Meet Albert Zou, a Rutgers University senior from Holmdel, NJ, whose journey at RU epitomizes perseverance and drive.  Last December, Albert completed the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships – a 1.2-mile open-water swim, a 56-mile bicycle ride, and a 13.1-mile run. Do you think that’s impressive? Albert is also a quadruple major and is on pace to receive degrees in computer science, math, linguistics, and cognitive science this May.  We recently sat down with Albert, who shared how mentoring peers and setting goals guided him through his Rutgers academic career.

 

Balancing four demanding majors alongside intensive Ironman training requires exceptional time management. What strategies do you employ to maintain high performance across these diverse commitments?

Getting 1% better every day. That breeds a mindset for consistency and prioritizing the journey/system over the goals. When big-picture plans seem overwhelming, it’s extremely useful to focus on what’s at hand and always take that next step, whether it’s the next mile or the next assignment, to avoid burnout.

 

Given your diverse academic background, what specific areas of computer science are you most passionate about?  What are your plans post-graduation?

I am most passionate about all things related to the intersection of computer science and language. While Natural Language Processing is the most popular, I’m also curious about the potential for AI to provide full linguistic immersion for people to learn languages in a native environment (i.e., the role of AI in human language acquisition). I am still figuring out my post-graduation plans, applying to a broad range of opportunities that interest me, from fellowships to software jobs to master’s programs.

 

As a learning assistant in the computer science department, what do you most enjoy about this role? 

I absolutely LOVE this role. I’ve been fortunate to be an LA for Data Structure for 6 semesters now, and each semester gets better than the last. It truly feels like for 3 hours a week (each LA typically has 3 recitations), I am plucked out of the stress and struggles of society and placed into a classroom just to chat with students about Data Structures. Virtually all of the students in computer science at Rutgers have in some way come from this course, whether it’s my students, other LAs, or tutors. I’m constantly inspired by how Professor Centeno and all the faculty involved with the program are passionate about improving the student experience. I’ve felt myself grow tremendously as a communicator, educator, and thinker through this opportunity, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested.

 

What advice would you give your peers on setting goals while at Rutgers?

Setting/Achieving goals is almost pointless without focusing on the system or lifestyle required to get there. If you prioritize achievable and repeatable systems, you’ll be satisfied with the journey; when the goals come, they’ll be extra. I love the quote, “The person who loves walking will walk further than the person who loves the destination.”

What is your favorite RU Memory?

The first memory that jumps to mind is the day 10+ of my friends, and I ran the Atlantic City Marathon/Half Marathon together, where everyone ran a personal best. My favorite memory on Rutgers Campus is probably watching Ron Harper Jr. hit the half-court game-winner against Purdue during my freshman year. There may never be a live sports moment that tops that for me, and I’m good with that.

 

 

Photo credits: Robert Zou