Abstract
Innovation is often framed as a solution to technological problems, yet the systems that produce such innovations are themselves shaped by complex social dynamics. My capstone project, Cavpool, is an iOS-based ridesharing application designed specifically for University of Virginia students to provide a safe and transportation alternative. This project was undertaken to address the lack of reliable off-Grounds travel options for students, particularly those without access to personal vehicles. In contrast, my STS research paper, Computer Science: An Undergraduate Epidemic, examines the shifting perception of computer science degrees as a “golden ticket” to stable, high-paying careers. This research was motivated by growing my personal experience with the discrepancies between the expectations promoted by universities and the realities of an increasingly competitive job market. One project focuses on a technical solution while the other focuses on analyzing a sociotechnical issue, but both are connected through their exploration of how computer science creates value and how that value is perceived within society.
Cavpool directly addresses the problem of expensive and inconvenient student transportation by offering a new ridesharing platform exclusive to UVA students. The application utilizes NetBadge authentication to ensure user trust and integrates Stripe for secure payment processing. By using Flutter with a Firebase backend, the app enables students to post, search for, and join rides based on specific trip criteria such as time, destination, and cost. Additional safety features, including a panic button and post-ride rating system, were also implemented to increase reliability and accountability.
The results of the Cavpool project demonstrate that targeted, community-specific applications can effectively address gaps left by broader, generalized services. By restricting access to only verified UVA students, the platform increases trust and reduces the risks associated with existing informal ridesharing methods such as social media coordination. Furthermore, the integration of secure payment handling and real-time ride management simplifies the workflow and promotes fairness between drivers and riders. Beyond this functionality, Cavpool also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing redundant car trips and encouraging shared transportation. Overall, the project illustrates how thoughtfully designed software can produce real improvements in everyday student life and the world as a whole.
My STS research explores the question: how has the perception of the computer science major as a guaranteed pathway to early-career stability evolved in response to recent labor market changes and what factors have contributed to this shift? This question is significant because it challenges a popular belief that has influenced educational institutions’ priorities and student career expectations for almost two decades. Using Actor-Network Theory as a methodological framework, this research analyzes the interactions between key actors in the network such as universities, employers, and students. A combination of quantitative labor market data and qualitative academic literature allows the study to examine how these actors collectively shape both the perception and reality of computer science degrees.
The findings of this research reveal that while computer science remains economically valuable, the assumption that a degree alone guarantees career success has quickly become largely invalid. Evidence shows that rapid expansion in CS degree programs combined with declining entry-level job opportunities and the rise of automated hiring systems has created a disconnect between the products of university degrees and employer demand. As a result, the degree has shifted from being a primary indicator of employability to just one component in addition to internships, networking, and other credentials. The study concludes that meaningful change will require coordinated efforts across universities, employers, and students to better align higher education with post-graduate realities.
