NSF CSGrad4US Fellows - Get to Know Mora Labisi

By Elora Daniels, Communications Associate

Returning to academia can be a challenging endeavor; knowing what makes your application shine and how to narrow down your research focus can feel overwhelming. That’s where the NSF CSGrad4US Graduate Fellowship and Mentoring Program comes in.

The NSF CSGrad4US program supports industry professionals wanting to go back to school to get their PhD. The first phase of the program matches individuals with a mentor to help guide them through their application process and support them in their journey from industry professional to PhD student. Once accepted into a PhD program, students then become an NSFCSGrad4US Fellow, which notably includes funding for their research.

Mora Labisi is an NSF CSGrad4US Fellow, currently pursuing a joint PhD in computer science and learning sciences at Northwestern University. Before her return to academia, Mora worked as a Software Engineer at Starbucks Technology. During her time as an industry professional, she recognized the need to “shed light on the importance of comprehensive and effective education in shaping skilled professionals,” which influenced her decision to return to school.

She recently sat down with us to share her insights into being an NSF CSGrad4US Fellow.

How did you learn about the NSF CSGrad4US Fellowship program?

I reconnected with one of my professors from undergrad, Dr. Tingting Chen, and became involved in her nonprofit Code The Spectrum, an organization dedicated to providing neurodivergent people of various ages with technical training and direct connections to meaningful opportunities in the tech industry. In particular, I worked as Technical Programming Co-Chair for the organization’s first-ever Inclusive Coding Festival, where I collaborated with and heard from inspiring professors on a weekly basis. It was through my work on the ICF that I began to think seriously about pursuing a PhD and becoming a computer science professor who can make an impact teaching the next generation of computer science professionals.

What has been the most rewarding part of being an NSF CSGrad4US Fellow?

The honor of having secured funding for the duration of my PhD cannot be understated. Thanks to this fellowship, I have the freedom to think seriously about my research as a first-year PhD Student without having to worry about securing the appropriate funding.

What would your advice be to those interested in applying?

Don’t be afraid to tell your story. I think being able to tell your story does a great job of allowing you to show off your achievements and accomplishments in a way that also highlights your individual journey and potential as a person.

Through your mentoring experience, did you have any ‘lightbulb moments’ of insight about your career or earning a PhD? If so, what were they?

In regards to the PhD application process, getting a transparent look at what an admissions committee looks for and how applicants are prioritized gave me the freedom that comes with knowing that anything beyond my application is out of my control! After having that realization, all I had to do was prepare my application materials and tell my story, and the people and programs that aligned with me would find their way to me.

How do you hope to improve the field of computing beyond your time as an NSF CSGrad4US Fellow?

Ultimately, I intend to bring empathy and passion to the field — especially when it comes to female computer science majors. It’s comforting to know that there are plenty of initiatives dedicated to introducing students to Computer Science while they’re in elementary, middle, and high school. However, I can’t help but be concerned about the lack of easily accessible support for these students beyond the K-12 system.

I believe we shouldn’t leave these students to their own devices as they are tasked with the challenge of navigating life as a computer science major, and I’m dedicated to providing sufficient education, support, and guidance for the future computer science students I will have the honor of teaching in the future.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about going back to school for a PhD in computing?

Making the switch back to academia from industry puts you in a unique position that not many people find themselves in. As someone in this position, you have a lot to offer and bring in a new perspective that not many grad students (and even professors) may have. If you feel the calling to return to academia, go for it!

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience as an NSF CSGrad4US Fellow?

I am so thankful that I found my way to the NSF CSGrad4US Fellowship. Attempting to return to academia on my own would have been overwhelming, to say the least. It’s thanks to the resources, funding, and community that CSGrad4US offers that I’ve been able to embark on my PhD journey!