Technology has had an immense impact on society as it has continually evolved and advanced through the years. Justin Finn of Pinson, a recent computer science graduate at the University of Tennessee at Martin, wants to be a part of that history — and he chose UT Martin as the place to begin his journey. Finn received his bachelor’s degree Saturday, May 2, during the first of two spring commencement exercises at the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center.
Finn graduated from South Side High School and chose UT Martin because of its proximity to home and its affordability. Also, his brother, Charles, a 2025 fall semester business administration graduate, was already a UT Martin student at the time. Justin decided to pursue a degree in computer science because it gives him the ability to design and create things to benefit others.
“I’m motivated by the idea of turning ideas into tools and experiences that people find meaningful and useful,” Finn says.
Throughout his time at UT Martin, Finn has had various research opportunities and undertaken multiple projects, which have allowed him to gain hands-on experience and learn and practice skills vital to his future career in computer science and robotics engineering.
Three of Finn’s major projects include the use of a two-dimensional LiDAR (laser imaging, detection and ranging) sensor to create high-resolution three-dimensional maps, thus saving costs; the use of a neural network framework called YOLO (You Only look Once) within an agricultural autonomous vehicle, programmed to only spray herbicide on weeds, which lowers costs and herbicide waste; and the collection and organization of fossil classification data into an easily-referenceable format for future research.
These projects have not only afforded Finn the opportunity to learn and practice new skills, but also to broaden his professional experiences. In November 2025, Finn presented the LiDAR sensor data he had collected at the Association for Computing Machinery’s 67th annual Mid-Southeast Conference in Gatlinburg. In March, Finn also presented at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Southeast Conference in Huntsville, Alabama.
Finn says that these projects allowed him to build his skills in teamwork and leadership. He also gained real-life experience that compelled him to think critically and experiment with different approaches. Lectures and homework, says Finn, simply wouldn’t have had the same effect.
Being able to gain this experience and work on these projects has also enabled Finn to better understand his own career goals.
“The robotics project especially helped confirm my goal of becoming a robotics engineer,” Finn says. “Through this work, I’ve been able to build a strong foundation that aligns closely with the field I hope to work in professionally.”
Finn says that UT Martin specifically has provided him with a meaningful and supportive community. Throughout difficult courses and project execution, Finn credits the support of his professors, peers and the computer science and engineering departments in helping him be successful.
“UTM is a smaller community than most, but that has made relationships more meaningful,” Finn says.
With his degree in hand, Finn plans to study abroad for a month at the University of Castilla-La Mancha in Toledo, Spain, where he hopes to become more culturally aware and better experienced in global engineering environments. Finn is still deciding where to study afterward, and he has options — he has already been accepted into multiple master’s degree programs, including Purdue University, the University of Colorado Boulder and Northeastern University.
To incoming computer science majors at UT Martin, Finn stresses the importance of making connections and getting involved.
“Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to professors, attend events or connect with professionals on LinkedIn,” Finn says. He also recommends that students find their “passion projects” rather than attempting to complete a vast number of projects before graduation.
For fellow graduates, Finn also has some advice:
“Never give up on your goals, even when the job market feels uncertain or discouraging,” he said. “We may experience setbacks, rejections or slow periods, but staying consistent and continuing to build our skills will pay off in the long run.”
PHOTO: Madison County native Justin Finn is congratulated by UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman Sr. upon receiving his computer science degree May 2 in the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center. Also pictured at left is Dr. Laurie Couch, provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs.
