Major: Management Information Systems
Minor: Computer Science
Hometown: Olomouc, Czech Republic
Why he chose Behrend: I wanted a quiet and focused academic environment. University Park sounded too crowded for me, so I opted for Behrend, where I could fully concentrate on my studies.
Why he chose his major: My passion for artificial intelligence (AI) led me to explore various academic paths. I chose Management Information Systems because it allowed me to dive deeper into AI while leveraging my previously earned business credits.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Writing my Schreyer Honors Thesis has been the highlight of my academic journey. Having the opportunity to collaborate with professors I admire on a topic I’m deeply passionate about—and successfully completing it—stands as my proudest achievement.
Thesis topic: My thesis explored the role of emotions in economic decision-making, particularly whether they promote or hinder rational economic choices. This question has long been debated and has recently gained renewed interest as artificial intelligence advances, raising the question of the necessity of emotions in decision-making. While some argue that emotions are fundamental to decision-making, others suggest that an emotionless approach might be more desirable in specific contexts.
Challenges overcome: Transferring from the United Kingdom, where I studied International Business for a year, was already a challenge. However, the biggest challenge was shifting my focus from business to AI and cognitive science. Fortunately, with the support of my adviser, I was able to tailor my curriculum to align with my evolving interests, ultimately leading to my acceptance into a top AI graduate program in the Netherlands. (Editor’s note: Ostowar was accepted into three of the top AI graduate programs in the world!)
Advice for first-year students: Don’t feel locked in your initial major. The flexibility of the curriculum and my willingness to explore courses outside my field led me to discover my true passion. Take the opportunity to experiment, and you might find a path you never expected.
Ali has been accepted into the master’s program in Artificial Intelligence at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. After completing his degree, he plans to pursue a career in academia, focusing on AI and Cognitive Science.