The latest articles on DEV Community by Levi Protas (@lprotas). https://dev.to/lprotas https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F4133370%2Fdad1dec1-f2fc-46fd-8d94-79e695917341.jpg https://dev.to/lprotas en Levi Protas Sat, 19 Sep 2026 20:26:26 +0000 https://dev.to/lprotas/why-im-combining-computer-science-behavioral-science-and-ai-2872 https://dev.to/lprotas/why-im-combining-computer-science-behavioral-science-and-ai-2872 <h1> Why I’m Combining Computer Science, Behavioral Science, and AI </h1> <p>My path into computer science has not been a traditional one.</p> <p>My background started in healthcare, and I later became involved in behavioral science and applied behavior analysis. Over time, I became increasingly interested in technology and how software can be used to solve practical problems.</p> <p>That interest eventually led me to study <strong>Computer Science at Oregon State University</strong>.</p> <h2> What Drew Me to Computer Science </h2> <p>One of the things I enjoy most about computer science is the problem-solving process. There is usually a clear goal, but there can be many different ways to reach it.</p> <p>Through my coursework, I have worked with:</p> <ul> <li>Python</li> <li>JavaScript</li> <li>Databases</li> <li>Networking</li> <li>Cybersecurity</li> <li>Software development</li> </ul> <p>I have especially enjoyed projects where I can build something practical rather than only study the theory behind it.</p> <p>Cybersecurity also became an area of particular interest for me. Learning about encryption, authentication, networking, and secure software helped me see how much thought goes into systems that people rely on every day.</p> <h2> Where Behavioral Science Fits In </h2> <p>My work and studies in behavioral science have also influenced the way I think about technology.</p> <p>Behavior analysis focuses heavily on:</p> <ul> <li>Observable behavior</li> <li>Measurement</li> <li>Data</li> <li>Evaluating whether an intervention actually produces meaningful change</li> </ul> <p>Computer science approaches problems differently, but there is an interesting overlap.</p> <p>Both fields involve collecting information, identifying patterns, testing solutions, and adjusting based on the results.</p> <p>That intersection is something I want to continue exploring.</p> <h2> My Interest in AI </h2> <p>Artificial intelligence is another area that interests me because it brings together technology, data, decision-making, and human behavior.</p> <p>I am especially interested in <strong>practical applications of AI</strong> rather than AI simply for its own sake.</p> <p>I want to better understand how these tools can be used responsibly to:</p> <ul> <li>Improve workflows</li> <li>Automate repetitive tasks</li> <li>Support healthcare and behavioral services</li> <li>Help people make better use of information</li> </ul> <h2> What I’m Working Toward </h2> <p>As I continue studying computer science, I want to keep developing skills in:</p> <ul> <li>Python</li> <li>Software development</li> <li>Cybersecurity</li> <li>Artificial intelligence</li> <li>Automation</li> <li>Open-source development</li> </ul> <p>I also want to build projects that connect these areas to real problems I have encountered in healthcare and behavioral science.</p> <h2> Why I Joined DEV </h2> <p>I joined DEV to document some of that process, share projects I am working on, and learn from other developers.</p> <p>If you are also working at the intersection of <strong>technology, healthcare, behavioral</strong></p> ai python cybersecurity career