Tina McComiskey brought a big-picture mindset to her Computer Science degree, believing deeply in the power of education to drive informed change. At Portland State, she found a community that shared her values of inclusivity and open-mindedness. Now, McComiskey aims to use her computer science skills to uplift women, marginalized communities and low-income communities, coding for both equity and impact.
Inside Portland State: What was your journey to Portland State?
McComiskey: I was looking to be close to the city because I like urban settings, and I think the campus has some beautiful outside areas like the Park Blocks. It was also affordable and close to home.
Inside Portland State: What will you miss most?
McComiskey: In these unprecedented times, it has been a pleasure to be in a community with others who are inclusive and open-minded in Portland, and Portland State more specifically. I will miss that if I ever have to leave the state. And of course I'll miss having Fridays off too.
Inside Portland State: Can you share a memory that stands out for you when you think about your time at PSU?
McComiskey: Following up the last question, I remember the day after the 2024 election. Everywhere was eerily quiet, and everyone in my classes were just absolutely devastated about the results. I took some solace that at least I could be in a place surrounded by people who were just as depressed as me about those results.
Inside Portland State: Is there a professor or class that was especially impactful for you?
McComiskey: My advisor for the honors thesis, Primal Pappachan, has been an incredible person to work with throughout my final year here and has helped guide me through the process of coming up with ideas for my thesis and executing them.
Inside Portland State: As you get ready to graduate, how do you think your work or experiences have made a difference in our community?
McComiskey: My experience at PSU has shown me the importance of education to empower the people. Knowledge is what allows us to make informed decisions and understand the full picture. As Horace Mann said, “Education is our only political safety. Outside of this ark, all is deluge."
Inside Portland State: What kind of impact do you hope to make in the future?
McComiskey: I want to use my skills in computer science to go out there and score some wins for women, minorities, low income [communities] and humanity to better the world.
Inside Portland State: Any advice for current and future PSU students?
McComiskey: I survived off of a healthy balance of these three things: Support from friends, family and my community so I didn't feel like I had to battle everything alone; the pure spite and desire to prove the naysayers wrong and a little bit of self reflection to keep myself grounded and to remind myself it's ok to struggle and make mistakes because — fun fact — college is hard.