Biography

I am a second-year student majoring in Computer Science at Phoenix College. I have a passion for helping others and a strong interest in the health care and mental health fields. Before switching to Computer Science, I was a Psychology major. I was motivated to switch after taking a coding course one summer which led me to developing an interest in computer science. As I explored the field further, I learned about the capabilities it has on impacting large populations. This led me to changing my area of study, combining my interest in computer science and passion for health care with the goal of creating applications and technology that could reach and positively impact larger populations within these fields. In regard to campus involvement, I am in the MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement) program which has given me opportunities to connect with mentors and professors, engage in STEM workshops, and explore career pathways. I also work as a Student Success Specialist, working in tandem with professors to support students academically and connect them with campus resources. This position allows me to connect with others and help my fellow students grow academically and support their own aspirations in life.

Academic Status

Community College Student - 2nd

Research Area/Department

Computer Science

Major/Specialty

Computer Science

Degrees Earned or in Progress

I am currently working on my Associate in Science, Emphasis in Computer Science at Phoenix College before transferring to ASU to get my bachelor's.

Academic Preparation

Completed Courses: CIS 156: Python Level 1 CSC 110: Intro to Java Current Courses: CSC 205: Object Oriented Programming and Data Structures

Research/Academic Interests

My academic interests lie in the intersection of computer science, medicine and mental health. My interest particularly lies in how technology can be used to improve diagnostics, treatment, and accessibility in healthcare. As technology becomes more advanced and new discoveries are made, I believe the potential to address challenges within the medical and mental health field become greater as well. My research interests include learning how technology can improve detection of disorders and modeling personalized treatment plans for different individuals, especially those from underserved communities where resources may be difficult to access. I recently attended the U.S Research Software Engineering conference and participated in a workshop on using machine learning and AI to track and predict animal movement. During this workshop, I learned about how these techniques could also be applied in the medical field to track different stages of diseases and conditions. I am excited to continue learning about these applications and how they can advance health care.

Computational and Data Science Areas

Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems; Computer Science; Other Medical Sciences; Psychology Sociology

Motivation

I recently attended the 2025 U.S. Research Software Engineering Conference, where I was inspired by the students, mentors, and presenters I met. The experience renewed my motivation to continue pursuing my goals. It also deepened my appreciation and enthusiasm for being part of this supportive community by taking part in more opportunities. I am eager to build on what I have learned by taking part in this program, turning my inspiration into tangible work while learning from experts who can provide invaluable guidance and insight. As a proud first-generation student, I embrace opportunities to learn, grow and push past boundaries, especially in environments where diverse voices and inclusive perspectives are valued. Participating in this program would allow me to further develop my skills, conduct meaningful research, and potentially present my work at a conference. It would be a critical step toward building technology that improves health care for everyone, especially those often left behind.