Jessica Xu

Year in School
Sophomore

Major

Research Interests

Research Mentor

Research/Engagement Experience

Interests

Project Title

How did I get interested in Computer Science?
I took the AP computer science courses in high school, but what really got me into coding was being a part of FIRST Robotics. Since we were a new team, I was able to start in the team as our programming lead. I remember being so excited every time we did something right, because our rookie team really had no people to guide us nor big expectations. Being on that team, watching our robot come to life, really sparked my interest in computer science and made me excited for a future where I could learn something new every day.

What social interests matter to me?

Why did you choose Illinois?
I had a tough decision between a couple of amazing schools for CS. Ultimately, I chose Illinois because I wanted a big change in my life. While the CS Department and master's program here are amazing, and I fully intend to take advantage of as many opportunities as I can while here, I wanted to experience a different group of people, climate, and atmosphere that I wouldn't have been able to if I stayed in the South. When I toured UIUC, my family spent our first night walking around Green St., and it was so lively and so unlike the other schools I visited that I made my decision then and there.

What are your passions outside of computing?
I've been into art since I was a kid. I used to mainly do traditional and digital art, but I've expanded my repertoire these last couple of years a bit through crocheting and sculpting. Not sure if this counts as outside of computing, but I'm currently making a game with a couple of friends at UIUC, where I'm taking the lead on both the programming and design side, which has been such a fun intersection of two of my biggest passions! I've also been learning to skateboard recently. Right now, I can skate around, but the goal is to be able to use it as transport around campus! Outside of all of that, I've also been falling back into Pokemon lately, and I've been going to some card shows with my friends!

What has been one of your favorite experiences at Illinois that you would like to share with prospective students? (For Continuing UIUC Students)
I feel like there are so many cool and random side quests you can do at UIUC. Because UIUC is such a big school, there's always something to explore or an event to pop into. One really cool thing I did last semester was take a milling class and earn a certificate. As a CS major, being able to mill a big aluminum block doesn't have much application to my field of choice, but one of the RSOs I'm in encouraged us to take the class, and it was so fun to just learn a new skill from a professional for the fun of it.

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!
"Fish Deco: I've noticed recently that a lot of my aesthetic choices lately have been centered around fish. Paldean Wooper: My favorite Pokemon! My Apple Pencil: It lets me write and draw on my iPad, and I don't think I'd be able to function properly without it at this point. Computer charger: It charges my phone, iPad, Apple Pencil, and computer. It's the only one I have and I relocate it at least three times a day."

Research Description

Biography
Hello! My name is Jessica Xu, and I'm a sophomore in computer science at UIUC. My hometown is Dallas, TX, and I've been loving the snowy winters in Illinois! A couple RSOs I'm a part of are Women in CS and Illinois Robots in Space. My main fields of interest for research include robotics, AI/ML, and computer vision. Outside of academics, I love to create art, hang out with my friends, and skate around. I'm always looking for new things to try on campus, and I'm excited to meet all of you!