Learning Statement

TL;DR

I learn best by doing. So I focused on research where I could apply my coursework to work on practical projects with real impact on the world. Along the way I explored my passion for computer graphics through digital arts and fostered my soft-skills as a leader in the swim club.

The Long Version

I learn best by doing. Having a practical place to use things I have learned has been the best way for me to solidify new concepts. At UW, I used my personal, club, and research projects as the practical place where I could apply my coursework and learn by doing.

Computer Science is an “arts and science” degree. I embraced the interdisciplinary nature of this field through my focus on computer graphics where I developed as both a scientist and an artist. My academic journey led me to pursue a minor in Digital Arts & Experimental Media (DXARTS) with a focus on video, which naturally extended from my computer graphics work into photography and filmmaking. This interdisciplinary approach has shaped three distinct but interconnected versions of myself: the scientist who focuses on research and discovery, the artist who explores visual storytelling through photography and filmmaking, and the swimmer who continues my lifelong love of the sport while developing leadership and communication skills as captain of the club team.

UW, renowned as a research institution, provided the ideal environment to bring this learning approach to life. Recognizing the opportunity this presented, I made research engagement a central priority of my undergraduate experience. Research allowed me not only to apply academic concepts practically but also to actively shape and direct projects, distinguishing the experience significantly from internships. In research, I could take ownership of outcomes and drive the trajectory of projects in alignment with my long-term career goals of entering industry research.

My initial research endeavor at UW was developing surgical automation tools specifically for neuroscientists. This project resonated deeply with my learning philosophy and the core values of the Honors Program—interdisciplinarity, reflection, and experiential learning. By integrating computer science with neuroscience, I found myself at the intersection of diverse disciplines, continually reflecting and iterating upon my work. This ongoing process of refinement helped me evolve not only as a researcher but also as a leader in this specialized area. My efforts directly impacted both my lab environment and the broader global user community, allowing me to see firsthand how my interdisciplinary skills translated into tangible improvements and innovations.

In pursuit of my ultimate ambition to become a computer science researcher, I expanded my research engagement beyond neuroscience into computer graphics research with 3D Gaussian Splatting. This work perfectly exemplifies the blend of my scientific interests in optimization and discovery with the practical output of developing graphics rendering techniques that are significant in the computer graphics field. This research became the foundation for my departmental honors work and enabled me to earn college honors, demonstrating how my interdisciplinary approach—combining the scientist’s rigor with the artist’s vision—creates meaningful contributions to the field.

Each research project further validated and strengthened my commitment to applying theoretical knowledge practically. They provided new contexts to apply my skills, broadening my perspective and deepening my academic and professional competencies. Whether optimizing algorithms in computer graphics, capturing compelling visual narratives through photography, or leading teammates through challenging training sessions, each experience became a building block in my broader educational architecture, guiding me closer to my goal of a career in industry research.

This portfolio is a reflective overview of my undergraduate journey, structured around my passion for computer graphics and my career goals of industry research. As you navigate through it, you will find insights into the decisions I made, the opportunities I embraced, and how each contributed meaningfully to my growth and preparation for future endeavors. The portfolio demonstrates my engagement with learning through active application and interdisciplinary exploration, showcasing how the scientist, artist, and athlete within me have shaped who I am today and are leading the way to where I go next.

Looking forward, my next step in my career is to pursue graduate studies in computer graphics. My experiences at UW have strategically positioned me for this transition. Graduate education represents both an opportunity and a necessity for advancing my qualifications and deepening my research capabilities, ultimately preparing me to make impactful contributions to industry research. The values and educational philosophies developed here at UW will continue to guide and influence my journey, shaping how I learn, grow, and innovate in future spaces.