Aanya Shah

Year in School
Freshman

Major
Computer Science

Research Interests
Artificial Intelligence

Research Mentor

Research/Engagement Experience

Interests

Project Title

How did I get interested in Computer Science?
I first got exposed to Computer Science in high school where I became fascinated by its fusion of logic and creativity. I love how connecting different ideas and concepts can create real impact while leaving more questions open.

What social interests matter to me?

Why did you choose Illinois?
I chose Illinois for the people as much as the program. I wanted peers who are just as eager to build solutions as I am, and a place where being challenged doesn't mean going it alone. The CS program has real depth in the areas I care about and plenty of chances to work hands-on, and the college town makes it somewhere I can be pushed hard and still feel at home.

What are your passions outside of computing?
Outside computing, I love creating art. Art is one of the most important ways I make sense of the world, and I particularly enjoy painting self-portraits in oil. I love the parallels between art and CS where both reward creativity and iteration in service of turning a vision into a concrete creation.

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!
Cafes, persimmons, walks with my dad

Research Description

Biography
Aanya Shah is a Computer Science student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is interested in advancing AI reliability and trustworthiness, making systems deserve the trust we place in them, and has previously worked on hallucination-mitigation. In addition to technical work, she loves painting and is currently exploring the paradoxes in identity through a self-portrait series.