Competitive Programming Initiatives at SOCS
David Becerra - McGill University
March 28, 2025, 2:30 p.m. - March 28, 2025, 3:30 p.m.
MAASS 217
Hosted by: Paul Kry
Competitive programming (CP) is a mind sport in which participants solve algorithmic problems under time constraints by writing efficient code in their chosen programming language. CP fosters creativity, teamwork, and innovation in algorithm design. At the School of Computer Science (SOCS) at McGill University, we have seen a growing number of students actively engaging in competitive programming initiatives. Through their participation, students from diverse backgrounds and skill levels have gained valuable algorithmic experience, strengthened their computing abilities, and built confidence in both technical and interpersonal skills. Moreover, this collaborative environment has nurtured a welcoming and inclusive culture, providing students with a supportive space to train, compete, and share their passion for algorithms with peers. As a result, McGill has become a leading hub for competitive programming in Quebec and beyond. In this talk, we will explore the fascinating world of competitive programming by showcasing various initiatives developed within SOCS. In particular, we will examine the impact of these initiatives on teaching, research, community outreach, industry collaborations, and service projects within SOCS.
David earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science with a focus on Bioinformatics from McGill University in 2017. From 2018 to 2020, he was a postdoctoral fellow at the Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research at the University of Toronto. He joined McGill’s School of Computer Science (SOCS) as a Faculty Lecturer in 2020, where he teaches courses in programming, algorithms, and bioinformatics. David has been deeply involved in developing competitive programming at McGill. He coached McGill’s teams from 2016 to 2018 and officially took the lead in 2020, though he had already played a similar role successfully in his home country, Colombia. Under his guidance, McGill teams have competed at various levels of the ICPC, ACM, and IEEE international competitions. As a coach, he has attended three ICPC World Finals (2011, 2012, and 2022). His efforts have contributed to McGill being recognized as an official host for the North-East North America regional competition.
