Driven by Discovery: Will Russo’s Lasting Impact on UNC Charlotte
By Bryson Foster ’23
Photos by Amy Hart
Will Russo has intertwined his passions of research and computer science, making an impact on UNC Charlotte that will be felt even after he graduates.
“I’m really happy to be at a university where I personally contributed to the growth and acceleration of my program. I won’t say I had a huge impact, but seeing a university and a college grow with you is exciting,” said Russo.
Russo, who will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a software engineering concentration and a sociology minor, always has been guided by a need for discovery. From engaging in undergraduate research to being a teaching assistant and creating student organizations, Russo considers UNC Charlotte a second home.
“I’ve changed a lot at UNC Charlotte, so it’s sad to move on from something that has had such a positive impact on my life, but I’m happy about where it is taking me,” said Russo.
A Growing Passion
Russo, who was born in the United Kingdom while his father was on a work program, was 2 years old when his family moved to Raleigh. His father, Tory, has worked on broadband encryption programs since the early 2000s and shared with his son a love for computer science.
“Early on, he would always encourage me to see if I could figure out a way around a problem, whether I could find out how things work, and if they have a loophole. He sparked my passion,” said Russo.
Upon graduating from Cardinal Gibbons High School in 2021, Russo knew early on that he would major in computer science, where he could solve complex problems.
“I didn’t think about anything else but computer science,” Russo said. I was fascinated from an early age and by the time I was in college, it was the logical conclusion for me.”
Russo chose UNC Charlotte because of the College of Computing and Informatics’ emergence nationally. He felt Charlotte would offer an opportunity to challenge himself and expand his knowledge.
“Academically, there was such rapid growth in the computer science program. I was excited to be a part of that when I applied, and I still am now,” said Russo.
Impact on Charlotte
Since his first year at Charlotte, Russo has been a teaching assistant for introductory computer science courses. He started this assistantship when Nadia Najjar, an assistant teaching professor, offered him a position he never expected.
“I couldn’t have had that experience anywhere else as an undergrad. The ability to lead my lab and to experience instructing on my own is something invaluable I hold from Charlotte,” said Russo.
Russo also serves as a leader of the Charlotte Green Initiative environmental organization and the Peaks and Professors Club, where students interact with their professors on nature hikes.
The Charlotte Green Initiative offers practical solutions, such as sunscreen dispensers on campus, and ways to make the campus more inclusive, with gardens near Jamil Niner Student Pantry.
“It’s a nice way for students to be involved and give back,” Russo said “I want to help others and building relationships to elevate my peers is something I feel passionate about.”
Undergrad Research Endeavors
Najjar’s impact on Russo didn’t stop with his teaching assistantship. She stoked his interest in research by asking him to work alongside her on the Fast 15 project. This collaboration between CCI and UNC Charlotte’s organizational science program creates an application that helps animal rescue organizations assess their capacity and need for volunteers.
“Dr. Najjar had this project running when I approached her about independent research. I wouldn’t have predicted working with animal rescue shelters, so I’m glad I had the opportunity,” said Russo.
Through additional research with Heather Lipford, professor of software and information systems, Russo has researched artificial intelligence and the rise of ChatGPT in society. He is currently taking steps to submit a research paper for which he is the first author.
“Publishing research as an undergraduate is something I did not imagine was possible,” Russo said. “It has prepared me for the next part of my journey in graduate school.”
Russo credits both Najjar and Lipford for getting him where he is today.
“Dr. Najjar gets all the credit for sparking my interest, and Dr. Lipford for honing it. They significantly impacted my life at Charlotte,” said Russo.
Post-Graduate Life
After Russo graduates he will attend the University of Maryland at College Park in the fall, where he will pursue a Ph.D. in computer science. He will continue his research endeavors through a fellowship program focusing on computer privacy and cybersecurity.
Russo hopes to return to UNC Charlotte as a professor in the future, but for now, he hopes he has left a legacy.
“I want my peers and faculty to think of whom I impacted,” he said. “I don’t care if I get credit for giving back to others because it’s how I’ve helped,” said Russo.
Bryson Foster ‘23 will complete a Master of Arts in Communication Studies in May 2025; he is an intern for the Office of University Communications.