Demba Komma
Students from many locations arrive at the University of Mississippi ready to begin a new educational experience. However, some students are further from home than others. Demba Komma of the West African Republic of The Gambia is one of those students.
Komma, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, learned about the university through a program called Study Abroad Group to Universities in the USA. His interest in engineering stems from his success in math and physics courses during high school, and a desire to satisfy his curiosity about how electronic devices are made.
After researching opportunities available through the UM School of Engineering, he chose to enroll here.
“I was impressed with the caliber of the faculty in the electrical engineering department, the small size of the school, and I received a generous scholarship,” Komma said.
Since arriving at Ole Miss, Komma has immersed himself in campus life, which has helped him adjust to being far away from family and friends. He describes the experience so far as life-changing.
“There is a unique mixture of strong academics and a fun, welcoming atmosphere,” Komma said. “I have enjoyed tailgating and football, which is a new sport to me. Ole Miss has become a second home to me.”
Komma also credits support from engineering faculty and the Office of International Programs for helping him transition into the university.
“I know all the faculty members in my department, and it is easy to seek help from them if I need it,” he said. “The international programs staff has also helped me a great deal.”
Komma’s instructors have found him a delight to work with.
“It is a pleasure to have Demba as a student here,” said Ramanarayanan “Vish” Viswanathan, chair and professor of electrical engineering. “Recently, he encouraged a student who has shown interest in electrical engineering to join the B.S. program, and he helped him to get adjusted to a challenging freshman class. Truly, Demba is a great ambassador for our department.”
Komma has joined a number of campus organizations while maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average. His memberships include Engineers Without Borders, EDUganda and the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers, a professional organization for students in electrical engineering. He was also selected to serve as a School of Engineering Ambassador and assist in recruiting new students and promoting the STEM fields to elementary and secondary school students.
Komma said he believes that being a part of student groups has helped him meet new people with similar interests and has also helped in his adjustment to the university. He encourages other international students to consider the university if they want to have an opportunity to balance academics with a great social atmosphere.
After graduation, he plans to attend graduate school with hopes to work for a university before returning to his home country.