91PORN

 

Karen Palacios Echeverria

Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Majors: computer science, Diplomacy and World Affairs

Are there any standout classes you’ve taken?
I had the great fortune of taking Prof. Pozo’s Human-Computer Interaction course this past semester. I was able to learn more about the design process and what it looks like to build a project that is efficient and functional but is also usable and applicable to people’s lives. For our final project, I worked in a group to create a prototype to help accelerate the ordering process for the Green Bean cafe, which was really fun—especially when we received positive feedback regarding our prototype’s usability. The class was highly hands-on, and it taught me the importance of centering the user in every step of the design process, a lesson that has stayed with me as I continue to explore my interests in human-computer interaction.

The department encourages students to think beyond just coding and to consider the societal impact of technology.

What is the “vibe” of the COMP SCI department?

The computer science department at Oxy has a collaborative and supportive vibe. Professors are approachable and genuinely invested in helping students succeed, whether it’s through academic guidance or research opportunities. The department also encourages students to think beyond just coding and to consider the societal impact of technology, which aligns well with my interests in AI ethics. The major is designed to help you think outside the box regarding different problems. There’s a strong sense of community. The Computer Science Club is a great resource for students, they offer opportunities to work on open-source projects, participate in networking workshops, and connect with peers who share similar interests. Upperclassmen are incredibly welcoming and always open to offering advice, whether it’s about computer science, academics, or just navigating college life.

What are your ambitions post-Oxy and how has the liberal arts approach helped to shape these ambitions?

After Oxy, I aspire to work at the intersection of technology and public policy, particularly in the field of AI ethics. I want to contribute to the development of ethical AI systems and practices that help promote social good. The liberal arts approach at Oxy has been instrumental in shaping these ambitions by encouraging me to think critically about the broader implications of technology. My double major in Diplomacy & World Affairs has given me a strong foundation in understanding international organizations and policy-making, which I believe is crucial for addressing the ethical challenges posed by AI.

Embrace the interdisciplinary nature of computer science. Don’t be afraid to explore how it intersects with other fields like biology, politics, or even the arts because computer science can help solve problems in virtually any domain.

Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in COMP SCI?

My advice would be to embrace the interdisciplinary nature of computer science. Don’t be afraid to explore how comp sci intersects with other fields like biology, politics, or even the arts because computer science can help solve problems in virtually any domain. I’ve met computer science students who are double majoring in unexpected fields like studio art or group language, and they’re using their technical skills to push boundaries and create meaningful impact in those areas. Also, take advantage of research opportunities, internships, and projects that allow you to apply your skills to real-world problems. Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of collaboration. Some of the best ideas come from working with people who have different perspectives and expertise, and it always leads to better projects and results.

 

August Ross

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Major: computer science

What was your motivation to major in computer science? 
I've always been into computers and figuring out how they work behind the scenes. My first taste of programming was playing with redstone in Minecraft, a simple logic system where I was able to build machines and systems in the game. That really sparked my interest in programming. Over time, I've shifted my focus to more challenging projects related to my expanding interest in music, like low-level audio programming. Now, I'm also diving into web development, which lets me blend creativity with technical problem-solving.

Can you describe your working relationships with your professors? 
I've had a great experience working with my computer science professors. At Oxy, the small class sizes—about 20 students per class—give you plenty of one-on-one time with instructors.  I've always found them available and willing to help, and I even got to work closely with a visiting professor, Prof. Paolizzo, who is bridging both music and computer science on live music performance software. Right now, I’m collaborating with Prof. Li to expand my senior comps project, and he’s been a fantastic mentor throughout the process.

My senior comps project gave me the chance to work on something I was passionate about as well as create a major portfolio piece that shows off my abilities.

Have you taken part in any student research opportunities at Oxy or elsewhere? Can you talk about your senior comps project? 
I had the chance to work with an Oxy professor who taught both music and computer science on a project focused on music performance software. This collaboration allowed me to apply many of the concepts I learned in his class to real-world applications. Now, in my senior year, I’m continuing my senior comps project with Prof. Li, where I’m researching audio on the web and building an application around it. The app functions like a digital pedal board you can run in your browser, featuring effects such as delays and amplification, and by the end of semester, I plan to add even more capabilities like sequencing—eventually turning it into a fully functional digital audio workstation (DAW). My senior comps project gave me the chance to work on something I was passionate about as well as create a major portfolio piece that shows off my abilities.

What do you find most compelling about studying computer science? 
I find computer science really compelling because it lets me automate tasks and streamline processes. Back in high school, I noticed that many things I did were inefficient or took way too long, and I loved that computers could fix that. Over time, I realized I could apply my understanding of computers and coding to lots of areas in life and turn my ideas into real projects. Just add a simple interface, and you've created a tool that can help others.

Oxy’s interdisciplinary approach played a huge role in shaping my ambitions. I was able to take computer science classes that intersected with fields like music and psychology, which helped me find my niche.

What are your ambitions post-Oxy and how has the liberal arts approach helped to shape these ambitions? 
I really want to work in a field that's related to web or music, or even better, a job that combines the two. Oxy’s interdisciplinary approach played a huge role in shaping my ambitions. I was able to take computer science classes that intersected with fields like music and psychology, which helped me find my niche. If I’d only taken traditional CS courses, I might never have discovered this unique blend of interests.

Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in computer science? 
Find your niche. Computer science is a huge field with lots of directions and applications: from robotics and the math side of things to user experience and design. One of the great things about Oxy’s CS program is that it connects with almost every subject, so if you focus on what excites you, you'll find classes and opportunities that align with your interests. Plus, your final comps project is a chance to tailor your work exactly to what you want to do, letting you have the freedom to explore more of what interests you the most.

 

Princess Leus

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Major: computer science  minor: Media Arts and Culture

Have you taken part in any student research opportunities at Oxy?

My first summer at Oxy, I conducted astrophysics research with Prof. Stierwalt through the Research Early Access Program (REAP). Using Python, I created data visualizations of dwarf galaxies and analyzed their star formation rates. Even though I had never taken a physics course, I was able to apply my computer science fundamentals to a completely new field. The beauty of a liberal arts education is applying what you do know to learn more in fields you never saw yourself in. One of the best parts of researching at Oxy is the individualized mentorship from professors, and I was able to take full advantage of that during my experience.

Did you study abroad? If so, how did it complement your major course of study?
I studied abroad in Madrid through IES’s Engineering, Math & Science program in Fall 2024 (thanks IPO!), where I took classes at Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). I chose Madrid because their program offered computer science classes that transferred as major electives, allowing me to stay on track with my degree while experiencing a new academic environment. In my HCI course, I worked with students from different schools to design an app that streamlined cooking and pantry management. This was especially relevant as many of us were cooking for ourselves for the first time without a meal plan. The experience deepened my technical skills while broadening my understanding of how different cultures approach innovation and problem-solving, gaining an overall global perspective on tech.

The liberal arts approach has enriched my perspective by exposing me to tech's social and environmental impacts through classes in religious studies, American studies, sociology, and more, ultimately shaping my ambition to create socially conscious technology solutions.

What are your ambitions post-Oxy and how has the liberal arts approach helped to shape these ambitions?
Post-Oxy, I'm aiming to explore a blend of product management and cybersecurity, particularly in media and entertainment, while also diving deeper into AI and cleantech through programs outside of class. My core courses have sharpened my writing, communication, and collaboration skills, essential for thriving in such a team-based field. The liberal arts approach has enriched my perspective by exposing me to tech's social and environmental impacts through classes in religious studies, American studies, sociology, and more, ultimately shaping my ambition to create socially conscious technology solutions.

Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in COMP SCI?
Take advantage of the constantly evolving nature of computer science. With the rise of AI, blockchain, and other tech progress, it's important to stay open and flexible to new developments. Resources like office hours, SSAP, peer tutoring, and clubs are for you! You learn so much from having conversations with professors, upperclassmen, and peers outside of regular class. Learning how to ask great questions builds strong fundamentals while exploring projects and lets you apply your skills in real-world scenarios.