I teach my students about resilience. I mentor them and help them see they are valuable and how they can find their way in our society. We need to think outside the box and never give up.
Amy W. Hays, M.S. Instructor
- Alum
- Faculty
Amy W. Hays is a tech enthusiast who grew up immersed in the world of computers and technology. From her family’s computer store to designing algorithms for research data, Amy’s journey has been a hands-on exploration of computer science. At Cornell University, she delved into cutting-edge projects, like creating a device to measure plant growth with precision. Despite facing challenges, including a battle with cancer in 2014, Amy’s passion for technology remained unwavering. In 2019, she made a remarkable decision to return to academia, driven by her desire to mentor and equip the next generation of computer science professionals for success in the industry. Her story is a testament to resilience, innovation and the transformative power of education in shaping a meaningful career path.
A Conversation with Amy W. Hays
What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce?
A&M-Commerce allows you to build a community easier and have a more individual educational experience than you would elsewhere. At Commerce, the smaller class sizes allow you to get to know the faculty better and make those important connections that can be more difficult at other larger institutions.
What is an important life lesson you've learned?
Never give up. As a cancer survivor, my body is now disabled. I live in constant pain and struggle to physically do what normal people do easily every day. I am a cyborg as a result, and resilience is my superpower. Cancer has taught me to appreciate the small things and enjoy what I do, because life is too short. I have found helping students learn and prepare for their careers is extremely rewarding and it helps me forget my pain. I teach my students about resilience. I mentor them and help them see they are valuable and how they can find their way in our society. We need to think outside the box and never give up.
What do you like to do when you're not working?
I like to sleep, read and go fishing. I also play video games, knit and crochet. Although much of the time I am sleeping when I'm not teaching or doing research as I have been doing a 9-course (teaching five and taking four) workload for the last several years while working on my PhD.
How do you help students in your current role?
I share my experience in industry with them and help them prepare for those jobs. I help make the information they are learning in their classes real and enjoy showing them where they will use this information in their future employment.
Who has been a role model for you and why?
I have many role models, each for a different reason. Stephen Hawking is one because he was disabled and continued to do what he loved to do. Dr. Willard Libby, my grandmother's brother who received the Nobel Prize for discovering radiocarbon 14 dating was another role model. He made going after what I loved seem attainable and taught me that sometimes it's the simple things that are the most important. He sparked my interest in science at an early age. And then, of course, his sister, my grandmother, who, through her own struggles with cancer and tragedy, still raised an amazing family and showed me what resilience was personally.
Education
- Ph.D., Computer Science, Texas A&M University, 2026
- M.S., Computer Science, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2021
- B.S., Double Major, Botany and International Agriculture Development, University of California, Davis, 1995
Research Interests
- AI and cybersecurity, focusing on cognitive security, neurosecurity, network security, IoT and education. Researching cognitive security based on neurological responses and offensive network security using AI responses to exploit attacker's natural cognitive biases.