Gregory Pooler didn’t arrive at the University of Dayton with a perfectly mapped-out career plan. What he did have was curiosity, a natural ability with technology, and a willingness to try new opportunities. Now a senior majoring in Computer Information Systems (CIS), Pooler has discovered that the right experiences, and the right people, can turn a general interest in technology into a meaningful direction for the future.
His interest in the field started in a way that felt natural to him. Growing up, Pooler quickly became the go-to tech person among friends and classmates. Joining a robotics club only deepened that curiosity and introduced him to coding and hands-on problem solving. Technology felt exciting and full of possibility. “Tech is the future,” he explains, and he wanted to be part of building it.
That mindset eventually led him to an opportunity at the Digital Transformation Center powered by the University of Dayton Research Institute, an experience that would shape both his academic habits and his career outlook. Pooler first learned about the opportunity through connections on campus. As a Flyer Promise Scholar and a member of the President’s Emissary Program, he had already built relationships with university staff and mentors. When Greg was selected for the role after completing the interview process alongside other qualified students, it opened the door to a new chapter in his college experience.
At UDRI, Pooler found himself working on projects that blended technology with education and real-world applications. One project that left an impact on him involved assisting with the Xenia STEM Camp, which introduced students to computer-aided design (CAD) and the basics of preparing models for 3D printing, including understanding print clearances and setup. Helping younger students learn these skills gave him a chance not only to apply his knowledge but also to share it.
Over the summer, his work expanded into an ambitious technical project involving the Aero-print drone, a system developed by Digital Transformation Center interns across multiple cohorts, to scan physical objects and maintain a digital thread. The process involves refining raw scan data, generating a high-fidelity 3D mesh, and slicing the model for 3D printing. Like many real-world engineering projects, it was open-ended and full of unexpected obstacles.
“At times it felt huge,” Pooler recalls. “We wondered if we could even finish it.”
Bugs appeared. Plans had to change. In one instance, the team had to pivot directions just two weeks before their deadline. But despite the challenges, the group managed to complete their main objective. The experience gave Pooler a powerful realization: sometimes the biggest lesson isn’t the technology itself but discovering your own abilities.
“You’re more capable than you think you are,” he says.
Working at UDRI also changed how Pooler approached his academic life. He admits that before the internship, procrastination sometimes got the better of him. But the structure of project-based work, complete with deadlines, meetings, and shared responsibilities, forced him to develop stronger organization and time management skills. Those habits quickly carried over into his classes.
Having a structured schedule and learning project management, made a noticeable difference. “It helped me handle my workload better,” he explains. “My grades improved because I learned how to organize my time.”
Equally important were the people he worked alongside. During the summer internship program, Pooler collaborated closely with a group of students from completely different academic backgrounds, including majors in marketing, education, and political science. Spending thirty-two hours a week working toward the same project created a unique bond.
That experience showed him the power of diverse perspectives in solving complex problems. “Everyone brought something different to the table,” he says. “We had to figure things out together.”
Balancing work, classes, and leadership roles can be demanding, but Pooler has found ways to stay grounded. Much of that support comes from the people around him, especially his roommates, whom he describes as brothers who genuinely care about one another’s well-being. Their shared routines and encouragement help keep him motivated through long days that often stretch from morning commitments into late-night study sessions.
He also prioritizes small habits that help clear his mind. Morning walks, runs, or hikes give him space to reset before the day begins. Basketball offers a way to stay active and competitive. Sometimes he’ll code simply because he enjoys it. And when he needs a break from everything, he takes a nighttime drive.
“Sometimes I’ll just drive 30 minutes outside the city with music on,” he says. “It’s a great way to recharge.”
Outside of research and academics, Pooler remains deeply involved in campus leadership through the President’s Emissary Program. In that role, he helps organize events for university leadership and the Board of Trustees and participates in discussions about challenges facing the campus community. The experience has strengthened his interest in leadership and public service.
Looking ahead, Pooler’s ambitions continue to grow. In the near future, he hopes to stay connected with the Digital Transformation Center and UDRI while pursuing a master’s degree in computer science. He’s especially interested in being involved with the university’s onMain initiative, which focuses on innovation and development in downtown Dayton.
But his long-term vision reaches beyond technology alone. Pooler eventually hopes to run for mayor of Dayton, combining his technical background with a commitment to community impact. As a graduate of Thurgood Marshall High School, he makes time to return and tutor students there. He wants young people from backgrounds similar to his own to see that bigger opportunities exist.
“I want them to know there’s more to life than what’s right in front of you,” he says. “If you bet on yourself, you can get there no matter where you come from.”
For other students considering applying to UDRI, Pooler’s advice is straightforward: take the chance. “The worst you can get is a no,” he says. “But the best thing that can happen is you gain new skills, meet incredible people, and build connections that last.”
For Pooler, that combination of mentorship, experience, and community has made all the difference. At the Digital Transformation Center, he found more than just an internship, he found a place that encourages students to grow, take risks, and support one another’s success.
“Everyone here wants to see you win,” he says. And thanks to the opportunities he’s embraced, Gregory Pooler is well on his way to doing exactly that.