Safa Hussaini

Year in School
Junior

Major
CS + Philosophy

Research Interests
Artificial Intelligence Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Programming Languages, Formal Methods, and Software Engineering Security and Privacy

Research Mentor
Mohammed El-Kebir

Research/Engagement Experience

Interests
Artificial Intelligence, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Software Engineering, Security and Privacy

Project Title

How did I get interested in Computer Science?
My interest in Computer Science began when I was young, watching my father code. He had a way of making the world of computers come alive, and it wasn’t long before I found myself fascinated by it too. Seeing how he could create and solve problems through code was fascinating and it inspired me to learn more. As I grew older, that curiosity turned into a genuine passion for understanding how technology works and how it can be used to make an impact. My father’s influence played a huge role in guiding me toward a career in this field and I’ve been dedicated to exploring it ever since.

What social interests matter to me?
Diversity in tech, especially the representation of women in STEM fields, is a social interest that matters a lot to me. Even though we make up nearly half of the workforce, women only account for about 28% of the science and engineering workforce. In tech, the numbers are even lower. I believe it's so crucial to address this gap because diverse teams bring varied perspectives that drive innovation. Supporting women in STEM is something I’m very passionate about.

Why did you choose Illinois?

What are your passions outside of computing?

What has been one of your favorite experiences at Illinois that you would like to share with prospective students? (For Continuing UIUC Students)

What has been one of your favorite experiences as a CS STAR? (For Returning CS STARS)

What is my most impactful college experience?
My most impactful college experience has been learning how to handle failure and grow from it. College has thrown unexpected challenges my way, and there have been times when things didn’t go as I’d hoped. But those moments taught me the value of resilience and the importance of reflecting on what went wrong. Instead of letting failure get me down, I’ve learned to see it as a chance to push forward. This mindset has made me more adaptable, and it’s something I’ll carry with me long after college.

These are a few of my favorite things!
Cooking, reading, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends!

Research Description

Biography
I’m a Junior majoring in Computer Science + Philosophy. I am currently the Social Media Head for the Illini Thaakat Foundation, where I focus on promoting our philanthropic efforts. I’m also a member of Alpha Omega Epsilon (AΩE). In my free time, I volunteer as a teacher assistant for educational programs that support underrepresented communities. On the professional side, I’m currently a Software Engineering Intern at Grainger, focusing on DevOps and Infrastructure as Code. Previously, I gained experience in Information Security, specifically Application Security. Outside of work and school, I’m the oldest of four siblings and enjoy spending time with my cat, Pluto!