Hi, My Name is Mbathio Lo.

Majoring in Computer Science driven by curiosity, creativity, and growth. Dive into my journey through achievements, passions, and the experiences that define me.

Hello! My name is Mbathio Lo, and I am originally from Senegal. I moved to Cincinnati in 2018, my journey has been influenced by a combination of academic dreams, personal growth, and discovering new cultures. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a minor in Information Technology at the University of Cincinnati as part of the ACCEND program, which allows me to accelerate my path toward a Master of Engineering in Computer Science.

I value persistence, curiosity, and community. Family has always been important to me, and I love the time I get to spend with them. I am fluent in French, Wolof, and English, which allows me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. I am passionate about learning and exploring new ideas, particularly in technology. My academic interests include Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Software Development.

Outside of academics, I enjoy reading books, spending quality time with my family, and researching random topics that spark my curiosity. These hobbies reflect my love for continuous learning and personal growth.

My journey from Senegal to Cincinnati has broadened my perspective and strengthened my resilience. Being part of different communities has taught me the importance of adaptability and connection. Highlights of my journey include volunteering with Village Life Outreach in Tanzania and serving as Vice President of Health for the Homeless. These experiences have deepened my commitment to using my skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to society.

Through my involvement in the University Honors Program (UHP) and at the University of Cincinnati, I hope to continue growing academically and personally while making a positive impact on my community.

Year: 2024-2025

Over the past academic year, I have experienced significant personal, academic, and professional growth shaped by several key experiences. I finished an internship in Taiwan in the fall of 2024 that was centered on research in reinforcement learning and software defined networking. This was an unforgettable experience that broadened my technical skills and perspective on the world. I got to experience different cultures, push myself in an unfamiliar setting, and collaborate closely with professors on cutting-edge research. Navigating the vibrant night markets, learning about public transportation, and building friendships taught me adaptability and cultural sensitivity skills that complement my academic growth.

Returning to Cincinnati in Spring 2025. This semester allowed me to integrate what I learned abroad into my coursework and continue building a strong academic foundation. Balancing normal semester courses while reflecting on my internship experience helped clarify my professional goals and deepen my understanding of how machine learning and networking can be combined to solve complex problems.

Looking ahead, Summer 2025 will be a busy but exciting time, as I am taking classes, I am also doing a program called breakthrough through Cornell university, while simultaneously working as an app developer intern. This experience will expose me to real-world software engineering and provide me with practical development skills. I am eager to apply what I’ve learned from my previous experiences and coursework to practical projects, improving my coding abilities, collaboration skills, and understanding of application design.

My involvement in the University Honors Program (UHP) has served as a consistent source of inspiration as well as guidance during these experiences. UHP's focus on integrative learning and self-reflection has inspired me to connect my academic goals with my personal values. This approach keeps me centered and focused on my development.

My goals for the upcoming year include:

Pursuing advanced coursework and possibly a capstone project related to AI and networking to deepen my technical expertise.
Continuing to engage with UHP and student organizations build my professional network and leadership abilities.
Maintaining a balance between academic, professional, and spiritual growth

This year has shown me that meaningful growth. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and am excited to continue developing as a scholar, professional, and global citizen.

Tanzania Service & Cultural Immersion Trip – Summer 2023

In the summer of 2023, I traveled to Tanzania for 15 days as a Marian Spencer Scholar alongside with University of Cincinnati’s Village Life Outreach Project. This experience centered on learning, service, and global engagement. I traveled to three rural villages with my cohort, where we engaged with locals and conducted interviews with adults and children to gain insight into their everyday lives. These discussions taught me to listen with empathy and cultural humility, and they provided valuable insight into community challenges and strengths. We participated in service projects aimed at supporting health, education, and clean water programs.

In addition, I went on a safari that showcased Tanzania's rich natural heritage and learned about Tanzanian culture through cultural traditions, food, and language.

This experience changed the way I see the world. It helped me develop a deeper understanding of what it means to serve with communities. I became more aware of the world around me, greater gratitude for the life I live, and a commitment to responsible engagement. It helped me define myself as a Global Citizen Scholar, someone who acts with intention, reflects on privilege, and learns through meaningful interaction.

I choose these images because it represents the values of global engagement: joy, human connection, and shared learning.

Research Internship in Taiwan – Fall 2024

I worked as a research intern in Taiwan for four and a half months in the fall of 2024, focusing on software defined networking (SDN) and reinforcement learning within the field of machine learning. I contributed to ongoing projects while improving my knowledge of these complex topics. Working closely with experienced research professors, exploring how intelligent systems can optimize and control networks more efficiently. I was able to improve my technical and analytical abilities and learn more about working in a different environment. This experience encouraged me to practice critical thinking, ask more in-depth questions. The support and mentorship I received helped me grow academically and professionally.

Beyond research, this experience was full of personal growth and cultural exploration. I made close friends from around the world, enjoyed delicious local foods, visited vibrant night markets, and took my first ever train ride. In addition, I took some of the longest walks of my life, discovering both the countryside and cities while creating lifelong memories.

Living and working in Taiwan taught me how to appreciate cultural differences, adjust to new environments, and develop as a student and global citizen. It was a combination of academic challenges, meaningful relationships, and joyful discovery. It was an experience that still influences my goals and perspective on the world.