Gabriela Avila

Year in School
Junior

Major
Computer Science

Research Interests
Artificial Intelligence

Research Mentor
Nancy Amato, Katherine Mimnaugh

Research/Engagement Experience

Interests

Project Title

How did I get interested in Computer Science?
My interest in computer science stemmed from my interests in math and logical ideas. As a kid my dad's background in electrical engineering was instilled onto me in small ways including playing with snap circuits when I was younger or having me come into his work lab watching the small green circuits being worked on. In high school I was introduced to coding through my mobile apps class. I remember taking the AP Computer Science test and writing out all the code was so interesting to me.

What social interests matter to me?

Why did you choose Illinois?
I chose Illinois for its reputation as a top school for computer science, its proximity to my home and its inviting sense of community.

What are your passions outside of computing?
Outside of computing I am interested in creating art, being creative and going to the gym.

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!
Some of my favorite things are the color blue, jewelry, watching movies, designing and painting my nails, traveling and going to concerts.

Research Description

Biography
My name is Gabriela Avila and I am a computer science major transferring from Harper College in Palatine. I am from Crystal Lake but spent most of my life growing up in Chicago. Through the Grainger Engineering Pathways Program I transferred to UIUC and over the summer I was accepted into the Gear Up program. I was introduced to research at the Parasol lab and was able to work on the ERUPT project with some graduate students and faculty members.