Computer Science, UI/UX
Eli Chapman '26
Why did you decide to study computer science, UI/UX?
I have loved art my entire life, and coding has slowly become a bit of a favorite obsession for me, and so being able to study both at the same time felt like a no-brainer. What I have grown to appreciate about human-computer interaction specifically is the interdisciplinary connections between the two – from designing code to better serve the humans it interacts with to appreciating how both art and coding projects share similar steps in execution.
What class has been your favorite so far?
Visual Narratives, a Jan Term class, is probably my favorite class I've taken. It was all about studying comics and other visual media to better understand their history and why they are effective and ended by having us create our own piece. I ended up working on a comic that I liked so much I plan to continue the series in my free time!
Tell us about a unique experience you've had or project you've worked on for your major.
One project I am really excited to be working on is a game called "Ocean of Magnolias" that I am making with a friend in the class How to Make Darn-Near Anything. The class connects computer science and non-computer science majors together to work on a project that can be "Darn-Near Anything." My friend and I chose to make a game in Unreal Engine, utilizing her knowledge of nature, my coding skills and our mutual interest in art.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in computer science, UI/UX?
I would say to get to know the art and computer science professors. They are phenomenal resources both academically and socially. I feel I have grown close with them, and they have helped me think about my college life and beyond.
What's your dream job?
Usually, I tell people a game designer at a small-ish indie game studio, but honestly, I mostly care about who I am working with and why we are doing what we are doing. I like making things, so I hope to find a career that allows me to make things.
What's something that might surprise students about your major?
This major isn't all front-end code! By pushing myself to learn as much as I can, I have found that I have a reasonable amount of knowledge about more back-end programming; classes like Database Management Systems have provided a wealth of knowledge and experience. It's also a lot of art! I would say about 60 percent computer science, 40 percent art. And I love that.
Who are three people who have made a difference for you at Whitworth?
Niraj Pandey '25 is a friend I made in an Arthurian literature class freshman year. We bonded over a shared love of Monty Python, and later that semester created an awesome short film together along with our other wonderful group members (a group project that doesn't end terribly? I know, right?!). As we have known each other more, I have appreciated his openness to discuss complex and nuanced issues, as well as having a very different personal experience than myself, allowing me to explore my own views in a safe and welcoming manner.
Ben Necochea is a professor I have had for many of the digital art classes I've had at Whitworth. He has done a great job giving his students motivation and incentives to complete assignments but also grace and guidance so none of his classes feel stressful. I have learned a lot from his classes, and created a lot, and am so glad to have had him as a professor.
Kris Phillips is my supervisor at the Whitworth Post Office, and she has been an amazing influence on me. I love working at the post office because it is a great way to serve the campus community in a way that is very different from how I do so academically, but even more so because Kris' grace, leadership and friendship have been invaluable to me.
Seth Miller '24
Why did you decide to study UI/UX?
I grew up always wanting to become a video game developer and take part in creating worlds and games. But I pivoted to human-computer interaction so I could focus more on the design and art side of computer science and take courses that interested me more and aligned more with my passions.
What classes have been your favorite so far?
Most of the classes in Lied 101, the Mac Lab, have been my favorite, since they give you the flexibility to design and explore projects at your own pace and with your own unique style. Any class with Ben Necochea (art & design instructor) is always a plus.
Tell us about a unique experience or project you’ve worked on for your major.
During my sophomore year, I was able to study abroad and student teach computer science to different age ranges, with lessons about quantum computing, binary conversions, robotics and setting up routers.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in UI/UX?
My biggest advice would be to get a jump on HCI courses as soon as possible to not only get a feel of whether you like UX/UI design, but also to build a robust portfolio sooner and develop the skills you need before you dive into internships.
What’s your dream job?
I have a bunch of pie in the sky type dream jobs that I'd love to try out, such as being a theme park inventor/designer, test kitchen chef, butterfly sanctuary operator, gondola operator, or comic book writer. But realistically, I'd want to teach and get more kids into STEM or art all the sooner, so they can explore their drives and passions.