Each week we're featuring a Q&A with a member of our faculty in the School of Computing. Get to know some of our professors! This week we're featuring Assistant Professor of Practice Dr. Bhuvana Gopal.
Name: Dr. Bhuvana Gopal
Title: Assistant Professor of Practice
What are your research areas or areas of specialty/interest?
My main research area is software engineering education and computer science education. I am also interested in software engineering research.
What courses are you teaching this year?
I teach Software Engineering (CSCE 361), Software Security in Practice (CSCE 360), SoC Internships (CSCE 495), and I am also the faculty coordinator for the Learning Assistant (LA) Program here at the School of Computing.
How did you first become interested in computing or your specific area of computing?
I learned how to program in high school and loved it. However, I did my master’s degree in medical physics before I found my place in computing. Once I reconnected with programming, I started working for a U.S. based company from India. When I moved here, I pursued my second master’s degree—this time in computer science here at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. A guest lecture in CSCE 361 by Jon Conradt, who was a senior software engineer at Gallup at the time, changed how I perceived software engineering, and I haven’t looked back since. I finished my master’s degree, and worked in the software industry in Lincoln for over 14 years, in various roles including senior and lead software engineer.
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of computing? What do you enjoy most about those?
I absolutely love spending time with my family. I enjoy creating and playing music, and singing in the choir.
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Weekends are family time and I love to cook for my family.
Where is your favorite place you've traveled?
I have been fortunate to have traveled widely, but my favorite place is Ireland.
What is your favorite food?
South Indian vegetarian food is my favorite. I also love a good baked mac and cheese or any kind of casserole.
What is a fun fact or something other members of the school may not know about you?
I train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for fitness and have been doing so for almost a decade now.
What is your favorite thing about being a part of the School of Computing?
I really enjoy working with the people at the School of Computing. The students are the absolute best—they are the reason I do what I do. The staff are the nicest, friendliest, and most cooperative. Having obtained my master’s and Ph.D. from the School of Computing, I have known many of the senior faculty members as my professors, but also as colleagues. I have also known many of the staff members for a very long time! I am also a faculty spouse as my husband Dr. Byrav Ramamurthy is a professor here at the School of Computing—that makes me truly connect to this school not only as a twice alumna and current faculty member, but also socially—and that is my favorite thing about being a part of the School of Computing.