What began over a decade ago as an informal “Computer Science Tea” has evolved into a vibrant fixture at Willamette University’s School of Computing & Information Sciences. Rebranded as TechBytes, the weekly computer and data science seminar operates as a modern extension of Willamette’s beloved academic hearth tradition — dedicated spaces across campus where students and faculty gather outside of class or formal office hours to learn from one another.
TechBytes seminars feature student and faculty speakers, guest lectures, alumni visitors, career preparation workshops, and more. Recent sessions have included “Building Better Apps with AI” with visiting researcher and AI consultant Greg Chism, who is building a member-owned digital civic infrastructure for Central Oregon. Other sessions focus on key professional skills like networking in the computing field or how to create an effective resume when applying for programming jobs. The events reliably bring out dozens of eager students and faculty; organizers even had to recently move the series to a bigger classroom meeting space to accommodate the interest. While the topics vary, there is one constant: pizza.
Uniting disciplines and deepening connections
TechBytes serves a vital role in bringing computer science and data science scholars together under one umbrella at Willamette’s newest school. By breaking down departmental boundaries, the seminars create a shared academic identity — bringing together graduate students and undergraduates, the Salem and Portland campuses, faculty and students, data scientists and computer scientists, and visitors from other departments who are interested in discussing issues in technology.
“TechBytes gives everyone a familiar, dedicated space to connect outside the classroom," says Elizabeth Silva Mendez BA’19, Faculty Support Manager for the School of Computing & Information Sciences. "Whether we are hosting faculty research talks, resume workshops for programmers, or previewing upcoming electives, it serves whatever purpose our community needs.”
These gatherings foster close interaction between faculty and students, allowing students to engage with professors in an approachable, collaborative context. Topics range from faculty research showcases to student-led capstone presentations and thought-provoking discussions.
A memorable session involved a lively exchange around a controversial topic: the ethics of AI development. One student presenter gave a provocative talk sharing a skeptical view of AI. Mendez says that the strong departmental community meant that students were able to share their ideas freely in a supportive, intellectually curious space.
“I really like that there was a space for someone to present their perspective,” Mendez says. “Everybody was really respectful and just academically intrigued by the talk and the thought process behind it.”
For Izzy Long-McGie BS/MS’27, a student who helps organize the events, TechBytes has been essential to her intellectual and professional growth at Willamette.
“TechBytes creates an environment where students can interact with faculty and peers outside of a classroom,” Long-McGie says. “It encourages our community to learn more about career options, research opportunities, and each other.”
Whether hosted during the day in Salem or as evening TechBytes At Night sessions at Willamette’s Graduate & Professional Center in Portland, the series connects academic exploration with real-world pathways. By connecting students directly with alumni, industry partners, and faculty leaders, Willamette ensures that computing scholars build strong professional networks and an engaged academic community — one slice of pizza at a time.
