Four Questions with Nick Perello
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Nick Perello '18, '20MS, a PhD candidate in the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) from Miami, Florida, is one of three graduate students selected to receive the 2023 Commitment to Diversity Award, presented during Commencement 2023. Cited for his exceptional service to the university community, Perello is described as "a tireless leader working to create an inclusive environment for computer science education, both as a student advocate and as a mentor and instructor of underrepresented undergraduates."
How do you think your experiences as a person of color have influenced your academic and career goals?
My experiences definitely affected my career and academic goals. My background exposed me to the issues in technology and computer science that are faced by individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. This exposure eventually led me to pursue research and, ultimately, a PhD where I'm focusing on ethical artificial intelligence and fairness in machine learning to prevent algorithmic discrimination.
My professional plans are to continue focusing on my research and teaching where I can. My research is largely focused on preventing algorithmic discrimination. As for teaching, I try to incorporate methods for supporting students from diverse backgrounds wherever I can.
In your opinion, what are some of the biggest challenges facing underrepresented groups in higher education?
Loneliness or feeling left out. For a lot of underrepresented folks, especially in computing, college is the first time where their identity stands out. That is, for the first time, students might experience being one of the only people of a particular identity in their lecture, lab, dorm, etc. Having more students from diverse backgrounds would obviously help, but that is a major structural change that takes time.
For students already on campus, I'd say that fostering an inclusive classroom, eliminating competition, and focusing on individual growth would be best. There are plenty of examples and studies discussing how students in STEM-related majors from underrepresented backgrounds leave their major because of hostile classroom environments – whether this comes from competition in the classroom or because of social biases among the people in the course. Having instructors who are generally aware of how this happens in their classrooms and how to identify it goes a long way to helping students feel welcome and included.
"Realize how valuable you are and remember that just by being here, you already show the success of all your hard work." - Nick Perello '18, '20MS
What advice would you give to other students who want to promote diversity and inclusion on campus or in their community?
Reach out to folks and join programs even if they're outside of campus or your immediate community. You can use what you learn from these opportunities to promote diversity and inclusion on campus. This was my experience when I joined Code2040 – a national nonprofit leading racial equity work in the tech industry – during the summers as a UMass rising senior and before I continued into the MS program. I credit the lessons learned from the incredible group of people I met those summers for any of the diversity recognitions I've received since then.
What message would you like to send to other students who may feel discouraged or excluded because of their identity or background?
Realize how valuable you are and remember that just by being here, you are already showing the success of all your hard work. Also, I'd say to reach out to advocates of diversity. Advocates like me or Erika Dawson Head in the CICS Office for Diversity & Inclusion, are always happy to help students out. Many advocates come from diverse backgrounds and have navigated the same feelings. Even if we don't have the capacity to help, we can always lead someone to the right person.