“Though technology has the capacity to automate incredibly complicated activities, it cannot replace the value of human connection and initiative. In a capitalistic society focused on creating value, our universities stand apart as systems investing in humanity as they create the leaders of the future.” – Simon Mikulcik
Simon Mikulcik is an Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) alumnus (2017) and has built an impressive career in cloud computing and software architecture. Today, he leads the internal architecture community for IBM Cloud Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), helping establish standards for quality and coordination among 65 architects.
Mikulcik began his IBM journey as an Extreme Blue intern in 2016. Extreme Blue was IBM’s premier selective internship program, with a strong focus on software development, design and business strategy. Following his internship, he continued with the organization that sponsored his experience in IBM Cloud as a co-op student. After graduating from EKU in 2017, he joined the organization full-time and began building its VPC offering. Over time, he took on increasing leadership responsibilities, eventually helping lead a global, geographically distributed team of 24 full-time software engineers across four countries.
Mikulcik chose EKU because of its strong academic programs and affordability. “I have always had a passion for solving problems by applying technology, and I wanted to hone my craft,” he said. “I searched for rigorous, ABET-accredited Computer Science programs at schools that were able to offer scholarships. EKU has a long history of having a quality Computer Science program. Additionally, as a state school, I was eligible to receive a significant scholarship. EKU also accepted several dual-credit courses I took in high school.”
He received the Excellence Award scholarship, a Pell Grant and the merit-based Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES). Coming from a low-income background, these scholarships made it possible for Mikulcik to attend college, including room and board, without going into debt.
At EKU, Mikulcik double majored in Computer Science, with a general option, and Mathematics. He also earned minors in Statistics and Physics. His multidisciplinary education gave him an appreciation for the different ways various fields approach problems.
“It was fascinating to see the difference in how a mathematician thought differently from a statistician, or how a physicist looks at calculus integrals differently from a mathematician,” he said. “I especially want to thank Dr. David Coleman and the EKU Honors Program for further enriching my appreciation of multidisciplinary education.”
Mikulcik also made many pivotal memories during his time at EKU. He met his wife, traveled across a dozen states, helped start the weekly EKU Swing Dance Club and developed lasting friendships and professional connections.
One experience that stands out to Mikulcik was participating in Game Jams led by Dr. George V. Landon during his freshman year.
As part of a national distributed competition, thousands of video game creators came together over a single weekend to develop a video game concept from start to finish. Although Mikulcik knew some of his classmates by name, he had not yet got to know many of them socially. During the kickoff, national event coordinators announced a theme, and participants formed small groups within their local chapters.
Although Mikulcik knew how to build things, he was quickly humbled by the challenge of coming up with an original and fun game idea. His team brought together a variety of skills, including programming, art and storytelling. By the end of the first day, they had developed an exciting concept, but they were nervous about how they would execute it and divide the work among the team.
“My job on the team was to set up the game engine and throw the code together to share something that looked like a video game. The artist shared some character graphics, but I had to figure out a way to make my code import their artwork. After a few hours of coding, I had something that worked! It may not have been the most polished game, but looking at the finished project, you could see how everyone pitched in to make it work. I’m so grateful for those long nights and intense projects,” Mikulcik recalled.
He also became deeply involved in undergraduate research through the EKU Honors Program, incorporating topics from mathematics and computer science into his work. Over four years, he presented his research at approximately a dozen events, including poster sessions, oral presentations, roundtable discussions and workshops.
Mikulcik sees a direct connection between those undergraduate experiences and his professional career, “I learned how to articulate my ideas and how to connect those ideas across contexts. In my professional career, I’ve used these same skills I developed through undergraduate research countless times: when I design a software architecture solution, when I explain to a group of engineers how a component works and when I engage across various stakeholders in business, design, and product,” Mr. Mikulcik said. “Undergraduate research challenges students to apply their critical thinking and share what they find with others. I’m grateful for all of my mentors and professors who have shaped me into who I’ve become today.”
For students considering majors in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or Physics, Mikulcik encourages them to take full advantage of every opportunity college provides, “Though technology has the capacity to automate incredibly complicated activities, it cannot replace the value of human connection and initiative. In a capitalistic society focused on creating value, our universities stand apart as systems investing in humanity as they create the leaders of the future. To the students who aspire to become mathematicians, computer scientists, statisticians, and physicists, take every opportunity to develop yourself. For every lecture, every test, every group project, learn all you can. Now is the time to grow into who you need to become. After you graduate, the world is waiting to be led by visionaries and builders who see the world differently and question the status quo. Invest in yourselves now so that, when the time comes, you’ll be ready to shape the future and create the world that you want to live in.”
Mikulcik grew up in Murray, Kentucky, in a large family with nine brothers and sisters. His father was a botanist, and his mother was a schoolteacher before becoming a full-time mother. He credits his parents with providing the encouragement and support that helped shape his education and career. “I am very grateful for the support my parents gave me in learning about computers and pursuing my education,” he said.
Although Mikulcik now lives in Texas, he remains close to his family and carries with him the education, experiences, and relationships he developed at EKU.