Computer Science Curriculum Redesign Proposal; Analysis of The FTX Cryptocurrency Exchange Collapse

Author:
Donovan, Tyler, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia

Advisors:
Morrison, Briana, EN-Comp Science Dept, University of Virginia
Laugelli, Benjamin, University of Virginia

Abstract:

In my technical research project, I proposed some potential changes to the computer
science (CS) curriculum at UVA, which is heavily affected by the network of human and
non-human actors established by UVA. To gain additional insight into how these actors can
affect the broader network, my STS research examined how faulty actors in FTX can cause a
network to collapse. By understanding what social and technical actors can cause a network to
fail, I was able to apply it to the technical project by proposing how to avoid faulty actors and
improve weaker relationships within the network. While my technical and STS research are
exploring different types of networks, they are still both addressing a larger and more complex
network, allowing for relevant data to be collected and applied to the technical proposal.
My technical work focuses on how restructuring the current CS curriculum at UVA can
help improve employment rates across the department. My proposal addresses a problem where
there is increasing difficulty in obtaining internships and jobs within computer science because
students need to be equipped with technical skills sooner than they had to in the past to remain
competitive. The changes I propose in my work attempt to address this by moving heavy
technical classes earlier into the curriculum while pushing theory-heavy classes back and
creating some courses to provide support for students preparing for internships and job
applications. The goal of this project is to help provide UVA CS students with better
opportunities and preparation for applying to the industry while maintaining such a large CS
program.
My STS research explores how FTX’s network failed on such a grand scale from the
perspective of an actor network theory analysis. The research focuses on the human and
non-human actors within the FTX network, such as celebrities, advertising, leverage, and the
complex relationships between them. In the paper, I claim that complex relationships between
technical and social actors created a cycle of monetary exploitation within FTX, which
accelerated its growth but ultimately led to its failure. My paper further explores the specific
roles each actor played within the network as well as the important relationships they had with
other actors and their effects. The goal of my research is to raise discussion about how the entire
FTX network was responsible for the failure rather than a single bad actor.
Being able to work on both the technical and STS research projects together, I was able to
understand that I need to consider both technical and social actors in the UVA CS department
when choosing what changes to make. Learning how these actors and their relationships
impacted one another in the FTX network guided my decision-making in the technical proposal,
especially when considering relationships between different actors, such as student-course or
student-faculty relationships. By carefully considering these factors that I learned from my STS
project, I was able to build a more intricate technical proposal and guide any technical
management work that I may have in the future.