Adya Daruka

Year in School
Freshman

Major
CS

Research Interests
Artificial Intelligence Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Data and Information Systems Theory and Algorithms

Research Mentor
Sharifa Sultana

Research/Engagement Experience
High School, Undergraduate academic year research experience, Industry/Internship Research

Interests
Artificial Intelligence, Computational Biology, Theory and Algorithms, and Data and Information Systems

Project Title

How did I get interested in Computer Science?
As a child I spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals, and at a certain point I began noticing the constant theme of technology being used to not only improve patient outcomes but streamline hospital processes. I became fascinated by how something so seemingly abstract could have such a tangible impact on mine and many other people's lives and took my first CS class in school that fall. Every CS class I took only deepened my fascination and they continue to do so to this day.

What social interests matter to me?
Inclusivity and ensuring every single demographic is accounted for when producing new ideas, whether it be age, gender, immigration status or even dietary preferences, making sure there is something for everyone is very important for me. Also, ensuring that sustainability and environmental friendliness are accounted for during the development process.

What is my most impactful college experience?
The ACM panels definitely changed my perspective going into my CS degree. I originally expected a very rigid and serious environment but the super engaging panels showed me a glimpse of the ever loving and inclusive environment I could find among my peers at CS and even Grainger as a whole. I was left feeling more excited than ever to join Grainger and Siebel this fall.

These are a few of my favorite things!
Tulip Season, Norwegian Waffles with Brown Cheese, Historical Architecture, The Ocean

Research Description
Adya Daruka is a freshman from India but has matriculated from Oslo, Norway and has lived in Kuwait, Doha, and Mumbai. She has conducted research on leveraging AI to develop climate-smart rice varieties and enhance sustainable energy solutions, focusing on improving cost-effectiveness and efficiency. She is the co-founder of the Hamara Prayas organization which aims to raise awareness for blood diseases in rural India and raise funds to build a blood bank in the village of Begusarai, India. She has raised almost $2,000 for the cause in 2 months, and co-ordinated 2 local blood drives.

Biography