Lily Liu

Year in School
Sophomore

Major

Research Interests

Research Mentor

Research/Engagement Experience

Interests

Project Title

How did I get interested in Computer Science?
My first dive into computer science was in 8th grade when I signed up for a class called Tech Revolution. That’s where I built my first website using HTML and CSS, dabbled in Java, and even made a few games with Scratch. I was amazed that every line of code could come together to create something interactive; it felt like solving puzzles but with endless possibilities. That spark quickly turned into a curiosity to explore what else programming could do, and I’ve been chasing that excitement ever since!

What social interests matter to me?

Why did you choose Illinois?
I chose Illinois because it offers amazing opportunities to dive into computer science and much more. What really stands out to me are the passionate student communities and RSOs where I can connect with people who share my interests and values. The mentoring programs and resources also give me confidence I’ll have support along the way. Plus, UIUC has a great balance between a challenging academic environment and a lively social scene. I’m especially excited to explore more of campus, whether it’s grabbing food, catching concerts, or experiencing the culture, there’s always something new to discover!

What are your passions outside of computing?
Outside of computing, I’m passionate about advocating for equitable access to education and healthcare, working toward creating fair opportunities for underrepresented communities. I also love baking, especially experimenting with traditional Chinese-style breads, which has become a creative way for me to connect with my culture and share it with others. Whether it’s through advocacy or baking, I enjoy working on things that bring people together and make a positive impact.

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 experiences at Illinois was visiting Japan House in the spring. The cherry blossoms are so pretty in bloom, and it’s a fun spot to go with friends, take pictures, and enjoy the flowers!

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

What is my most impactful college experience?

These are a few of my favorite things!
Music, cats, keyboards, matcha, reading, and spending time with friends and family!

Research Description

Biography
Lily Liu is a sophomore studying CS + Statistics at UIUC, originally from Aurora, IL. On campus, she’s involved with CS SAIL, Women in Statistics, and the Alpha Omega Epsilon Engineering Sorority. Passionate about artificial intelligence, Lily previously conducted machine learning research on non-invasive endometriosis diagnosis through UCSF AI4ALL, where she also served as a Teaching Assistant mentoring students in AI projects. Beyond academics, advocates for women and nonbinary students in STEM and loves to spend a lot of time with friends and family.