Oviyan Gandhi

Year in School
Freshman

Major

Research Interests

Research Mentor

Research/Engagement Experience

Interests

Project Title

How did I get interested in Computer Science?
I initially wanted to learn how to code just to develop my own video games. I took an online python course in the summer of 8th grade to introduce myself to programming, but once I completed it, I ended up falling in love with CS. Not only was the problem solving aspect of it fun and exciting for me, but I was also fascinated by how a few lines of code can have such a powerful impact. Thus, I kept exploring CS further and further, to the point where I still haven't properly learned how to make video games due to being busy learning about all the other exciting stuff CS has to offer!

What social interests matter to me?

Why did you choose Illinois?
I chose Illinois because of its exceptionally strong CS program -- one of the best in the country and even the entire world. Being a large school, there's a vast amount of resources and opportunities available, and it's easy to find a community that you fit in. Having completed a semester here, I can say with confidence that UIUC is far better than I ever imagined!

What are your passions outside of computing?
Outside computing, I love listening to bedroom pop and R&B music, reading manga, playing video games and table tennis, and watching sitcoms and horror/slasher movies. I'm currently learning to play the guitar as well.

What has been one of your favorite experiences at Illinois that you would like to share with prospective students? (For Continuing UIUC Students)
I love the number of student organizations here! There's something for everyone, whether it's tech, music, improv, sports, or the cheese club. I'm currently part of Disruption Lab, where I get to work on cool software projects! I was a software engineer there last semester, and I've even gotten a chance to be the tech lead for a project in this one!

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!
Favorite artist: The Weeknd Favorite show: Rick and Morty Favorite coffee: Iced mocha Favorite food: Taco Bell, but the Indian one Favorite activity: Walking around campus grooving to music I also love the PC I built and my mechanical keyboard :)

Research Description

Biography
Hi there! I'm Oviyan Gandhi, a Computer Science freshman at the University of Illinois. I love solving challenging problems through computing, whether it's building tiny apps to make my everyday life easier or combining computer science with math in competitive programming. I've earned two gold medals in India's national informatics olympiad, and I'm interested in learning more about data structures and algorithms through research. I also love teaching -- from mentoring students online in competitive programming to helping my little sister learn French -- and I hope to share my love for CS and make it more accessible and easier to understand.