Second-year PhD student Doron Reed is a rising researcher whose journey with RITA began when the program helped fund his return to Howard University. Guided by strong mentorship, a passion for computer science, and a growing confidence in tackling complex technical challenges, Reed is quickly carving out his place in the field. His experience reflects both the rigor of autonomy research and the supportive community that fuels it.
Q: Can you start by sharing your name, school, and field of study?
My name is Doron Reed. I am a second-year PhD student at Howard University, and my major is Computer Science.
Q: What inspired you to join the RITA program?
I actually learned about the RITA program through their support as my funders. They helped me return to Howard University to begin my PhD, and from there I was able to join different projects. I now work under Dr. Andy, who introduced me to what RITA is, and I’ve had the privilege of contributing as much as I can so far.
Q: What drew you to computer science?
I have to go all the way back to elementary school. I randomly wanted to learn Ruby. I don’t know why or how, but I found a true interest in it. I went to a specialized software engineering high school, and I stuck with it. Now I’m doing my PhD in computer science.
Q: What has been your most memorable experience at RITA so far?
This new project I just joined, which I presented yesterday. It was very different. I was nervous and they threw me into the water. But they welcomed me in, laid out the foundation and the groundwork, and I was able to contribute really well.
Q: When you’re thrown into a new or challenging environment, how do you handle it?
For one, having faith in the Lord. And two, understanding that my community plays a huge factor. Having Dr. Andy has been a huge support system. I think he sees something in me. And meeting Dr. Reliford, she has helped me tremendously, understanding satellites and what they need, and having faith in me as well. Having that kind of support system helps me through a lot.
Q: Who has been a mentor or role model for you at RITA?
I met Dr. Andy in my senior year of undergrad at Howard. You can just tell when somebody feels like you can push forward and that you’ve got this. Hearing that consistently makes all the difference. Dr. Reliford and I just met recently in person, but hearing her talk about her experience and her path has been very beneficial.
Q:How has collaborating with others influenced your work?
It’s definitely given me a more collaborative mindset. Hearing about other people’s projects and what they’re studying is inspirational. It makes me want to do my project as well as them. And being able to pick somebody else’s brain and go along this journey together, that’s been great.
Q:What’s your dream job or long-term goal?
I think I’m still searching for what I really want to do, but as of these past several months working on the RITA project, I wouldn’t mind being a research scientist. I like the job and the work. Doing the whole process researching, writing, doing the projects. I can do that.
Q:What impact do you hope to make in your field?
Really reaching out to the communities that helped raise me. I want to reach back out to young people to show them there are different ways to apply your creativity in a technical aspect. I want to be an inspiration.
Q:What skills have you gained that you didn’t expect?
Definitely public speaking. There’s always room for improvement, but I’ve gotten better since undergrad, especially working at RITA.
Q: What advice would you give another student considering joining RITA?
Be open-minded. Do the hard thing. I feel like that fits this new project. I could have said I don’t understand this or I haven’t coded in Python in a while, but because I did the hard thing, it pushed me in the right direction. Now I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next.
