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Dean Cruz

7,490

Bold Points

88x

Nominee

2x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

Hi my name is Dean! I am currently a software engineering intern in the space systems program at Northrop Grumman. I am a computer science major and I love innovation. I want to be able to make an impact on the world with my work. I hope to one day be working on the cutting edge of technology and bring forth innovation that will benefit the world. I am an exceptionally hard working and motivated individual. I believe my strongest trait (and sometimes demise) is my determination and stubborn perfectionism. I make it my goal to do my absolute best at whatever I set my mind to. Whether it is something minuscule like cleaning or working on a project, I often find myself draining hours into my work with unwavering focus. I also consider myself a very fast learner as I have many different hobbies and I am constantly picking up new ones. Currently my main hobbies include mixed martial arts and making music. I taught myself how to play the guitar and piano and I occasionally play the drums. I also like to play a lot of sports. Throughout my life I have played on baseball, soccer, and lacrosse teams. In high school, I was captain of my lacrosse team for two years which helped develop my leadership skills.

Education

Dougherty Valley High

High School
2014 - 2017

University of California-Santa Cruz

Bachelor's degree program
- 2023
  • Majors:
    • Computer Programming

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other
    • Computer Science
    • Computer Programming
    • Computer Engineering
    • Computer Software and Media Applications
    • Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Computer & Network Security

    • Dream career goals:

      Senior Engineer

    • Stagehand / Lighting Tech

      Pro Force Solutions
      2016 – Present8 years

    Sports

    Mixed Martial Arts

    Club
    2017 – Present7 years

    Boxing

    Club
    2017 – Present7 years

    soccer

    Club
    2008 – 20113 years

    baseball

    Club
    2005 – 20127 years

    lacrosse

    Varsity
    2011 – 20176 years

    Awards

    • Captain

    Research

    • Computer Science

      Diablo Valley College — Student
      2018 – 2021
    • Computer Science

      UC Santa Cruz — Student
      2021 – Present

    Arts

    • Multiple

      Music
      2015 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      MDMA Ethan's Fight for a Cure — Fund Raiser
      2016 – 2017
    • Volunteering

      Wounded Warriors — Volunteer
      2016 – 2017

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship