Axxess and UT Dallas Announce 2023 Axxess Scholars
By: Daniel Steele | June 6, 2023
The Axxess Scholarship was created through an endowment from Axxess, the leading technology innovator for healthcare in the home. The scholarship program is the largest for computer science students in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. It is designed to provide Jonsson School students with significant financial assistance, allowing recipients to focus on academic and professional development while at UT Dallas.
“We are proud to support the next generation of computer science leaders,” said John Olajide BS’04, founder and CEO of Axxess and co-chair of New Dimensions: The Campaign for UT Dallas. “I am excited to see what they will accomplish in the future and am proud to be part of their educational journey.”
Since 2020, the Axxess Scholarship has provided 11 UT Dallas students with the resources they need to succeed in the Jonsson School’s top-ranked computer science program, ranked No. 3 among Texas public universities by U.S. News and World Report.
“It is through thoughtful investments such as the Axxess Scholars program that we can help talented Jonsson School students reach their full potential,” said Dr. Stephanie G. Adams, dean of the Jonsson School and the Lars Magnus Ericsson Chair in Electrical Engineering. “We are grateful for the continued partnership from John and Axxess.”
The 2023 Axxess Scholars are:
Taylor Dettling, a computer science major graduating in spring 2024, has a passion for cybersecurity and addressing vulnerabilities. Dettling hopes to continue designing privacy and security systems, finding vulnerabilities and helping clients update outdated systems. The scholarship enables Dettling to focus more on academic pursuits, which is crucial to achieving his long-term goals in the field of computer science.
Michelle Kuwahara BS’23 chose computer science for its versatility and her passion for math and language. Having recently graduated from UT Dallas, Kuwahara plans to gain professional experience in the field while considering graduate school or entrepreneurship in the future. Kuwahara said that the Axxess Scholarship helped alleviate her financial burden, enabling her to focus on her studies and embrace college life.
Neha Raghunandan Sapre, a computer science major graduating in fall 2023, discovered her passion for computer science during the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to create software products for connectivity and knowledge-sharing. She values the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning but recognizes the importance of considering the ethical implications. Her Axxess Scholarship provided financial relief, enabling her to excel academically, contribute to campus organizations and feel recognized for her achievements.
Safia Sharif BS’23 was drawn to the computer science field through gaming and its potential to better communities. She hopes to pursue a career in IT, obtain a master’s degree in computer science and work with nonprofits to develop programs for underdeveloped communities. The Axxess Scholarship allowed Sharif to focus on her studies and achieve success as an immigrant woman in STEM.