Richard Xu
Year of Participation in STARS
Research/Engagement Experience
How did I get interested in Computer Science?
My interest with computer science began in elementary school with Scratch, where I loved the instant feedback of building something and seeing it work. That initial curiosity grew into a passion in middle school as I learned Python and web development, enjoying the problem-solving aspect. In high school, I channeled that passion into competitive programming, hackathons, and research.
What social interests matter to me?
Why did you choose Illinois?
I chose Illinois for its excellent computer science program, and the very beautiful campus.
What are your passions outside of computing?
Outside of computing, I'm an avid drone photographer. I love the challenge of combining technical skill with an artistic eye to capture unique perspectives of landscapes and cityscapes. It's a fantastic creative outlet that gets me outdoors and allows me to see the world from a completely different angle.
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)
What is my most impactful college experience?
These are a few of my favorite things!
Chess, movies, noodles
Biography
Hi, I'm Richard, a freshman Computer Science student at UIUC originally from Long Island, New York. Before beginning my undergraduate studies, I participated in robotics and informatics research in high school. I'm excited to be part of the CS STARS program this year!