When I first encountered computer science, I knew almost nothing about it. I used my laptop mainly for homework and relied on basic Google tools without even knowing common keyboard shortcuts. At the time, I assumed that typing speed was one of the most important skills needed to succeed in a computer science course. My perspective changed because of my high school computer science teacher. She introduced me to an entirely new world and showed me that computer science was not simply about using computers. It was a field filled with endless opportunities to learn, create, and solve problems. Although the fundamentals initially felt abstract, I became fascinated by the complex systems behind everyday actions, such as entering a keyword into a search engine and receiving useful results almost instantly. I realized that computer science could satisfy my curiosity while allowing me to participate in shaping the future. My path has not always been clear. Computer science offers many possible directions, including front-end development, back-end systems, software, hardware, design, and implementation. The rapid growth of artificial intelligence has created even more possibilities, but it has also made the technology industry increasingly competitive and uncertain. At times, I felt overwhelmed by the pressure to find internships, prepare for a full-time career, and keep pace with an industry that changes faster than university courses can always reflect. However, this uncertainty helped me identify what matters most to me. I do not want technology to diminish human creativity or overlook the perspectives of people without technical backgrounds. I want to help build human-centered systems that value differences, encourage innovation, and allow people to focus on the meaningful process of creation. I believe artificial intelligence should support human potential rather than replace or overshadow it. After graduating from San José State University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, I plan to continue my education at Carnegie Mellon University. Through graduate study in machine learning, I hope to deepen my expertise in trustworthy, equitable, and human-centered artificial intelligence. My long-term goal is to work as a machine learning engineer or researcher developing technologies that address real-world challenges while ensuring that underrepresented communities are not ignored. I believe I am a strong candidate for the Chris Jackson Computer Science Education Scholarship because my journey reflects curiosity, persistence, and purpose. I began with limited technical knowledge, but I continued learning and developed a clear vision for how I want to use my education. Receiving this scholarship would reduce the financial burden of graduate study and allow me to focus more fully on research, leadership, and community impact. It would support not only my future, but also my commitment to creating technology that protects human creativity and improves people’s lives.

As a woman pursuing a career in technology, I understand how meaningful it is to have access to education and financial support in a field where many underrepresented students still face barriers. My background has shaped both my determination and my sense of responsibility. I am currently an undergraduate student preparing to pursue a master’s program at Carnegie Mellon University, where I hope to deepen my knowledge of computer science and contribute to human-centered artificial intelligence. However, the financial burden of graduate school is a significant challenge, and receiving the Justin Moeller Memorial Scholarship would help make this next step more attainable. My interest in technology began with computer science courses and hands-on projects, where I learned that it is more than just coding or building systems. It is a powerful tool for solving human problems. The more I studied computer science, the more I became interested in how technical decisions affect real people and communities. This perspective led me to pursue my first research project on detecting AI-generated artwork. As generative AI became more advanced, I noticed growing concerns from artists whose work could be used, copied, or imitated without their knowledge or consent. I wanted to better understand how machine learning systems analyze images and explore ways to distinguish between human-created and AI-generated content. Through this research, I learned about computer vision, data analysis, and model evaluation, but I also learned something even more important: responsible technology requires empathy. Innovation should not only focus on what is possible, but also on who may be affected by it. In the future, my primary goal is to become a researcher focused on ethical AI, specifically, understanding how modern deep learning systems can be designed to better reflect fairness and promote human-centered values. I am especially interested in the intuition behind deep learning models: why certain architectures work, how optimization shapes learning behavior, and how theoretical computer science can inform more reliable and interpretable systems. I want to bridge the gap between abstract algorithmic design and real-world impact, ensuring that the systems we build are not only powerful but also responsible. The Justin Moeller Memorial Scholarship would help reduce the financial burden of pursuing higher education and allow me to dedicate more time and energy to my academic and research goals. More importantly, it would support my commitment to using technology responsibly. As an underrepresented student in technology, I hope to contribute to a future where the field is more inclusive, ethical, and focused on solving meaningful problems. I believe that innovation and sustainability must work together, and I am eager to use my education to help build technology that benefits both people and the planet.

Selected passage (The Epic of Gilgamesh) "But his (Enkidu's) eyes do not move, he touched his heart, but it no longer beat. He covered his friend's face like a bride." Essay Thesis: In this passage, the author uses Enkidu's death not merely to depict grief, but to reveal Gilgamesh's first confrontation with existential questions that arise when human beings face the inevitable loss of those they love. Gilgamesh and Enkidu are more than friends; they are two halves of a whole. Together they crossed mountains and wandered distant lands, never ceasing their adventures. Neither savage beasts nor perilous landscapes could inspire fear in them. Instead, these challenges became stories to be shared and legends to be passed down through generations. Yet amid these exhilarating memories, the narrative suddenly turns. Sorrow overwhelms Gilgamesh. Though he is two-thirds divine and one-third human, neither his strength nor his glory can resist the force of loss. Death takes from him what he treasures most, his companion and the beating heart that once shared his journey. The scene reminds me of a magnificent concert hall. Only a moment ago, music filled the air, and the echoes of lively notes seemed to linger among the audience. Then, without warning, silence descends—a sudden absence where sound once was, making the quiet feel heavier by contrast. In that silence, the focus narrows, leaving only the performer and the memory of the performance. The intertwined rhythms of two breaths and two heartbeats gradually become one, just as music gives way to silence. Gilgamesh cannot believe what has happened. He touches Enkidu's heart as if asking whether their shared performance has truly ended. Yet the beating has stopped. His friend has taken his final bow. Unwilling to accept the farewell, he covers Enkidu's face "like a bride." The comparison is striking and tragic. A wedding veil usually symbolizes a beginning, a future, and hope. Here, however, it marks only an ending. Once covered, there will be no unveiling, no celebration, and no dreams of tomorrow. Enkidu, his beloved companion, the wild leopard of the wilderness, is seized by an endless sleep, leaving Gilgamesh feeling utterly powerless. For the first time, the king who had believed himself destined for greatness confronts death directly. Its shadow settles over his mind and cannot be driven away. Grief intertwines with confusion, weighing down every step he takes. This moment leads him to ask one of humanity's oldest questions: "Must I also die? Will I not be like Enkidu?" Thousands of years after it was written, this story still resonates because it transforms personal loss into a universal human dilemma. If death and separation are unavoidable, then what gives life meaning? If everything we cherish will eventually disappear, is life merely a fleeting dream? These questions threaten to pull both Gilgamesh and the reader toward nihilism. Despite advances in science and technology that have extended human life, we continue to search for meaning. In the age of artificial intelligence, we are once again asking what makes human existence valuable, what creativity truly is, and what gives our lives purpose. Although our capabilities have expanded, our deepest emotional struggles remain connected to those of people who lived thousands of years ago. The underlying meaning of this passage, therefore, is not that death renders life meaningless. Rather, it suggests that uncertainty and grief are inseparable parts of the human experience. Confusion is real. Suffering is real. Yet the decision to continue moving forward despite that uncertainty is equally real. Just as a rest in a musical performance does not erase the music that came before it, loss does not erase the value of life and relationships. The pause created by grief gives us an opportunity to reflect on what truly matters. Close reading this passage has allowed me to appreciate how an ancient text can speak directly to modern concerns. In a world flooded with information, taking the time to read carefully and think deeply offers a valuable moment of reflection. Through Gilgamesh's grief, I am reminded that while death is universal, so too is the human search for meaning. That search, shared across thousands of years, is what makes literature worth reading closely. In recognizing ourselves in Gilgamesh’s journey, we see that the value of our stories—and our lives—lies in how we confront loss, make meaning, and ultimately choose to carry those insights forward. Literature endures because it meets us where we are, and guides us ever onward.

My core goal is to “build” a future where technology is intentionally designed to support and amplify human creativity, ensuring that innovation remains human-centered and inclusive. As both an artist and a computer science student, I have seen how technology can empower communities, but I have also witnessed the concerns many artists face as generative AI becomes more powerful. I want to help create technologies that are innovative, ethical, and shaped with creators in mind. Growing up, painting was one of the ways I expressed myself and connected with others. In high school, I volunteered in community painting projects and saw how art could bring people together and create a sense of belonging. Although I chose to major in computer science rather than pursue a traditional art degree, my passion for art continued to shape my perspective on technology and its impact on people. This passion led me to pursue my first research project on detecting AI-generated artwork. I wanted to understand how machine learning models analyze images and explore ways to distinguish between human-created and AI-generated content. More importantly, I wanted to address a growing challenge for artists whose work can be used or imitated without their knowledge or consent. Through this research, I learned that technology is not only about creating new capabilities but also about considering the people affected by it, and I shared my findings and results through conference and research posters. As a master's student in Machine Learning at Carnegie Mellon University in the upcoming semester, I am focused on building innovative, responsible solutions that realize my vision of human-centered technological progress. Looking ahead, I hope to develop technologies that increase transparency and help artists maintain ownership of their creative identities. By bridging the gap between artists and technology, I want to help create a future where progress strengthens human creativity and ensures creators continue to have a voice in shaping it.

Moving to a new country was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. I left behind everything familiar: my friends, school, culture, and the osmanthus tree outside my home, which had been a part of my childhood. Overnight, I found myself in an entirely new environment with a different language and way of life. The transition was difficult not only for me but also for my entire family. My father had little experience with English and struggled to adapt to the new environment. My mother was learning to adjust to her new life while also helping my brother and me navigate ours. During the first few months, I often cried at night because I felt lost and alone. I missed my home deeply and struggled to understand what was happening around me. Despite these obstacles, I began to confront the challenges that came with such a drastic change. As someone with a strong competitive spirit, I found it especially difficult to go from being a successful student to someone who could barely keep up with classroom discussions. I remember sitting in class, smiling when other students laughed, even though I did not understand the joke. I was afraid to answer phone calls because I worried people would not understand my English. Nevertheless, over time, the support around me grew stronger. Fortunately, I was not alone. My mother, supportive professors, and the new friends I made became the foundation of a new support system. Through their patience and encouragement, I slowly began to build confidence and adapt to my new surroundings. Just as life was becoming more stable, the COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges. My father's business experienced repeated setbacks, creating financial stress and tension within our family. The differences in expectations, pace of adaptation, and emotional strain eventually led to major family conflicts. The situation deeply affected both my brother and me. During that period, our mental health suffered to the point that we both sought help from psychologists. That experience taught me an important lesson: struggles do not disappear when they are suppressed. For a long time, I tried to hide my fears, frustrations, and sadness, but keeping those emotions inside only made them heavier. One event especially changed my perspective. During a solo day trip, my phone ran out of battery. Because it was an older model, I could not find a compatible charger. I became increasingly anxious as I lost my ability to contact anyone. I got into a taxi that I suspected might not be licensed because I was afraid of being stranded. Although the driver only overcharged me and nothing worse happened, the experience forced me to confront how fear had influenced my decisions. I realized that nothing is more important than my own safety and well-being. When my instincts tell me something is wrong, I need to trust myself and speak up. Shortly afterward, I asked my father to meet with me, and we spent more than two hours openly discussing our feelings. It was not an easy conversation, but it became an important step toward healing. My mental health journey has profoundly shaped my beliefs. I now believe that vulnerability is not weakness. Seeking help, expressing emotions, and having difficult conversations require courage. I have also learned that everyone carries struggles that may not be visible on the surface. Because of this, I approach others with greater empathy and understanding. These experiences have also influenced my aspirations. Having experienced academic, cultural, and emotional challenges myself, I understand how difficult it can be to succeed while managing personal struggles. This understanding motivates me to serve as a lab instructor who supports students not only academically but also as individuals facing unique challenges in their lives. Looking toward the future, I will pursue a Master's degree in Machine Learning at Carnegie Mellon University and focus on human-centered artificial intelligence. I want to combine technical innovation with compassion, inventing technologies that better support human needs. My experiences have taught me that progress is not only about intelligence and achievement, but also about empathy, connection, and resilience.

Throughout my life, I have been guided by curiosity, which is not only about technology and how things work, but also about people and how knowledge can improve lives. As I prepare to pursue a Master's degree in Machine Learning at Carnegie Mellon University, I hope to develop technology that serves people responsibly and contributes positively to society. The relationships that have been most important to me are those built through learning, mentorship, and service. One experience that profoundly shaped me was becoming a lab instructor. Teaching technical material in my second language was initially intimidating, and I often doubted whether I could effectively guide others. However, I was inspired by the instructors who had supported me through my own academic challenges. Through teaching, I learned that education is not simply about sharing knowledge. It is about creating opportunities for growth and helping others recognize their potential. Seeing students overcome obstacles and succeed became one of the most rewarding parts of my academic journey. It also taught me the value of investing in others and the lasting impact that support and mentorship can have. My commitment to helping others also influences how I approach technology. Through my involvement with the Responsible Computing Club, I organized workshops on topics such as bias in facial recognition systems and the broader social impact of artificial intelligence. In addition, I conducted research on detecting AI-generated artwork and presented my findings at conferences and in research posters. This work emphasized the importance of protecting artists' creative contributions and ensuring that technological innovation remains aligned with ethical principles. These experiences reinforced my belief that technology should be powerful and innovative while also remaining responsible and transparent. Another meaningful experience was participating in the Bridge-to-Connect environmental case competition and later returning as a coach. Working with students to address sustainability challenges taught me the importance of collaboration, empathy, and listening to diverse perspectives. It showed me that meaningful solutions are created when people work together and consider the needs of the communities they hope to serve. My long-term goal is to contribute to the development of human-centered artificial intelligence—technology that supports meaningful decision-making and creates positive benefits for society. I hope to use my skills not only to advance innovation but also to help build systems that are ethical, inclusive, and socially responsible. Receiving the Thomas Griffin Wilson Scholarship would reduce the financial burden of graduate school and allow me to dedicate more time to my studies, research, and mentoring efforts. More importantly, it would support my commitment to helping others through education, community engagement, and responsible technology development. With this support, I hope to combine technical expertise with compassion and service to make a meaningful difference in the broader community and carry forward the values of kindness, empathy, and positive impact that this scholarship represents.

Sustainability should be a priority in every field because the environment underpins human well-being and future innovation. As someone will be pursuing a career in Machine Learning and human-centered Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Carnegie Mellon University, I believe sustainability is especially important because technological progress should improve lives without creating unnecessary harm to the planet. The rapid growth of AI presents tremendous opportunities, but it also raises important questions about resource usage and long-term environmental impact. My interest in sustainability grew through participating in the Bridge-to-Connect (BRDG) case competition focused on environmental challenges. During the competition, I learned that successful solutions require more than innovative technology; they must also address the specific needs of different users and communities. Through research and collaboration, I discovered how difficult it can be to balance competing priorities such as cost, efficiency, accessibility, and environmental responsibility. This experience helped me understand that sustainability is not simply about reducing waste or emissions, but about making thoughtful decisions that consider long-term consequences. It also pushes me to become a coach this year to help new groups of students continuously address the problem and to volunteer my knowledge and effort. Today, AI is developing at an unprecedented pace. Companies across industries are racing to adopt AI technologies, often prioritizing speed and competitive advantage. While innovation is important, the environmental costs of AI are frequently overlooked. Training and operating large AI models require significant computing power, which can consume substantial amounts of energy. As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, it is essential that researchers and developers consider how to make these systems more efficient and environmentally responsible. My goal is to contribute to the development of human-centered AI. Human-centered AI focuses on creating technologies that respect human values, support meaningful decision-making, and enhance quality of life. I believe environmental sustainability should be one of those core values. A truly beneficial AI system should not only deliver utility and innovation but also minimize its impact on the natural world. In the future, I hope to research methods for improving the efficiency of machine learning models, reducing computational waste, and designing AI systems that help organizations make more sustainable decisions. I am also interested in exploring how AI can support environmental solutions directly. Machine learning can be used to optimize energy consumption, improve resource management, monitor environmental changes, and accelerate scientific research related to sustainability. By combining technical expertise with a commitment to environmental responsibility, I hope to develop technologies that contribute to both human progress and ecological well-being. Receiving the Future Green Leaders Scholarship would help reduce the financial burden of pursuing higher education and allow me to dedicate more time and energy to my academic and research goals. More importantly, it would support my commitment to using technology responsibly and advancing a future where innovation and sustainability work together. I believe that protecting our environment is one of the most important challenges of our time, and I am eager to contribute to the field of machine learning and human-centered AI.

1. I would describe myself as an explorer who is willing to step into unfamiliar environments, even when I feel uncertain, and keep moving forward one small step at a time. As an immigrant and a woman pursuing a career in technology, my experiences have given me a unique perspective on both my strengths and the areas where I continue to grow. Moving to the United States was one of the most challenging transitions of my life. I had to adapt to a new language and a different educational system. I also had to adjust to an unfamiliar culture while helping my family navigate our new environment. Through this process, I developed resilience, adaptability, and confidence. My interests in research and painting reflect my curiosity and creativity. Most importantly, I have learned that rejection is not failure. It is an opportunity to learn and keep growing. 2. Living and studying in a culture different from the one I grew up in has taught me that “different” does not mean “wrong.” Every culture offers valuable perspectives, and understanding those differences has helped me become more open-minded. In my home culture, humility and attentive listening are highly valued. These principles taught me to respect others’ ideas and perspectives. In the United States, I learned another important lesson: to respect my own voice. I discovered that sharing ideas, asking questions, and speaking confidently are all vital in learning and leadership. One experience that reflects this growth was my decision to become a lab instructor. Teaching technical material in my second language initially felt intimidating. I worried about making mistakes and whether I could communicate effectively. However, remembering the support I had received from my own instructors, I embraced the challenge. What began as a source of anxiety became one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic journey. It strengthened my communication skills and allowed me to help other students succeed. 3. My educational journey has taught me that empathy is important in developing technology. As I moved between cultures and communities, I realized that people’s experiences shape their opportunities and challenges. Technology can only serve society effectively when it is designed with diverse perspectives in mind. One of the most meaningful experiences in my growth was presenting my research at Scientific Research Day. I shared my work on using machine learning to detect AI-generated artwork and discussed its implications for digital authenticity. Several visitors told me that my research was meaningful and encouraged me to continue. Their support gave me the confidence to see the value of my contributions and inspired me to pursue graduate studies. That experience reinforced an important lesson: when we share our work and ideas, we can create impact beyond ourselves. 4. My academic interests in machine learning are closely connected to my goal of creating technology that is fair, trustworthy, and beneficial to diverse communities. Throughout my education, I have faced challenges including limited resources, balancing work and school, and financial constraints. These experiences strengthened my determination and taught me how to seek opportunities, take initiative, and persevere. I plan to pursue a Master’s degree in Machine Learning at Carnegie Mellon University, where I hope to deepen my expertise in equitable and interpretable AI systems. My long-term goal is to develop technologies that address real-world challenges while ensuring underrepresented communities are not overlooked. Receiving this scholarship would reduce the financial burden of my education and allow me to focus more fully on research, leadership, and community impact. It would not only support my academic journey but also help me create positive change through technology.

As a computer science student, I have always been interested in how technology can shape society and influence creative industries. While many people view computer science as purely technical, I see it as a field that combines innovation, problem-solving, and responsibility. My passion for both technology and art inspired me to pursue a research project focused on detecting AI-generated artwork, a topic that became increasingly important with the rapid growth of generative AI tools. When I entered college, I noticed growing concerns among artists whose work and styles were being imitated by AI systems without consent. Generative AI demonstrated incredible technical advancement, but it also raised ethical questions about authenticity and the protection of creative work. Rather than viewing technology as the problem itself, I became interested in how technology could also provide solutions. This motivated me to conduct my first undergraduate research project on identifying AI-generated images using machine learning techniques. The project introduced me to the practical side of artificial intelligence and computer vision. I explored how machine learning models analyze image patterns, textures, and inconsistencies that may not be immediately visible to the human eye. I learned how datasets are collected and processed, how training and testing models work, and how image classification systems can distinguish between human-created and AI-generated artwork. Through this experience, I strengthened my programming and analytical skills while gaining a deeper understanding of how artificial intelligence systems are designed and evaluated. One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was learning how technical research can address real-world issues. Before this experience, I viewed programming mainly as writing code to solve computational problems. However, my research taught me that technology also has social consequences, and engineers play an important role in shaping how these technologies are used. Detecting AI-generated artwork was not simply a technical challenge; it was also about protecting artistic integrity and encouraging ethical innovation. This perspective changed the way I approach computer science and inspired me to think critically about the broader impact of emerging technologies. Presenting my research poster during research week was another important milestone in my academic journey. Explaining my work to professors, students, and visitors challenged me to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and accessibly. Many people expressed interest in the topic and encouraged me to continue the research. Their feedback gave me confidence in my abilities as both a researcher and a future engineer. More importantly, it showed me that technology research can foster meaningful discussions and help solve contemporary challenges. Working in technology inspires me because the field is constantly evolving and creating opportunities to make a difference. Computer science allows me to combine technical problem-solving with creativity and critical thinking. I am especially inspired by areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning because they have the potential to transform industries, improve accessibility, and solve complex global problems when developed responsibly. At the same time, my experiences have taught me that innovation must be guided by ethical considerations and respect for the people affected by it. The Chadwick D. McNab Scholarship represents values that strongly resonate with me: growth, progress, and dedication to using technical skills to positively impact others. Through my education and future career, I hope to continue researching ethical applications of artificial intelligence and contribute to building technologies that support both innovation and human creativity.

I relate deeply to the challenges Maggie faced as an international student navigating life in a new country. Moving to the United States for education is not only a cultural transition but also an emotional and intellectual one. It means adjusting to unfamiliar systems, overcoming language barriers, and building a support network from nothing, all while keeping up academically. As an immigrant, I successfully navigated this journey firsthand. My family’s fourteen-year immigration process required resilience in the face of uncertainty, and I quickly adapted upon our move. Arriving in the U.S., I confidently confronted a high school curriculum taught entirely in English. While I encountered challenges with language and unfamiliar resources, I focused on learning quickly and embracing every opportunity compared to my peers. Through the motivation to overcome these challenges to gain new knowledge, I learned to adapt quickly. By humbly asking teachers and classmates for help, I built meaningful relationships and gradually gained the confidence to express myself. These experiences strengthened my resilience and taught me the importance of community and persistence. Like Maggie, I am driven to push beyond my comfort zone and focus on the meaningfulness of exploration that is driven by my curiosity. One of the decisions I made was to become a lab instructor. At first, the idea of teaching complex material in my second language felt intimidating. However, inspired by the support I once received from my own instructors, I chose to take on the challenge. What began as a daunting step turned into a transformative experience where I not only reinforced my own knowledge but also helped others succeed. Besides that, I also decided to continue my pursuit in my academic journey, that answering my curiosity and questions through the journey, as becoming a Master’s in Machine Learning at Carnegie Mellon University, which will be very challenging, but I believe it will bring me new experiences and continue my exploration to assist me in achieving my goal as using inputting my own vision into how to make technology to be ethical. Maggie’s determination, curiosity, and resilience resonate deeply with me. I commit to facing challenges with courage, pursuing continuous learning, and contributing to the communities. Like Maggie, I view every obstacle as an opportunity for growth, and I am dedicated to using my journey to empower and uplift others. I believe that by doing so, I can create lasting positive change both for myself and those around me.

Machine learning is the field of STEM that most excites me because it combines mathematical foundations with meaningful real-world applications. I am drawn to how models can learn patterns from data and apply them across domains such as art, healthcare, and communication. In particular, I am interested in how AI interacts with creative work, as generative models raise important questions about artistic ownership and fairness. As this technology continues to advance, I believe it is critical to ensure that it is developed responsibly and with awareness of its impact on human creativity and society. My academic and research experiences have focused on exploring these challenges. Through an independent study, I conducted research on detecting AI-generated artwork. I presented my findings through conference and research posters to highlight the importance of verifying the authenticity of digital art. In addition, I served as a workshop ambassador and project lead for the Responsible Computing Club. In this role, I organized workshops on topics such as facial recognition bias and disparities in speech recognition systems. I also worked on a machine learning–based bias detection tool designed to promote transparency in data and model behavior. These experiences strengthened my understanding of both the technical and ethical dimensions of STEM, and reinforced my commitment to building systems that are both innovative and socially responsible. I am committed to ensuring that AI and machine learning serve as tools that empower human creativity rather than exploit it. By reducing bias, enhancing interpretability, and improving accountability, I want to help build AI systems that can be integrated into society in ways that support innovation, safety, and fairness. I have faced adversity in my academic journey, including limited research resources, balancing school and work, and managing financial constraints. I have also worked to find a field that matches my skills and long-term interests. To address these, I sought independent research, took leadership roles in STEM, and applied for scholarships to support my education. In my lifelong journey of exploration, I aim to continuously grow, build meaningful connections with more people, learn from others, and ultimately achieve my goals. Overall, my experiences in machine learning have shaped my commitment to using STEM as a tool to address complex global challenges. I hope to continue building on this foundation through advanced study, including a Master’s in Machine Learning at Carnegie Mellon University, where I plan to further develop my expertise in fairness and interpretability in AI systems.

My goal is to shape how intelligent systems behave in the real world through the study of Machine Learning. Long term, I aim to become a researcher focused on ethical AI, designing systems that reflect fairness and human-centered values. To prepare, I have taken advanced coursework and conducted research projects that deepen my understanding of its theories and applications. Through this work, I have grown increasingly curious about why certain architectures succeed and how theory can guide the development of more reliable models. I seek to bridge the gap between abstract algorithms and real-world impact, ensuring systems are both powerful and responsible. Beyond computer science, I am deeply committed to painting and visual art, which have shaped how I perceive patterns, emotion, and human experience. Art has strengthened my ability to recognize nuance and engage with meaning, and I believe creativity and logical understanding are uniquely human qualities that should be preserved and not diminished by technological progress. My interest in combining these fields stems from examining how AI interacts with creative work. As generative models advance, questions of authorship and artistic value have become more urgent. Many artists are concerned about the use of their work in training datasets without consent and the lack of legal protection against style imitation. These issues have shown me that technological development requires diverse perspectives, motivating my focus on the intersection of Machine Learning and art. During my undergraduate studies, I began my research under Professor Mark Stamp through an independent project on detecting AI-generated artwork. I built a complete Machine Learning pipeline, including dataset creation, preprocessing, training, and evaluation. This work explored how feature-based models can address challenges relevant to artists while clarifying my goal of developing solutions aligned with my values. In addition to research, I contributed to the Responsible Computing Club as a workshop ambassador and project lead. I organized workshops on facial recognition bias, disparities in speech recognition, and the misuse of artists’ work in datasets. I also led the development of a Machine Learning-based bias detection tool to promote transparency in data and model behavior. These experiences reinforced my commitment to building socially responsible systems. In the near term, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in Machine Learning at Carnegie Mellon University, strengthening my foundation in optimization, interpretability, and applied AI. By combining my technical background with my lifelong engagement in art, I aim to develop AI systems that scale responsibly and support rather than exploit human creativity.