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James De Ocampo

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Dance
  • Piano
  • Trumpet
  • Coding And Computer Science
  • Advocacy And Activism
  • Videography
  • Research
  • Social Media
  • Engineering
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Global Health
  • Robotics
  • Mentoring
  • Human Rights
  • Meditation and Mindfulness
  • Travel And Tourism
  • Machine Learning
  • Social Justice
  • Biking And Cycling

Reading

  • Philosophy
  • Academic
  • Adventure
  • Education
  • Leadership
  • Social Issues
  • Young Adult

I read books multiple times a week.

Bio

My name is James, and I am currently in my second year at the Georgia Institute of Technology and majoring in Computer Engineering. I remember watching Big Hero 6 and getting inspired by the robot character Baymax. Coming from a family with health problems, struggles, and financial hardship, I've always wanted to use technology as a force for good. For many regions worldwide, it can be used as a catalyst for change, so I pursued education to develop projects that enhance today's devices and spread positivity to the world. As a current researcher, I am passionate about discovering new angles to deepen my knowledge of technology to help others. Many communities have limited resources to grow, so I aspire to further my research in computer systems and pursue a Ph.D. I hope to gather essential knowledge and discoveries to create affordable low-cost devices that provide better access to healthcare and education globally. While passionate about research, I like making vlogs that inspire others to take a leap. I am also passionate about the Tinikling Filipino dance, which I have performed for seven years. From coding to designing excellent machines, I hope what I do produces an impact and a smile on someone's face. I love celebrating diversity and always seek to empower others to succeed and feel confident in their skin. I do everything with passion and love and want to ensure that everything I do improves the world and that people like myself, a first-generation student, can make a difference. It all starts with a smile and a strong desire to push, inspire others, and keep going.

Education

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Bachelor's degree program

2022 – 2026

Majors:
  • Computer Engineering

North Gwinnett High School

High School

2018 – 2022

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, Brown University, California Institute of Technology, Vanderbilt University
Majors of interest:
Computer Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science

Career

  • Platform Member: Early Cancer Detection

    Computer Software · Big Data Big Impact

    Jan 2023 – Present

  • Software Engineer Intern

    Computer Hardware · Refract Technologies

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2023

  • Front of House Worker

    Restaurants · Chick Fil A

    Jan 2021 – Jan 2021

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Medical Devices
Dream career goals:
Global healthcare technology with Medtronic
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Politics
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
Filipino-American Scholarship
Winner
The Filipino Channel didn't just reach my eyes and ears; it reached deep into my heart. Connecting with many lives, I was struck by the unwavering happiness of residents despite challenging living conditions, igniting a fire within—a desire to connect with my Filipino heritage and contribute to those in need. I struggled to define my identity and find Filipino Americans in my community. With my mother suffering from harsh health conditions, it was hard to discover this, working extra hours at a drive-thru to support her. I performed the Tinikling dance at community events to cheer myself, igniting my fiery passion to share the boundless joy the Filipino community radiates. I embarked on a journey, founding the North Gwinnett High School Filipino American Student Association. Within the association, I worked tirelessly to introduce my peers to Filipino cultural richness. I aimed to make it enticing and relevant through events like the Boodle Fight and history discussion socials. As my mother’s condition worsened, I embodied the Philippines in her name, inspired to help others. A crowning achievement was organizing donation drives to support orphans in Cebu through Balikbayan boxes, profoundly impacting our community. Transitioning to college, I became the freshman representative of the Georgia Tech Filipino Student Association. Crafting welcoming events that fostered joy and giving to the community helped me realize Filipino pride. Being part of the Filipino community provided solace during challenging times and illuminated our immense potential for good as Filipino Americans. It became clear that our identity goes beyond mere ethnicity—it's a conduit for spreading positivity and fostering family that unites people in the face of adversity. Now, I dedicate to being a voice for the Philippines, preserving our history, and transforming my aspirations into reality by harnessing my skills to amplify the unity and progress my Fil-Am identity embodies. As a computer engineer, I work on a cancer detection system to aid in medical imaging analysis and research computer systems with dreams of creating affordable low-cost devices granting greater access to education and healthcare globally. I meet with Filipino Atlanta organizations to expose Fil-Am pride and representation. With every endeavor, I aim to honor my mother's resilience and contribute to the betterment of my community, both at home and abroad. Just as I once watched life unfold through a screen, I am determined to step beyond that screen and actively shape the Fil-Am future I envision.
James De Ocampo Student Profile | Bold.org