Kajal Patel

Year in School
Junior

Major
CS

Research Interests
Artificial Intelligence Computer Graphics and Vision Computers and Education Systems and Networking

Research Mentor
Geoffrey Herman

Research/Engagement Experience
Undergraduate Summer Research Program, Undergraduate academic year research experience, Industry/Internship Research

Interests
Machine learning, computer vision, computational photography, computer science and education, graphs and algorithms

Project Title

How did I get interested in Computer Science?
My dad, a computer scientist himself, introduced me to coding at a very young age, but I didn't forge my own interest in it until I connected the material I learned in a statistics course to something I had read about data mining. That introduced me to the world of data science, which is where my interests lie today.

What social interests matter to me?
Getting girls and women an education of quality is the most important social cause to me. Education, to me, is the most powerful tool a person can have, since it cannot be taken away. I aim to shape a world in which women are armored with education -- and therefore, opportunity -- as much as I can.

What is my most impactful college experience?
The first research meeting I had ever had impacted me immeasurably. Up until that point, I had written code for various passion projects and assignments, but they never really had a long-term goal or purpose. The feeling of working towards a larger societal purpose of understanding resonated with me greatly.

These are a few of my favorite things!
The Lord of the Rings, Wikipedia binges, listening to music, mechanical keyboards

Research Description

Biography
I grew up in Mundelein, Illinois, a northern suburb of Chicago. Growing up, there had always been a heavy emphasis on education and independence in my family. I love to teach all sorts of random stuff to whoever will listen, whether it be computer science-related or the random biographies of statisticians. If you ever see me around campus, chances are it'd be in a library, because I absolutely love their ambience! I've been addicted to books my whole life, and while college has certainly slowed down how many I can read, it definitely hasn't stopped. As someone who loves to learn and has a lifelong interest in using technology to better society, I am extremely excited to continue being in the CS STARS program!