for all staff employees.
H-E-B Student Union Ballroom 1 & 2, Main CampusThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
