Dr. Hudson Lynam joining UA Department of Computer Science!
Welcome new Assistant Professor of Practice!
Dr. Hudson Lynam will be joining the Department of Computer Science faculty in fall 2025. We asked Dr. Lynam to answer our "Getting to know you" questions. Responses below.
Educational background/short bio:
I grew up in Reno, Nevada, and moved to Atlanta, GA, to attend Georgia Tech in 2014. I received my BS in Computer Science (with emphasis on Theory and AI) in 2017 from Georgia Tech and moved back to Reno to work on other skillsets. I joined the University of Nevada, Reno's Computer Science PhD program in 2019, and am graduating in August this year. I worked in several different TA positions throughout my tenure, as well as working as an RA for UNR's VR lab.
Research interests:
My research interests are in Human-Computer Interaction, largely focused on AR and VR. The research I did as part of our VR lab involved how to better navigate both real-world and virtual-world contexts using AR and VR respectively.
Why did you apply to join the University of Arizona Department of Computer Science?
I knew that the University of Arizona has a great Computer Science department by reputation, and I wanted to work in a department that really valued education. I also prefer the desert climate, so I focused on application efforts on states like Texas, Arizona, etc. I didn't know everything about the department when I applied, but after meeting many of the faculty, I was very glad I did. I'm really looking forward to working with such dedicated, nice people.
What made you interested in pursuing a career in higher education/the academy?
I come from a family with a lot of professors/teachers, so I always considered it strongly as an option. I learned I had a passion for computer science early on in my college days, and I discovered that I had passion for teaching too soon after I started working as a TA. After that, it was natural to pursue a career in academia.
What are you looking forward to most in coming to UA?
I look forward to teaching computer science, and inspiring students to learn about what I consider a fascinating subject. I also look forward to working with everyone in the department to make it the best place it can be.
Any other information you would like students, staff, faculty, alumni, etc. to know about you.
I'm very nerdy about most things, from video games to reading fantasy novels, so I expect I'll get along great with both faculty and students. I'm looking forward to meeting those I haven't met and getting to know the ones I have better!