Tulika Deb

Year in School
Freshman

Major
Computer Science

Research Interests

Research Mentor

Research/Engagement Experience

Interests

Project Title

How did I get interested in Computer Science?
Sometimes, the most meaningful journeys begin where you least expect them. I never expected to pursue computer science; my school curriculum was heavily theory-based, so the subject felt like just another academic course. That changed during the summer of Grade 11, when I took on an aviation machine learning project. I had very little experience with Python, but my mentor patiently taught me both Python and the fundamentals of machine learning, guiding me through every stage of the project. Through that project I was able to build multiple models to classify air crash severity and fine-tuned them. Initially, my models failed more often than they worked, yet I found myself enjoying the debugging process. Every error uncovered something new, and I realised that what fascinated me most wasn't just building models, but it was also understanding why they failed.

What social interests matter to me?

Why did you choose Illinois?
When I was applying to colleges, Illinois immediately stood out because it felt like a place where I would never run out of opportunities to learn. Whether I was exploring the course catalog or browsing hundreds of student organisations, I kept thinking the same thing: there were too many exciting things to learn and to do and not nearly enough time to do them all. Beyond academics, UIUC's strong research culture made it an easy choice; I wanted to be at a university where undergraduate research is encouraged given my passion for research. Most importantly, every interaction I had with the UIUC community made it feel like becoming part of a large family. That sense of community, combined with the endless opportunities to explore, made it the perfect fit for me.

What are your passions outside of computing?
Outside of computing, I enjoy mentoring and working with children and teenagers, introducing them to topics they might not otherwise have the opportunity to explore. I've taught concepts in cybersecurity and AI/ML, and through these experiences I've found that teaching is also one of the best ways to keep learning myself. I'm also passionate about graphic design and enjoy turning ideas into visual stories. I often bring these interests together by creating game boxes, brochures, and other interactive materials that make learning more engaging and accessible!

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!
Trying new cuisine, taking photos of anything that catches my eye, and sharing daily morning coffee with my sister. I'm also a huge tea enthusiast and love brewing everything from a classic cup of black tea to experimenting with different flavoured blends.

Research Description

Biography
Hi! I'm Tulika, a Computer Science freshman from New Delhi, India. I enjoy spending my time building things, whether that's experimenting with machine learning models, designing graphics, or working on side projects just because they sound interesting. I like learning by doing, and I'm happiest when I'm figuring out why something works, or why it doesn't. When I am not behind my laptop, you can usually find me spending time with my sister, trying to get the perfect shot out of my window or on a lookout for good food!