Eric ‘Siggy’ Scott is a computing alumnus who is currently a graduate research assistant at Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study at George Mason University. He initially chose to study computer science because, “I saw technology as a way to help make the world a better place and have fun besides.”
For his senior Capstone Project, Eric was on the team that developed “Wordi,” the faster, smarter artificial intelligence Scrabble game. Features of this game include new and creative ways to organize the game board, space for multiple players, and instant updates. Creating the artificial intelligence “brain” behind the game required a good understanding of AI and statistics, as well as technologies based on runloops. It has not been released yet.
Eric’s advice for potential computer science students is, “Don’t just study. Do. Self-directed projects are the best way to become a competent engineer or programmer (not to mention prove yourself to employers!). The difference between mediocre and great engineers/computer scientists is that the latter take ownership of their own learning, and never stop playing with new tools.”
He is currently working on his PhD in computer science, doing Java programming for simulations of social systems, and writing research papers on creativity and artificial intelligence.
