Outstanding Senior Spotlight: Victoria Lam

When computer engineering major Victoria Lam first enrolled at the University of California, Davis, she saw herself more as an artist interested in animation. Though initially unfamiliar with computing, she adapted quickly, excelling in her coursework and drawing a key insight: engineering can be a form of creative expression and a powerful tool that solves problems with tangible impacts.

"I appreciate how engineering lets me stay creative while solving real-world problems, and how my computer graphics and computer architecture courses have allowed me to continue exploring art and animation through the lens of computing," Lam said.

One of her favorite projects she worked on as an undergraduate was the final assignment in a computer graphics course. She worked with a team to render crepuscular rays in a 3D space using volumetric techniques and to perform shadow mapping on a complex indoor scene.

"This project was challenging," she said, "but it gave me a deeper appreciation for computer graphics used in games and movies."

She is especially grateful to Child Family Professor of Engineering and Entrepreneurship John Owens, who taught her computer architecture course. He welcomed and encouraged her questions and curiosity.  

"It is so evident through his actions how much he cares about students' learning, such as his very accessible office hours in the Kemper lobby, and his assignments were both challenging and fun."

During her time at UC Davis, she also served for one year as vice president and concertmaster of the Video Game Orchestra and for one year as treasurer of the university's chapter of Tau Beta Pi, a national honor society for engineers.

After graduation, Lam will begin her career as a test engineer for Texas Instruments. In the future, she plans to return to school to pursue a doctorate degree.