James Hill (expects to obtain Ph.D. in 2009)

Research area: Quality-of-service enabled middleware and model-drivenengineering, computer science.

Undergraduate degree from: Morehouse College

Outside interests/activities: National Society of Black Engineers, Organization of Black Graduate and Professional Students, VIBE (hip-hop dancing), traveling, and hanging with friends.

Why Vanderbilt: Out of all the programs that accepted me, Vanderbilt was the only program that offered a MS in conjunction with a Ph.D. Vanderbilt was also the most welcoming of all the schools I visited. I meet a majority of the faculty and got a closer look at their computer science program. This helped me to realize that I would get the most opportunity at Vanderbilt. The faculty were enthusiastic and made me feel that if I came to Vanderbilt I would reach my true potential, and pursue an

area of my interest with the most support. Finally, I'm from Nashville, so the location was a plus.

Likes best about Vanderbilt Engineering: It's a great social atmosphere in addition to a great place to learn and do research. The people here understand the need for a balance between work and play. Whether they host a graduate social to release tension and relax or invite students to a holiday event, they create an atmosphere that promotes success because they understand the needs and wants of their students.