Dany Rashwan is a Computer Engineering student at the University of Florida (UF), soon to graduate and embark on a promising career in robotics and healthcare innovation. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Dany's unique cultural background has shaped his appreciation for diversity and his approach to problem-solving. His journey into the field of computer engineering began with a fascination for programming, sparked by his interest in photography and the automation of editing processes. This curiosity led him to pursue a degree at UF, where he has been able to merge his technical skills with his creative passions in robotics, game design, and embedded systems engineering.
Dany's academic journey at UF has been complemented by numerous internships in AI and healthcare, where he has contributed to impactful projects such as integrating AI models for medical imaging. Beyond his studies, Dany is an active member of the UF International Student Council and has made meaningful contributions to the local community through initiatives like Project Downtown, contributing to the Gainesville community.
What did you do before attending UF?
Before moving to Gainesville to attend UF, I was a high school student, and one of my most impactful projects was automating the school’s yearbook. I developed scripts to efficiently manage and edit large batches of photos, which sparked my interest in programming and automation, ultimately influencing my decision to pursue Computer Engineering at UF.
Why did you choose Computer Engineering as your field here at UF?
My interest in programming started when I was passionate about photography and began writing Photoshop scripts to batch-edit photos for clients. This sparked my curiosity in using automation for problem-solving and eventually led me to pursue Computer Engineering. The University of Florida stood out to me because of its excellent engineering program and its diverse and welcoming community.
What do you do with your time when you’re not working on your degree?
I am an active member in the International Student Council and have participated in community service initiatives through the UF Arab Student Association, such as Project Downtown at City Hall. These experiences have enriched my time at UF by giving me a sense of purpose and belonging. It has shown me that my education extends beyond just academics.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am leaning toward staying in the U.S. to continue working in Robotics Automation, with a focus on healthcare. My goal is to apply my skills to create innovative solutions that improve efficiency and patient outcomes in the medical field. I envision using my education and experiences at UF to build innovation in the healthcare field by automating processes that hinder patient flow and efficiency. My goal is to improve healthcare accessibility, streamline operations, and reduce overall costs.
What advice would you give other international students, choosing to study here at UF?
Stay focused on your family and your future. There will be moments when your heart aches from being away from home or navigating temporary relationships but remember why you started this journey. The sacrifices you make now will lead to incredible opportunities and a future you’ll be proud of. It’s all worth it in the end.
Any other advice?
During COVID, I faced challenges adjusting to the isolation and being far from home, but UF’s Counseling and Wellness Center helped me navigate those times, and I encourage others to make use of this great resource.
What does being a Global Gator mean to you?
Gainesville and UF have been my home for the past five years, and they’ve become a part of who I am. While I’m still considered out-of-state, my heart will always be deeply rooted here, carrying the memories and experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today.