Saumya Agarwal

Year in School
Freshman

Major
CS

Research Interests
Artificial Intelligence Interactive Computing

Research Mentor
Nancy Amato

Research/Engagement Experience

Interests
Human-Computer Interaction, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics

Project Title

How did I get interested in Computer Science?
I started with block coding as an elementary schooler, and enjoyed being able to translate an algorithm into code step by step. I also enjoyed the creativity of the projects I built in Girls Who Code and Robotics at a young age. I've always been interested in math, and computer science gave me a way to apply the concepts I'd learned in my math classes to create a meaningful product. In high school, I loved the projects I worked on in my computer science classes, leading me to eventually pick it as my college major.

What social interests matter to me?
Increasing access for women in computer science!

What is my most impactful college experience?
As an incoming freshman, I haven't started college yet so I guess I'll know soon!

These are a few of my favorite things!
I love to run, travel internationally, and play board games with family!

Research Description

Biography
I'm a freshman from Buffalo Grove, IL majoring in computer science. I'm interested in the interactions between humans and machines. By conducting research in interactive computing or robotics, I hope to develop aides for problems that humans face everyday. I'm a passionate advocate for women in STEM, having been a member of Girls Who Code, Girls in STEAM, and now CS STARS. In my free time, I enjoy going on long runs or curling up with an exciting novel. I'm a National Merit Finalist, a Society of Women Engineers Award Winner, and have won Outstanding Student in Computer Science.