Bachelor of Science in Computer Science + Chemistry
How does it feel to be an Illinois alum? I feel incredibly proud of what I've accomplished at Illinois. I’ve grown so much through the experiences, people, and opportunities here, and I’m grateful to carry those with me into the next chapter!
Major highlight? Publishing a first-author paper, which was the culmination of my undergraduate research.
Undergraduate research: I was in Dr. Nick Jackson’s research group, where I worked on the application of machine learning to closed loop autonomous materials discovery. While the Computer Science + Chemistry curriculum gave me a strong foundation in both disciplines, few classes deeply explored the intersection of the two as much as working in the Jackson Lab, which gave me the opportunity to bridge that gap, applying computational techniques to real-world chemical challenges. This experience not only deepened my understanding of both fields but also sharpened my technical abilities and improved my communication skills, especially in explaining complex, interdisciplinary work to diverse audiences.
Future plans? Technical Implementation Associate at Uncountable in New York City.
Activities and organizations: Illinois Triathlon Club, Illini 4000, UIUC Precious Plastic, CS 374 Course Assistant
Who had an impact on your education journey? Undergraduate research was one of the most impactful parts of my time at Illinois, and I’m especially grateful to Professor Nick Jackson and my mentor, Dr. David Friday, for their guidance and support. Their mentorship not only helped me to thrive in research, but also to explore possible career paths.
Why Illinois? Illinois has a large campus, but it feels welcoming and connected thanks to its supportive students and faculty. No matter your major or interests, there’s a strong sense of community and countless ways to get involved. From undergraduate research to student organizations, the opportunities here have helped me grow both personally and professionally!