Sophie Lin

Year in School
Freshman

Major
CS

Research Interests
Artificial Intelligence Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

Research Mentor
Dilek Hakkani Tur

Research/Engagement Experience

Interests
Artificial Intelligence, NLP, cognitive architecture, biologically-inspired computing, neuromorphic computing

Project Title

How did I get interested in Computer Science?
Fantastical imagination combined with an innocuous notion that 'programming doesn't seem that hard.' My first project was designing a silly platformer for my sister's birthday, and though it went horribly in every way possible, it became the deciding spark that set off my passion for computer science. I have been enamored ever since with the challenge of materializing thought into code. After all, the ability to use programming to change the world for others, no matter how small the change, makes the venture all the more worthwhile.

What social interests matter to me?
One, promoting a lifelong passion for learning through quality education for everyone. Two, deconstructing stigmas that bar particular demographics from joining humanity's pursuit of new discoveries, from voicing their individual stories. I believe that every life is a valuable experience that constitutes the human identity, and so with a greater mutual understanding and reconciliation of our differences, technology and society as a whole can progress to grander heights.

What is my most impactful college experience?
Although my generalization ability for future impactful experiences is not adequate, I imagine that my most memorable college experience will entail being part of a passionate community of lifelong learners and investigating interesting problems, stimulating my imagination in every moment in every moment of life. This experience has in many ways already begun for me, from meeting lively new peers in summer orientations to engaging with CS careers in the ACM mentorship program. Whatever happens in the future, I hope to make every moment an experience with lasting impact.

These are a few of my favorite things!
Crochet, sci-fi, trivia, EDM, rainy nights, languages

Research Description

Biography
I’m interested in pursuing a career in AI research, particularly computational models on the human mind and alternative forms of advanced intelligence. Simultaneously, I hope to advance our understanding and dispelling of ‘othering’ biases, bridging the divide between ideologically different communities. Aside from that, I love learning about niche interests, so if there’s anything you want to rant, ramble, or enthuse about, send them my way! :)