This month, the Graduate College is proud to feature Shusmoy Chowdhury, an alum of the Master’s in Computer Science program and now an Enterprise Software Engineer at Digital Monitoring Product Inc. Persistent, motivated, and reliable – these words he uses to describe himself are reflected throughout his time at Missouri State University.  

How Passion About Research Shaped Graduate Education 

Shusmoy’s passion for research began during his undergraduate studies in Bangladesh, where he developed a foundation in computing and a growing curiosity about areas like software engineering, data analysis, and intelligent systems. As he approached graduation, he realized that pursuing a master’s degree was the next step. “Pursuing a master’s degree felt like a natural next step to deepen my expertise and contribute meaningfully to the field,” he shared. He discovered Missouri State University’s Master’s in Computer Science program and felt it offered what he was looking for. “The program offers graduate assistantship opportunities, which provide both financial support and valuable academic experience,” Shusmoy explained. He was also drawn to the option of completing a thesis, which matched his strong interest in research. For him, MO State presented an environment where he could work closely with faculty on meaningful projects while strengthening his expertise in computer science, making it an “ideal environment to grow academically and professionally”, he said. 

Mentorship That Made a Difference 

When asked about his favorite class or professor, Shusmoy spoke about the strong mentorship he received from Dr. Ajay Katangur, Head of the Computer Science Department. “Dr. Katangur held a demanding role, yet he consistently made time to mentor and support me throughout my graduate journey. His guidance was instrumental in my academic success,” he shared. Under Dr. Katangur’s supervision, Shusmoy’s research was published in six conferences and two peer-reviewed journals. 

Beyond academics, he noted, “His emphasis on ethics, integrity, and a strong work ethic inspired me to become not only a better researcher but also a more principled individual.” 

Managing Responsibilities and Graduate Student Workload 

Managing time and responsibilities was one of the biggest challenges Shusmoy faced during his graduate studies. Between his coursework, thesis research, and his role as a graduate assistant in the Computer Science Department, his schedule was full. To stay on top of everything, he developed a structured plan that prioritized tasks and made the most of his time. Shusmoy also spent a lot of time in the department, especially in the lab, even when he didn’t have classes. “Being in the department helped me stay focused and gave me quick access to faculty whenever I needed guidance,” he said. With supportive professors and a collaborative environment, he was able to balance his workload, make steady progress on his research, and still find time to relax outside of school. 

“BEING PRESENT AND ENGAGED ON CAMPUS ALLOWED ME TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BALANCE BETWEEN MY ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND ASSISTANTSHIP DUTIES.”

A Memorable Research Milestone 

One of the highlights of Shusmoy’s graduate journey was presenting his research at the International Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work in Design in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Representing Missouri State University on an international stage gave him the chance to share his work with leading researchers in the field. He explained, “It validated the quality of my research and helped me expand my professional network.” Beyond the conference, exploring Rio’s culture, landmarks, and cuisine made the trip even more enriching.  

The Power of Community Support 

Shusmoy credits much of his success at Missouri State University to the support he received from the MO State community. He described the faculty in the Computer Science Department as “exceptionally approachable and generous with their time,” always ready to offer guidance whenever challenges arose. While Dr. Ajay Katangur served as his graduate advisor and mentor, he also recognized Dr. Siming Liu, Dr. Mohammed Y. Belkhouche, and Dr. Jamil Saquer for their mentorship and encouragement, which played an important role during his academic journey. Beyond faculty, his fellow graduate assistants and students created a collaborative and uplifting environment- sharing ideas, giving feedback, and offering support during stressful times.  

Distinguished Thesis Award

Among his professional accomplishments, Shusmoy considers receiving an Honorable Mention for the Distinguished Thesis Award from the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) as his proudest. He had the opportunity to accept the award in Indianapolis alongside Dr. Julie Masterson, former Dean of the Graduate College, marking an important milestone in his academic and professional journey.  

Turning Graduate Studies into Career Readiness 

For Shusmoy, his time at Missouri State University was more than coursework; it was hands-on preparation for his career as an Enterprise Software Engineer. Balancing research projects, his thesis, and graduate assistantship duties gave him real-world experience in managing complex tasks and collaborating with others. “Working closely with faculty on my thesis and participating in multiple research projects helped me develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical writing skills,” he said. The guidance and mentorship he received, particularly from Dr. Katangur, shaped not only his academic work but also his professional habits, helping him build the discipline and work ethic needed to succeed in a fast-paced, enterprise-level environment. 

Advice for Future #GradBears 

To students considering graduate studies at Missouri State University, Shusmoy encourages taking advantage of the resources and community available. “Faculty members are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely invested in student success,” he noted. He recommends staying engaged on campus, building relationships, and exploring opportunities such as graduate assistantships and thesis-based research. “Missouri State provides the resources—you just need to make the most of them.”