Computer Science Graduate Finds Confidence, Community at UCM

Computer Science graduate student Vamshi Raoulakola will graduate with his master’s degree during Spring 2026 Commencement.

 

Countdown to Commencement

The University of Central Missouri offers a community of support, allowing students to redefine what’s possible as they forge a path to their future. With help from faculty and staff, UCM students are empowered to be the heroes of their own stories and as we prepare for Spring 2026 Commencement, the News Bureau is shining a spotlight on some of those stories.

 

When Vamshi Raoulakola steps across the stage at the University of Central Missouri’s (UCM) Spring 2026 Commencement, it will mark the end of a journey that began with a first step onto a two-day trip from India and led him to a master’s degree, a new community and the next chapter of his career.

Originally from Hyderabad in India’s Telangana state, Raoulakola came to UCM in August 2024 to build on his professional experience and pursue a master’s degree in Computer Science.

 

“I was looking for three things,” he said. “Quality of education, the environment and cost. UCM had all three, along with professors doing strong research in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing. I knew I could grow here.”

That growth began soon after he arrived, though not without uncertainty. Traveling to the United States meant leaving home for the first time and navigating a two-day journey with connecting flights.

“I was nervous,” he said. “I had never lived away from home. I didn’t know how people would be or what to expect.”

Those concerns eased quickly.

“The first thing I noticed was how welcoming everyone was,” he said. “People would smile, say hello and ask how your day was. It made me feel like I wasn’t alone. It wasn’t just the university, it was the whole community.”

That sense of belonging grew through his work and relationships on campus. Raoulakola served as a student worker within UCM’s Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications (IMC).

“It felt like a part of the family,” he said. “The staff and faculty here really care. They understand the challenges students face and help guide you through them.”

 

Chris Young, IMC’s director of digital marketing, has high praise for Raoulakola: “Vamshi hit the ground running in our office and never looked back. Even as a student worker, his classroom and real-world experience made him stand out as a valued member of our team. Beyond that, his winning personality left a lasting impression with everyone in our office.”

In the classroom, Raoulakola said faculty helped him connect theory to practice while preparing him for the job market.

“They didn’t just teach concepts,” he said. “They showed us how to apply them, how to approach problems and how to handle real-world situations. That changed the way I think.”

 

“I had the pleasure of teaching Vamshi in my Advanced Database Systems class in 2025,” said Khomsun Singhirunnusorn, Ph.D., assistant instructor of Computer Science and Software Engineering. “He was a dedicated and proactive student who consistently engaged with the material and excelled in class assessments. I was particularly impressed by his interest in modern technology, specifically his work on integrating large language models with database applications.”

During his time at UCM, Raoulakola built a portfolio of projects focused on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, completed an Amazon Web Services (AWS) certification, and participated in regional hackathons, including the Midwest Hackathon.

“These experiences helped me build skills that matter,” he said. “They also gave me the chance to meet other students and professionals and learn from them.”

Some of his most memorable moments came outside the classroom. Campus activities that brought together students from different countries, along with attending his first American football game, helped him adjust to a new environment.

“It was all new to me,” he said. “Even simple things became meaningful because I was experiencing them for the first time.”

After graduation, Raoulakola will begin an internship working with cross-functional teams on distributed systems, cloud deployment and AI-driven tools using languages such as Java and Python.

“I’m excited,” he said. “It’s a chance to apply what I’ve learned and keep growing in the field.”

Looking back, Raoulakola said his time at UCM shaped him both professionally and personally.

“It’s not just about earning a master’s degree,” he said. “It’s about how you grow as a person. I’ve learned how to handle challenges, how to think differently and how to keep moving forward when things feel uncertain.”

As the first member of his family to pursue a graduate degree abroad, that experience carries added meaning.

 

“If I look back at the person who first came here, I think he would be surprised,” Raoulakola said. “But he would also be proud.” He now describes UCM as a second home. “It helped me grow professionally, academically and personally,” he said. “I know I made the right decision coming here.”

As he prepares to begin his career, Raoulakola said the lessons he gained extend beyond the classroom.

“It taught me to find solutions, even when things seem uncertain,” he said. “That’s something I’ll carry with me wherever I go.”

 

       

Check the News Bureau daily from May 4-8, as we share stories of UCM graduates who are redefining what’s possible and shaping the future, one step across the stage at a time.