Samika Karumuri

Year in School
Freshman

Major
CS

Research Interests
Computers and Education Security and Privacy

Research Mentor
Gang Wang

Research/Engagement Experience

Interests
Security and Privacy, Computing and Education, HCI

Project Title

How did I get interested in Computer Science?
During my first experience coding a robot mission for my FIRST LEGO League team in 4th grade, I quickly became interested in how I could use technology to make things do what I want. After that, I began to explore Scratch, Python, and Java and enhanced my understanding through high school courses and clubs at my schools.

What social interests matter to me?
I am really passionate about diversity and equality in the computing world. In addition, I am very passionate about individual digital privacy and combating the effects of social engineering within more vulnerable demographics.

What is my most impactful college experience?
My most impactful college experience this far has been attending the Women in Computer Science admitted students day where I got to find a strong community of individuals that were just as passionate about computing and computing outreach as I was. It showed me that UIUC would be a place that I would thrive around a supportive environment.

These are a few of my favorite things!
Golf, going to concerts, and watching How I Met your Mother!

Research Description

Biography
My name is Samika Karumuri and I am from Lisle, IL. Throughout my childhood, I was always incredibly interested in STEM and STEM outreach. Participating in all 4 of the FIRST Robotics programs beginning in 3rd grade all the way to 12th grade, I became increasingly passionate about creating an inclusive and diverse STEM environment, specifically in computing. Combining my interests of psychology and criminology with my passion for tech, I became passionate about cybersecurity and exploring how we can use tech to combat social engineering in vulnerable demographics by analyzing behavioral patterns and actions. In my free time, I love to golf, play pickleball, and hang out with my siblings and friends!