Roots:
Before coming to Duke, I had grown up in four different hometowns: the sleepy New England town of Hamden, CT, the suburbs of Atlanta, GA, the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, China, and back stateside on Long Island, NY. Growing up at the intersection of these environments has allowed me to experience and truly appreciate diverse cultures from a global perspective. Furthermore, it helped to drive my curiosity and ambitions to find creative solutions to problems and make an impact on those around me.
Coming from a family of architects, I developed a keen interest in the intersection of art and engineering from a young age. I loved the process of creation and that manifested in many of my hobbies, from studio art to programming. My interdisciplinary interests led me to Duke, a place where I could both explore different fields and dive deep into a domain of specialty. Furthermore, Duke had an amazing community, school spirit, and opportunities for travel, research, and real-world problem solving.
Engineering and I&E:
At Duke I decided to major in Electrical & Computer Engineering and pursue the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Certificate. Studying engineering allows me to combine my interest in math and art to solve technical problems, while the I&E Certificate allows me to expand my knowledge of business and learn how to creatively solve problems for people.
Specifically, I am in the Technology & Design pathway of the I&E Certificate. This pathway allows me to further explore connections between entrepreneurship and engineering, such as learning how to build and deliver user-centered products. Through the certificate program, I hope to gain an understanding of how to approach and solve real-world, practical problems through the lens of using technology to affect people in positive ways. In a way, the I&E Certificate adds an additional layer of practical meaning to my engineering coursework.
What I do:
At Duke, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to work on a variety of projects, from novel feeders for Aye-aye lemurs to 3D visualization of archaeological dig sites, to human-centered augmented reality. Regardless of the project, I love to design, innovate, and collaborate.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking and nature photography. I love being immersed in the outdoors, and the freedom of expression that is granted through capturing a moment.
What’s next:
I am interested in a career at the intersections of product research, engineering, and design. In particular, I am interested in working on technology that helps to unlock human potential and innovation, regardless of industry. I hope to lead with bold ideas for future products and technologies, with special consideration for ethics, accessibility, and sustainability.
