James Budday

Class of 2016
Hometown: Wilson, NC

James Budday, of Wilson, NC, graduated in May 2016 with a Computer Science degree and a minor in Psychology. Upon graduation, James began a dual degree master’s program with Carnegie Mellon University and The University of Madeira in Portugal to study Human Computer Interaction. As a part of the Levine Scholars Program, he volunteered at nature reserves in Peru and Costa Rica and taught basic computer programming and video-game making at Olympic High School in Charlotte. He interned at Apparo, where he connected local nonprofits with technology solutions to fit their specific needs. “The Levine Scholars Program really opened the doors to the best of what UNC Charlotte and the greater Charlotte area have to offer. The amount of opportunity really is mind boggling,” James said. During his time at UNC Charlotte, James was very involved in the Charlotte Fighting Game Community, where he helped organize events that drew national attendees. Some of these events also raised money for Charlotte Dance Marathon, for which James managed the technological aspects. “Being a 49er has allowed me to pursue everything that I could have ever wanted. I have been able to teach many different age groups, conduct research in areas I find interesting, develop professionally and give back to my community in meaningful ways.”