Mohammad Fotouhi, a student in the Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) program, has received the Honor Society Foundation’s Graduate Achiever Scholarship for Winter 2020.

The scholarship is one of seven highly competitive awards the foundation presents to students across the U.S. who demonstrate high academic achievement and determination.

“Winning this scholarship is a great encouragement and it is an honor to be recognized for this competitive award,” Fotouhi said.

Originally from Iran, Fotouhi received his Ph.D. in geotechnical engineering from Iowa State University, where he also discovered a passion for computer science. After his doctoral work required him to program and do data analysis, he wanted to continue his education with OMSCS.

Fotouhi joined OMSCS in January 2018 to study machine learning. Throughout the program, he has maintained a 4.0 GPA. Because of his grades, he was invited to join the National Honor Society and apply for its scholarships. He will use the funding for his final semester.

OMSCS has been life changing for Fotouhi. After he graduates this spring, he will shift careers from geotechnical/structural engineering to data science.

“Attending OMSCS is one of the best decisions I’ve made,” he said. “The quality and scope of the courses offered has allowed me to make progress in my career.”