Tarang Pande

Year in School
Sophomore

Major
Statistics & Computer Science

Research Interests
Artificial Intelligence

Research Mentor
Fan Lai

Research/Engagement Experience

Interests

Project Title

How did I get interested in Computer Science?
I got interested in computer science because I saw it as a way to turn ideas into things that actually work. I've always enjoyed solving problems and understanding how systems work, but computer science gave me a way to build, test, and improve solutions directly. I was also drawn to how deeply computing and data have become embedded in everyday life. From communication and healthcare to transportation, science, and entertainment, so much of the world now depends on software and the systems behind it. I wanted to work in a field where the things I build can have a real and widespread impact on how people live and interact with the world.

What social interests matter to me?

Why did you choose Illinois?
I chose Illinois because of its combination of a top computer science program and an unusually strong research environment. I was especially drawn to the breadth of work happening here across machine learning, systems, data, and high-performance computing, as well as resources such as NCSA. I wanted to attend a university where I could explore different areas of computer science and get involved in research early in my undergraduate career. I was also drawn to the size and diversity of the Illinois community. There are so many organizations, research groups, and people with different interests that there is always something new to explore.

What are your passions outside of computing?
Outside of computing, I enjoy reading novels and light novels, especially stories from different cultures. I'm also interested in Japanese culture and enjoy learning more about its history, media, and traditions. I play video games to unwind, bowl when I want something physical and competitive, and listen to music constantly. Some of my favorite artists are The Weeknd, Taylor Swift, Charlie Puth, and Olivia Rodrigo.

What has been one of your favorite experiences at Illinois that you would like to share with prospective students? (For Continuing UIUC Students)
One of my favorite parts of Illinois has been the culture of exploration and research across campus. Research feels like a genuine part of the undergraduate experience here rather than something reserved for graduate students or upperclassmen. Even as a freshman, I was able to get involved in research, meet faculty and students working on interesting problems, and explore areas of computer science beyond what I had encountered in class. Between research groups, student organizations, and programs like CS STARS, there are always opportunities to try something new. I've really enjoyed being in an environment where curiosity and getting involved early are actively encouraged.

What has been one of your favorite experiences as a CS STAR? (For Returning CS STARS)
One of my favorite parts of CS STARS has been the opportunity to both participate in the CS community and give back to it. Through STARS, I've volunteered at events such as Engineering Open House and the Siebel Center student visits, where I got to interact with prospective students and families and share my experience at Illinois. I've also enjoyed being surrounded by other students interested in research and learning about the different areas they are exploring. That combination of research, community, and service has made CS STARS a particularly rewarding part of my experience at Illinois.

What is my most impactful college experience?

These are a few of my favorite things!
Listening to music, bowling, video games, animals, and exploring different cultures.

Research Description

Biography
My name is Tarang Pande, and I am studying Statistics & Computer Science at UIUC with a minor in Mathematics. My interests center on machine learning systems, distributed computing, and data-intensive systems, particularly the infrastructure that makes large-scale AI possible. I am currently involved in undergraduate research in ML systems and enjoy working on problems that connect machine learning with practical systems challenges. At Illinois, I am also involved in CS STARS and the James Scholar Honors Program. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading novels and light novels, bowling, video games, music, and exploring Japanese culture.