Megan Ja

Year in School
Junior

Major
Computer Science + Economics

Research Interests

Research Mentor
Prof. Wade Fagen-Ulmschneider

Research/Engagement Experience
I'm passionate about sharing my love for STEM. Over the past few years, I've volunteered at the library, offering hands-on science experiences to kids and leading lessons on computer science. My goal is to show these kids just how exciting STEM can be.

Interests
Bowling, catching a basketball game with my friends, and exploring different bakeries.

Project Title
TBD

How did I get interested in Computer Science?
I've always loved firework shows, but one Fourth of July, I got a surprise – drones! These drones painted pictures in the sky to match songs like hearts for

What social interests matter to me?
I'm passionate about providing educational opportunities for all and inspiring women in STEM.

What is my most impactful college experience?
My most impactful college experience has been taking an Animal Science class. Before this course, I held a neutral stance on animals, but afterward, I developed a deep appreciation for learning about pet care and adoption. I've gained valuable knowledge in these areas. This experience has taught me that college isn't solely about pursuing your major; it's also about discovering your passions.

These are a few of my favorite things!
Ice Cream, Pandas, and Taylor Swift Music!

Research Description
Under the guidance of Prof. Wade Fagen-Ulmschneider and Prof. Karle Flanagan, I am engaged in a project aimed at designing an inclusive iClicker system to enrich classroom learning and foster student interaction. This application is designed to support the Data Science Discovery Group's mission of establishing the University of Illinois as a premier hub for data science education. Our overarching goal is to create a robust student experience and propel the launch of a comprehensive data science program.

Biography
My name is Megan Ja, and I'm a student majoring in computer science with a minor in economics. Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, I've always been passionate about computer science and STEM education. During my time in high school, I volunteered to expose young kids to the wonders of computer science and STEM. In college, I'veparticipated at Motorola Solutions as a full-stack intern. I had the opportunity to develop an application focused on storing and assessing the cybersecurity compliance of the entire company, including detailed breakdowns of various organizations and products. This experience not only deepened my technical skills but also opened my eyes to the real-world applications of computer science in the corporate environment. This semester, I'm excited to be part of CS STARS, where I'll be diving into research for the first time. I'm excited to discover what is involved in research and how computer science can provide innovative solutions to existing problems.