The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Corps are chosen to serve as representatives to all constituents of CAS and to create, promote and execute opportunities for academic and professional growth. These students represent a variety of departments from across CAS and will represent the College at events through interaction among current students, future students, parents, donors and alumni.
Throughout the year, we will be introducing new students representing the College in the 2024-25 academic year through a question and answer format. For more about the CAS Corps, visit: cas.appstate.edu/students/cas-corps.
Hermès Henry
Year: Senior
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Pittsboro, N.C.
What brought you to App State?
“I came to App because of the mountains and the size of the school. The mountains are great because it's always ten degrees cooler up here than it is at home, and being surrounded by the mountains makes campus feel pretty cozy; plus, not every school gives you the choice to take a skiing class as part of the General Education curriculum! On top of that, having such small class sizes makes it easy to get to know your professors.”
Which clubs or organizations are you a member of?
Game Development Club
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
Pi Delta Phi French Honor Society
What research or coursework have you been most passionate about?
“For my senior honors thesis, I've been working with brain-computer interfaces, which I find super interesting! There's a lot we don't know about the brain, and my research is exploring the applications of non-invasive devices that can help us easily map the brain.”
Which location(s) do you hope to visit for an internship, a study abroad trip, a research experience, or just for fun?
“Montreal, Canada. I've always heard Canadian French has a funny accent compared to what I'm used to with traditional French, so I think going there to hear some more of it would make for an entertaining trip.”
Where is your favorite place on campus and why?
“There's a quiet corner near the offices on the third floor of Anne Belk, which is a great place to work between classes since I'm not far from where I need to go next.”
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
“My favorite memory would be my study abroad trip this past summer. Appalachian gave me the opportunity to stay in Grenoble, France, for a little over eight weeks this summer while also doing an internship, which gave me a ton of valuable work experience and professional development. Being abroad for eight weeks was a lot of fun because I got to try tons of new foods and do more sightseeing than I probably have ever done in the previous twenty years.”
What do you like about Boone and the surrounding community?
“My favorite thing is not having to drive very far to get to the closest ski slopes and that the closest one offers frequent student discounts.”
What are your hobbies?
“I like to play video games and ski in the winter. I also really love music, so I go to music festivals when I can.”
What is your favorite book, podcast, artist, and/or television show?
“I can't pick just one favorite book, but if I could pick a series it would be Diary of a Wimpy Kid; I think the author is a funny guy and the humor is very relatable, even if I've outgrown it. My favorite artist is Cody Fry, and my favorite TV show is Silicon Valley because it's giving me a comedic insight into my future career and office environment.”
Tell us about one faculty or staff member that has made an impact on your life and how.
“Dr. Mark Hills has definitely made the biggest impact on my life. He has been incredibly supportive in letting me pursue my interest in brain-computer interfaces and giving me every opportunity I need to be successful.”
What do you feel has been valuable in your education at Appalachian versus another institution?
“The small class sizes have been super helpful; I often see a lot of the same classmates in most of my classes, it's like having a cohort getting their degrees at the same time as you, so you have a great support system.”
What do you hope to do after graduation?
“After I graduate, I'm going to stick around for another year to finish my master's degree, then I hope to go off and join a research lab and research or invent something new that can help people.”
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About the Department of Computer Science
Appalachian’s Department of Computer Science provides a rigorous, high-quality education that prepares students for the computing industry or graduate education. It offers a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, which is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, and a Master of Science degree in computer science. Learn more at compsci.appstate.edu.
Compiled by Lauren Gibbs
December 9, 2024
BOONE, N.C.
CAS Corps member Hermès Henry is a senior computer science major from Pittsboro. Photo submitted
CAS Corps member Hermès Henry is a senior computer science major from Pittsboro. Photo submitted