Seoeun (Blaire) Jung

Year in School
Sophomore

Major

Research Interests

Research Mentor

Research/Engagement Experience

Interests

Project Title

How did I get interested in Computer Science?
I became interested in computer science after attending a community outreach event in high school that introduced students to coding and real-world tech applications. Before that, I had little exposure to the field, but seeing how technology could be used to solve meaningful problems inspired me to explore more. As I began learning to code and working on small projects, I realized how much I enjoyed both the creativity and logic involved. That initial spark has grown into a passion, especially in areas like AI and cybersecurity.

What social interests matter to me?

Why did you choose Illinois?
I chose Illinois because I attended high school here and really enjoyed the balance it offers—it's peaceful and quiet for studying, but I can also easily visit the city of Chicago when I want a change of pace. When I visited UIUC, I loved the welcoming campus atmosphere. Everything is close together, which makes it easy to connect with people, run into friends, and feel a strong sense of community. I also appreciated the university’s strong computer science program and the many opportunities it provides for research and collaboration. It felt like the right place for both personal and academic growth.

What are your passions outside of computing?
Outside of computing, I’m passionate about fashion and enjoy exploring how personal style can be a form of self-expression. I also have a strong interest in perfumes and love discovering new scents and learning about fragrance notes. In my free time, I enjoy playing golf—it helps me stay focused and relaxed while spending time outdoors. These hobbies give me a creative and refreshing balance to my academic interests.

What has been one of your favorite experiences at Illinois that you would like to share with prospective students? (For Continuing UIUC Students)

What has been one of your favorite experiences as a CS STAR? (For Returning CS STARS)
One of my favorite experiences at Illinois has been the late-night talking sessions with my friends! Since everything on campus is so close and most students live nearby, it's easy to spend time with friends every day—whether it’s grabbing food, studying together, or just hanging out. I love how we can share similar experiences and support each other, especially during stressful times. That strong sense of community has made my time at Illinois really special.

What is my most impactful college experience?

These are a few of my favorite things!
Discovering good scents, collecting pretty makeup items, spending quality time with my family, late-night talking sessions with my friends after studying together at Grainger!

Research Description

Biography
I’m Blaire Jung, a sophomore studying Computer Science at UIUC. I’m originally from South Korea and have been studying in the U.S. since middle school, attending school in North Carolina and later high school in Illinois. In my free time, I enjoy shopping for clothes, spending time with friends, and catching up with my family over phone calls.