Recognizing Excellence: SCI Names First TA Scholarship Recipient

The School of Computing Instruction (SCI) has awarded its first Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Scholarship to Ethan Fox, a 4th-year Computer Engineering student. This scholarship, created in 2022 by SCI Associate Chair Mary Hudachek-Buswell, highlights exceptional contributions from undergraduate teaching assistants (TAs).

Fox, who graduated from Lumpkin County High School in Dahlonega, credits Georgia Tech’s reputation in computing and engineering and the state’s scholarship offerings as key factors in his decision to enroll. Now, as a senior focusing on distributed computing and systems design, he says his experience as a TA has significantly shaped his academic journey.

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“I became interested in becoming a teaching assistant after seeing what a community the TAs of CS 1332 have and how important they are in the course,” he said. Inspired by TAs in his classes, he joined the team for Hudachek-Buswell’s Data Structures and Algorithms course seven semesters ago.

Over the years, Fox’s responsibilities as a TA have grown immensely. Starting with grading homework and leading recitations, he advanced to serving as head TA during the summer of 2023, where he managed a team of 13 new TAs, occasionally lectured, and oversaw exam processes. For the past three semesters, he has held the role of exam senior TA, a position involving exam development and coordination with professors and fellow TAs.

Fox finds deep fulfillment in his work, particularly in connecting with students one-on-one and being part of the TA community. 

“I really enjoy holding office hours. It’s fun to make direct connections and then see students do well on exams,” he said. “I’ve also met my closest friends through TA-ing for this course.”

When Hudachek-Buswell informed Fox that he had been chosen as the scholarship’s first recipient, he was surprised and appreciative. He also expressed gratitude to the donors who made the scholarship possible.

The scholarship recognizes not only Fox’s academic achievements but his positive influence on his peers and the broader Georgia Tech community. 

“I was honestly very surprised. Dr. Hudachek-Buswell told me personally and I was very thankful for being selected,” he said. “I would just like to say thank you, and these donations make a real difference in students’ lives. I feel very fortunate.”

As he graduates this semester, Fox plans to continue his studies at Georgia Tech, pursuing a master’s degree in computer engineering while serving as a graduate TA.

Fox encourages other students to consider taking on the role of a TA, describing it as an invaluable opportunity for personal and professional growth. 

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“I believe TA-ing is a worthwhile thing to do at Tech. It provides so many opportunities in terms of networking and personal growth as a teacher and communicator,” he said. 

“The people I have met and group I have become a part of have had a large impact on what I do now, and what I want to do in the future.”

Fox’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to education exemplify the qualities the SCI Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Scholarship seeks to honor. 

To help support exceptional TAs, donations to the SCI Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Scholarship can be made here. In the Designation box, donors may enter: Purpose: (55D931) CoC/SCI - Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Scholarship Endowment.