Omer Abbas

"Be like a candle; burn yourself out to give others light."

Meet Omer Abbas, a dedicated Computer Science student pursuing his B.S. degree at Virginia Tech. He finds himself in his third year of study and takes great pride in maintaining a GPA of 3.64. Hailing from Ashburn, Virginia, Omer values the quality of education at Virginia Tech in the College of Engineering. The emphasis on practical application and real-world use of coursework, along with the receptiveness to student feedback, has contributed to his success as an engineer.

Outside of academics, Omer nurtures several hobbies, including drawing, reading, and working out. Drawing has been a lifelong passion for him, particularly sketching characters and bringing them to life. As an aspiring concept artist, he dreams of designing characters for animated movies, drawing inspiration from artists like Alberto Mieglo. Among his favorite cartoon characters, Finn from Adventure Time holds a special place for his bravery and resilience in the face of adversity.

Music is an essential part of Omer's life, and he gravitates towards pop, particularly admiring the legendary Michael Jackson. "Smooth Criminal" stands as one of his favorite songs, showcasing Jackson's captivating persona and extraordinary moves. When it comes to movies, "Into the Spider-Verse" holds the crown for Omer's favorite film due to its groundbreaking animation and captivating storytelling.

Omer draws inspiration from his friend Gino, admiring his strong character, integrity, and time management skills. At Virginia Tech, Omer has been involved with the College of Engineering, working as a teaching assistant and engaging in an independent study to improve Canvas for students and teachers.

Looking towards the future, Omer envisions himself at the forefront of the next breakthrough in the field of computer science, particularly in the realm of generative AI and deep learning. His passion for the subject and the potential for groundbreaking advancements motivate him to pursue a career in research and development.

While striving for excellence in his studies and career, Omer also recognizes the need to strike a balance with technology. As a CS student, he acknowledges its significance but aims to be more mindful of its impact on his daily life. Embracing the quote, "Be like a candle; burn yourself out to give others light," Omer endeavors to be a guiding light for others through his efforts and inspiration.