Nancy Zhang

Year in School
Junior

Major
Math & CS

Research Interests
Data and Information Systems Interactive Computing

Research Mentor
Hongye Liu

Research/Engagement Experience
Undergraduate academic year research experience

Interests
Interactive Computing, Data and Information Systems

Project Title

How did I get interested in Computer Science?
I grew up around technology since both of my parents are software developers. I would spend my free time trying to jailbreak my iPad or designing my own mini-game apps. I became very intrigued by how the theories and technologies within computer science are continuously developing and merging with a wide variety of different fields. I particularly love how at the surface level, computer science is blunt and straightforward. Yet, the more you learn about computers, the more you realize how so much is undiscovered.

What social interests matter to me?
I specifically care about lessening the gender gap within the computer science field. I hadn't really viewed myself as "less smart" than other guys simply because I'm a girl, but I recently have realized how many woman shy away from tech-related jobs because it's so male dominated. It's hard enough for several women because they are expected to take care of their family while juggling their career. I would love to be part of a movement encouraging women that they are able to be both successful in a field dominated by men while also balancing the societal expectations placed upon them.

What is my most impactful college experience?
My most impactful college experience was participating in HackIllinois during freshman year. There's something about coding for hours straight under high stakes that bonds people together. But honestly, I participated in the hackathon to make a project, but I ended up just growing closer to my college friends. We spent the entire night losing our minds over our code and racing to finish before the deadline. It was also a super cool experience to research different tools and languages I could use! I feel like hackathons offer a safe space to really explore topics that you may not see in class.

These are a few of my favorite things!
I love love badminton, listening to music (anything but country), drawing, watching anime/cartoons, and boba!

Research Description

Biography
I'm Nancy, a junior studying CS+Advertising. In my free time, I enjoy building my own websites and starting small projects (that I sometimes finish, but rarely do). I'm part of Reflections Projections and HackIllinois: clubs that work to provide technology related opportunities to the student body of UIUC. Besides these clubs, I'm also part of the UIUC Badminton team and spent some time with Women in CS. If I have any leftover time to myself, I'm usually doodling on my notes or listening to music while staring into space...