Name of Project: Teaching AI: Designing and Leading an Introductory AI & Machine Learning Course
What inspires you most as a student, and how does it influence your academic and personal growth? What inspires me most as a student is the opportunity to constantly learn new things and challenge myself. I enjoy working through difficult problems and seeing how what I learn can be applied to real-world problems. As a computer science major, I’m especially interested in artificial intelligence and how it can be used responsibly and creatively. This mindset has helped me become more curious and persistent, both academically and personally, and it motivates me to keep exploring new areas of technology.
Can you share something you are currently working on in your studies and why it is meaningful to you? For my capstone project, I am designing and teaching an introductory AI and machine learning course through Real World Connections. In this course, I introduce students to fundamental concepts like how machine learning models work and how AI is used in real-world applications. This project is meaningful to me because it combines my passion for computer science with education. It has allowed me to take what I’ve learned in my classes and turn it into something that can help others start exploring AI.
What challenges have you experienced during your time as a student, and how have you worked to overcome them? One challenge I’ve faced as a student is learning how to stay confident when coursework becomes difficult or unfamiliar. Computer science often requires a lot of trial and error, and not every problem has an immediate solution. Over time, I’ve learned to approach challenges with patience and persistence, and to view mistakes as part of the learning process rather than setbacks.
How has receiving scholarship support impacted your experience as a student? Receiving scholarship support has made a significant difference in my experience as a student. It has helped reduce financial stress and allowed me to focus more on my academics and projects. Knowing that others believe in and support my goals has also been very motivating. Because of this support, I’ve been able to spend more time developing meaningful learning opportunities and pursuing experiences that will help prepare me for my future career in technology.
