Current Student Profiles

Devin Chin

Hometown: New Hyde Park, NY

Major: Information Science

Minor: Linguistics

Activities and Societies: Cornell Jazz Program, Cornell Wushu

I'm an Information Science major with a concentration in User Experience Design and a minor in Linguistics. I'm from New Hyde Park, New York. I am the president of Cornell Wushu, our Chinese martial arts club. In my free time I like to write lofi and video game music, learn languages, and practice Wushu.

Aidan Cuite

Hometown: Poughkeepsie, NY

Majors: Computer Science and Music

Activities and Societies: Cornell Symphony Orchestra

I love music. I love programming. I love robotics. I want to create methods using artificial intelligence (AI) that will make music composition and performance more accessible. Imagine computers composing music generated from thousands of terabytes of data in real time, working with composers and performers alike. Prosthetics could be designed that use AI to allow people with disabilities to play music. There are endless possibilities for the collaboration of these disciplines. People connect with music and through technology we can enhance that connection.

Andrew Gao

Hometown: Southborough, MA

Major: Computer Science

Activities and Societies: Cornell DTI, Cornell GCC

I am a computer science major in the College of Arts & Sciences. On campus, I am a developer on Cornell DTI and a member of Cornell GCC. Outside of computer science, I am also interested in graphic design, photography, basketball, and learning new things.

Dana Gonzalez-Almanzar

Hometown: Bogotá D.C., Colombia

Major: Physics

Minor: Computer Science

Activities and Societies: International Students Union, PorColombia

I am a sophomore from Bogotá, Colombia. I am pursuing a physics major and a computer science minor. I am passionate about the environment, and I'm especially interested in learning about sustainable energy sources. On campus, my main involvement is through cultural organizations like the International Students Union and PorColombia. I'm also part of the MIlstein Program’s Student Staff and work as a consultant for CS 1110.

Abena Gyasi

Hometown: Wheatley Heights Long Island, NY

Majors: Biology & Society/Psychology

Minor: Inequality Studies

I want to be able to make technology and science more inclusive and diverse for people like me, for people of color, and I want to study how inequalities and homogeneity in these fields have impacted the technology we use today.

Minyoung (Tucker) Hwang

Hometown: McLean, VA

Major: Linguistics and Physics

Minor: Mathematics

Activities and Societies: Assorted Aces Dance Team, LOKO Productions, The Cornell Daily Sun, Meinig Family Cornell National Scholar, Physics UTA, Cornell E.Motion, Muon g-2

I am currently working on the Muon g-2 experiment at Fermilab, looking for evidence of physics beyond the Standard Model by studying muons..

Emily Kam

Hometown: Bedminster, New Jersey

Major: Information Science

Minor: Creative Writing

Activities and Societies: Chinese Bible Study, Measureless A Cappella

I love design, and I love how studying UX allows me to explore the technical and aesthetic aspects of user-centered design. I am interested in using design and my love for writing in the entertainment and education fields. If possible, I would like to be able to use my skills and knowledge to help alleviate poverty and support technological developments in third-world countries.

Chloe Kanders

Hometown: Great Neck Long Island, NY

Major: Information Science

Minor: Business

I am a sophomore majoring in Information Science and minoring in Business from Great Neck, NY. I'm interested in UX/UI, Product Design and Data Analytics. On campus, I work as a Program Assistant for the Milstein Office, am on the User Experience Team of the Straight Edge and serve as Recruitment Chair for Big Red Ambassadors. Within the Milstein Program, I am a team lead of the Haiti Project which helps create educational materials for the Klere Timoun school and is working on a new project to create a web page and app about local indigenous art. In my free time, I like spending time with my friends, family and dog, working out, traveling and trying new restaurants in Ithaca. 

Jacob Levy

Hometown: Winnetka, Illinois

Major: Computer Science

Minors: Cognitive Science and Applied Economics

Activities and Societies: Cornell Hyperloop, Sigma Chi Fraternity

My name is Jacob Levy, and I am a Computer Science major with minors in Cognitive Science and Applied Economics from the Chicagoland area. I am interested in new technologies, and how they will shape our future lifestyle and economy. I am particularly intrigued by big data, an interest that stems from my love of sports and the increase in data analytics used in professional leagues. I applied to the Milstein Program to marry technical training with important, humanitarian applications: technology is changing more rapidly than ever, but we must always keep humanity as the focus of its design. I am eager to work on projects that will make both exciting technologies and pressing issues more tangible to myself and peers in the program.

Reza Madhavan

Hometown: Plainsboro, NJ

Majors: Computer Science and Asian Studies 

Activities and Societies: GCC (Global China Connection)

I am a sophomore from West Windsor, New Jersey, pursuing a double major in Computer Science and Asian Studies. My interest in Computer Science stems from classes that I took in high school and my interest in Asian Studies arose from the time I spent in Malaysia every year with my family. My hobbies include traveling to new places, playing video games, and watching Marvel movies. I am also a licensed private pilot and open water scuba diver.

Wyatt Marshall

Hometown: Winnetka, Illinois

Major: Computer Science and Philosophy

Minor: Applied Economics and Management

Activities and Societies: Cornell Concrete Canoe Club, Cornell Fishing Club

A Computer Science major, a member of Cornell’s Concrete Canoe Club and an avid fisherman to boot, I have the desire and ability to work on both sides of the equation regarding technology and humanity. The Milstein Program provides an amazing opportunity to evaluate and guide how best to push the limits of science, while keeping a watch out for the unintended consequences of our where our advancements take us. 

Peter Munn

Hometown: Owings Mills, MD

Majors: Computer Science and Physics

Hi, I'm Peter Munn and I'm honored to be a part of the Milstein program. I'm Peruvian-German-American, and I've been moving around between Peru, Brazil, Germany, and the US my entire life. I speak German, Portuguese, Spanish, and have studied 3 years of Mandarin, and I hope to continue my linguistic and cultural studies into the indefinite future. My parents are both conservation biologists, so I have spent years in the Peruvian and Brazilian Amazon rainforest interacting with natives, engaging with wildlife, conducting jaguar research, and even creating 360-degree videos of pink dolphins in the black river water for use in education. I've always been interested in technology and culture (I built my first computer at the age of 14) and I have a passion for physics and all of its applications. For leisure, I enjoy indoor and beach volleyball, spikeball, and hiking with friends. 

Catie Rencricca

Hometown: New York, NY

Major: Computer Science

Minor: English 

Activities and Societies: Women in Computing at Cornell (WICC)

I'm a CS major from New York City pursuing a career in software engineering. On campus, I'm also an active member of WICC as a co-leader of the high school Girls Who Code program. I'm really passionate about making CS education more accessible, especially to young women, which has been a central focus of my extracurricular activities for years. I am also part of the Neighbor to Neighbor project through the Milstein Program; I am helping develop a database for use by the local nonprofit Neighbor to Neighbor here in Tompkins County. In my free time, I like to hike, snowboard, indoor rock climb, and take naps!

Diego Rincón

Hometown: Oakland, CA

Major: Psychology

Minor: Cognitive Science

Activities and Societies: Cornell Mundial F.C., Personality, Attachment and Control Lab, Cornell Daily Sun, Cornell University Sustainable Design, Experience and Cognition Lab

From Oakland, CA, I'm in the class of '22, studying psychology and cognitive science. I'm excited to build collaborative skills and work on meaningful, impactful team projects through the Milstein program. Right now I'm in a group focused on an effort to increase sustainability practices at Cornell University because I think it's really important for everyone to be considerate of the planet when making decisions. I love soccer, music, and learning new things.

Kira Segenchuk

Upton, MA

Majors: Computer Science and Economics

Combining my interest in art and computer science, I’d like to tackle the challenge of simulating the randomness of artistic media. I prefer digital art for its easy accessibility and low cost, but find existing tools lacking in simulating some of the real-world effects of my favorite painting techniques. 

Ryan Tremblay

Hometown: New York, NY

Majors: Computer Science and History

Ryan is currently building ReLearn. 

ReLearn transforms the way classmates study and socialize with each other. It gives college students an instant class-wide study community upon starting a new class. Beyond grouping students together, ReLearn provides a high value suite of tools including easily searchable transcriptions of lectures, collaborative note-taking capabilities, a group chat and a drop-in 24/7 video Study Lounge. ReLearn will create a generation of higher performing, more connected, and happier students.

Sofiya Tsenter

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Majors: Information Science and Near Eastern Studies

Minor: Jewish Studies

Activities and Societies: Cornell Consulting Group; Alpha Kappa Psi; TEDxCornell

As my study in Near Eastern Studies becomes more specialized, the Milstein Program allows me to develop solutions to modern issues in the Near East with the help of historical, cultural, and technological knowledge. 

Nathaniel Watson

Hometown: Pepper Pike, OH

Major: Computer Science

Minors: Psychology

“This is designed for me” was my first thought when I read about Cornell’s Milstein Program. This program enables me to fluidly combine my left brained interest in technology with my right brained passion for foreign language and culture. 

Jasper Weed

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Major: Data Science

Minor: Philosophy

I’m especially interested in the ethics of artificial intelligence. Spending summers working on this at the Cornell Tech Campus is an incredible opportunity. 

Ray Weng

Hometown: Rockville, MD

Majors: Computer Science and Statistics

Activities and Societies: Cornell Sports Analytics; Cornell University Sustainable Design

My name is Ray Weng, and I am a sophomore majoring in Computer Science and Statistics from Rockville, MD. I am interested in machine learning, data analytics, and technology ethics. The Milstein Program gives me an avenue to use my technical skills in meaningful projects to help those in need. At Cornell, I am involved in Cornell Sports Analytics and Cornell University Sustainable Design, and work as a computer science Teaching Assistant. In my free time, I love watching football, playing basketball and tennis, and going to concerts.

Bliss Zheng

Hometown: Potomac, MD

Major: Biology (concentration in Molecular and Cell Biology)

I am a rising senior majoring in biology with a concentration in molecular and cell biology on the pre-med track. Through the Milstein program, I hope to not only be able to pursue both my love for biology, but to incorporate technological aspects into it as well. When not participating in Milstein Program activities, I am also a volunteer at Cornell Vet School's Center for Animal Research and Enrichment, a COVID-19 Peer Ambassador, and a volunteer at Cayuga Medical Center. I am extremely grateful to be a part of the Milstein Program!

Tiffany Zhong

Hometown: Fort Lee, NJ

Major: Computer Science

Activities and Societies: Society of Women Engineers @ Cornell, Future of Learning Lab

Film allows someone to escape their reality, but virtual reality allows for someone to actually “exist” in a new reality. I want to create films using virtual reality to lessen the distance between people, tell impactful stories, and reduce the bubble we live in. I want to learn from the leading thinkers in technology and design at Cornell Tech on how to create films with virtual reality that can be easily accessible and understandable. For example, I’d hope to collaborate with a history-loving peer on creating a VR film where kids can actually experience history. In this world of increasing division, I want to combine the arts and the sciences to create films that will bring people closer.

Ishika Agrawal

Hometown: Warren, NJ

Major: Information Science

Minor: Business

Activities and Societies:  Women in Computing at Cornell E-Board, Hack4Impact, Cornell Tech Policy Lab, and Salsa Palante

I have lived in India, the U.S., and Singapore, and traveled across the globe. In high school, I integrated my global exposure with an interdisciplinary approach, exploring a variety of areas such as robotics, psychology, environmental science, and economics. 

I am passionate about music. In high school, I led the Tri-M Music Honor Society, performed several times at Carnegie Hall, and played weekly in the local community as a volunteer. I have also voiced my beliefs on a variety of topics from education to modern-day slavery through writing for the UNICEF Voices of Youth and speaking at a TEDx event. 

I am thrilled to have been accepted into the Milstein Program for Technology and the Humanities. I am excited by the opportunity it provides to explore the integration of technology with society while also discovering the intersection between government policy, environmental science, computer science, and data science. I hope to employ the learning from the Milstein Program and my travels to serve the global community in the future by finding solutions for sustainable living. 

Geoff Brann

Hometown: Hartsdale, NY

Majors: Information Science

Activities and Societies: Cornell Club Baseball Team, Big Red Marching Band, Cornell Sports Analytics

I am a junior studying Information Science and Philosophy. My interest lies in computer ethics, which requires that I delve into the humanities where issues of freedom, trade, theft, education and war have already been contemplated, long before they made headlines in connection with technology. It is not the coders and programmers to whom we should be looking to resolve issues of ethics and privacy - it is the ethicists and scholars who know, at the very least, what those terms mean and how they apply. I am hoping to begin research with the Digital Life Initiative on the Tech Campus this summer.

I am also a Tanner Dean’s Scholar, on the Cornell Club Baseball Team, am a member of Cornell Sports Analytics, and play saxophone in the Big Red Marching Band.

Anthony Chen

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Major: Information Science and Sociology

Minor: Asian American Studies

Activities and Societies: Cornell Daily Sun; Knight Institute Writing Center; Cornell Language Acquisition Lab; Asian & Asian American Center; Phi Sigma Pi

I hope to learn and use technological research techniques to further research on inequality and better understand its effects on every aspect of our lives. My other interests are in journalism, ethnic studies, and Asian American advocacy.

Keyi Ding

Hometown: Hefei, China

Major: Computer Science and Asian Studies

Minor:  Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Activities and Societies: Cornell Eastern Music Ensemble

I am an international student from Hefei, China. I'm currently planning on majoring in Computer Science and Asian Studies. I am particularly interested in East Asian Gender Studies and Asian Language Studies. I speak Chinese and am studying Japanese. I hope to take the Korean language class too in the future. I love exploring cultural differences. Developing interests in art from an early age, I also enjoy exploring the field of visual studies and music. I play Guzheng (a Chinese traditional instrument) in Cornell Eastern Music Ensemble. 

Victoria DiStefano

Hometown: Robbinsville, NJ

Majors: Biology & Society

I am from central New Jersey and attended the Peddie School where my passion for life sciences blossomed. Now at Cornell, my academic interests include biology, technology, and business. On campus, I am the finance chair of my health-focused project team and participate in creating a valuable community through activity planning in Class Councils and policy evaluation on the Dean's Council. My personal interests include nutrition, performing arts, and creative writing.

The Milstein Program appealed to me as a hopeful biotechnology businesswoman and I am thankful I can participate in a program providing such valuable technological knowledge. I'm eager to learn about avenues of the technology industry and expand my worldview in the process. Finally, I'd like to thank the Milstein Family for providing me with this invaluable experience.

Jenna Fields

Hometown: Pleasanton, CA

Majors: English and College Scholar

Minor: Computer Science

Activities and Societies: REACH Tutoring, SWE (Society of Women Engineers), Cornell Literary Society E-Board

I was born in Boston, but I moved to the California Bay Area before high school. One of my majors is English, and my other major is "The Possibility and Ethics of Attempting to Recreate Consciousness." I've always loved contemplating what it means to be human; by creating my own major with the College Scholar Program, I have the opportunity to curate a path of study to try to answer this question.

What better way to understand the human experience than studying how to recreate it? My main areas of interest include computer science, cognitive science, philosophy, and literature. If I'm not coding or reading Woolf, you can find me writing poetry or prose; working on a new plant-based, sustainable recipe; or playing piano, ukulele, or guitar.

Max Hadden

Hometown: Cold Spring, NY

Majors: Computer Science

I have always been fascinated by computer science & the human mind, which is why I want to learn about and work in the field of artificial intelligence, where I can combine these interests into a single discipline.

At Cornell I am an app developer for the Tech Policy Lab, and I program algorithmic trading bots for Cayuga Capital, a student managed hedge fund.

Meredith Hu

Hometown: New  York, NY

Majors: Computer Science

Activities and Societies: Chorale, CSA, ACSU

Hi, my name is Meredith. I'm a rising junior interested in computer science, math, classics, and Chinese culture, and anything that unites any of these fields. I discovered coding in a class I took in high school and ever since, I've enjoyed working on apps and projects that help me organize my own life. I also really like Classics. I love Latin translation and I find it to be fun and puzzle-like. I study Classics and Chinese history because I think it's really important to understand the past so that you gain the "global context" for interpreting real history you're living in.
 
I wanted to join Milstein because I wanted to find people and resources who could help me learn more about these interests, and even about how to integrate my interests together. I want to and I think I can direct my efforts and skills into something that will improve people's lives, in a way that only I would be able to, and I am grateful I get to participate in the Milstein Program while I'm on that journey.

Kushagra Jain

Hometown: New Delhi, India

Majors: Economics and Government

Activities: Cornell Creatives; Cornell Strategic Consulting

My name is Kushagra Jain, but I often go on campus under the name Kush. I intend to study a mix of Economics, Government and Business at Cornell. I'm a big Chelsea FC fan and love playing soccer and strength-training. I think that innovation in this century has a growing need to be more thoughtful in nature, a failure of which is exemplified in the 2018 Facebook data privacy issues. The Milstein program excites me because it provides me with the unique opportunity to explore the world of tech from a different perspective- one which puts humans and human society at its centre. I am also especially enthusiastic about getting hands on with team projects through the Milstein program that have the potential to make real impact on the world.

Yue Ji

Hometown: Tianjin, China

Majors: Computer Science

Minors: Education, Theatre, and Science Communication

Entering my second year at Cornell, I hope to continue making new connections between my life-long passion in education and the intersections of liberal arts and sciences. My current academic plan is double majoring in College Scholar and Computer Science with minors in Education, Theatre and Science Communication. While it can be stimulating yet daunting to study and develop intelligent technology with great ethical and social implications, I recharge by finding my niches in writing, mental health counseling, vlogging, computing for social good, queer studies, Khan Academy, Teach for China, and anything that brings me tears of joy.  

I appreciate the chance to take part in and contribute to the community brought together by the Milstein Program in Technology & Humanity. It is within this community that I embrace the ambitious, bold, confused, dramatic, extroverted, funny, great, hot-headed, imaginative, jovial, keen, lazy, me.

Erika Katsumoto

Hometown: Frederick, MD

Majors: Computer Science and Music

Activities and Societies: Cornell Wind Symphony, Nu Kappa Epsilon

My interests include coding, making electronic music, Moog synthesizers, creating virtual space audio for immersive experiences, making sound simulations for research, playing the flute, and participating in band. 

Rayna Klugherz

Hometown: Solon, OH

Major: Art History and American Studies

Minors: Law & Society and American & Indigenous Studies

Activities and Societies: Museum Club at the Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell Club Swim Team, Theme Park Engineering Group

I plan to double major in Art History and American Studies, with minors in Law & Society and American Indian & Indigenous Studies. As part of the Milstein Program, I hope to explore how technology can be used to advance the study of art history and the appreciation of art in digital spaces. I am particularly interested in contemporary Indigenous art and the relationship between Indigenous peoples and digital space. At Cornell, I am also involved in the Museum Club at the Johnson Museum of Art, the Cornell Club Swim Team, and the Theme Park Engineering Group. 

Amanda Mihovilovich

Hometown: Atherton, CA

Major: Information Science

Born and raised in California's Bay Area, I grew up right next to the biggest tech companies in the world, a situation with helped birth my interest in technology. I'm extremely interested in the future of technology and its implications in a rapidly advancing society, like ours. I'm thrilled to be able to participate in the Milstein Program, as it allows me to do just that. By combining diverse interests together, I'll be able to further my interests in both technology and the humanities simultaneously.  

Outside of academics, I enjoy playing the piano, a hobby of mine I've had for 13 years. I was also very active in the debate community in my high school, and I hope to extend this passion I have for public policy and the ethics of said policy here during my time at Cornell. 

Aviva Munoz

Hometown: Weston, MA

Major: Economics

Activities and Societies: Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SACC), One Love, BRLI (Big Red Leadership Innitiative), Women of Color in Athletics (WOCA)

I am from Weston, Massachusetts and graduated from The Peddie School in New Jersey. My academic interests include math, economics, and Spanish. In addition to academics, I was the captain of the Peddie varsity swim team and I am a member of the varsity team at Cornell. I won two medals while representing the United States at the 20th Maccabiah Games in Israel. I also volunteer as a swim coach for a Boys and Girls Club. Creatively, I am interested in photography, graphic design, and layout. I was an editor for the yearbook in high school and had my photographs featured in the newspaper. I am thrilled to be a part of the Milstein Program. I am most excited to learn about different career paths while integrating new and engaging ways of learning into my curriculum at Cornell. I am grateful to the Milstein family for giving me the opportunity to be part of a program as unique and important as this one. 

Chukwudumebi (Joshua) Obi

Hometown: South Setauket, NY

Major: Sociology 

Minor: Information Science (Data Science concentration)

Activities and Societies: URMC (Underrepresented Minorities in Computing), Cornell Wushu, Holland International Living Center (HILC) Brand Council 

Hello, my name is Chukwudumebi Joshua Obi. I am from Lagos, Nigeria. I also grew up Sweden and the United States. In every place I lived, I had the opportunity to share my experiences with my peers, learn about their cultures and experiences as well. 

I hope to share the perspectives and insights gained from the various places I have lived with my peers at Cornell. This has helped me to build relationships with people from all parts of the world. Additionally, the Milstein Program provides opportunities for me and others to facilitate tolerance, creativity, and teamwork on campus as well as the Ithaca community. 

I plan to major in Sociology and Computer Science. I hope to use my majors to better understand how the asymmetric dissemination of information among different groups of people affects an individual's access to jobs, education and housing through online platforms and social networks.

My motto is: Learning about the world, one day at a time.

Elizabeth Ominsky

Hometown: Villanova, PA

Majors: Art History and Information Science

Activities and Societies: Cornell Thrift, Women in Computing at Cornell

I am a current double major in Art History and Information Science, with a concentration in User Experience. My main interests lie in understanding how the design of technology can be influenced by art theory. Through the Milstein Program, I hope to further my own technical education while bringing in passion for art history and conscientious tech creation. As an increasingly technology-dependent society, we must prioritize safe, trustworthy, unbiased development. I am excited to learn about and employ the program’s cutting edge ideas in the research I will do in partnership with the Milstein.

Hal Reed

Hometown: Montgomery County, PA

Major: History

Activities: OneLove Cornell E-Board; Cornell Progressives

I have always been fascinated by history and how it has impacted global politics and cultural sensibilities today, leading me to immerse myself in local policy-making in my hometown. Today, my interest in culture and policy has led me to study the ethical implications of technology on personal, domestic, and international scales to try to approach questions of privacy, human rights, and sustainability in an increasingly online world. This intersection of humanities and technology is what brought me to the Milstein Program, where I have the privilege to pursue these questions in real-world situations. Outside of class, I love cooking, playing the saxophone, and watching any 80s sci-fi movie that crosses my path.

Anderson Laux Rogers

Hometown: Malvern, PA

Major: Information Science

Activities and Societies: Women’s Polo Team, Delta Delta Delta Sorority, Cornell International Affairs Society

I am a rising junior interested in the ethics and boundaries of technology and data collection, and how these practices and policies are constantly impacting our global information economies. When not participating in academics or Milstein Program activities, I can be found playing polo with the Women's Varsity Polo Team as Co-President, serving on my sorority's executive board as the Vice President of Membership Experience, or working with Cornell's Model UN club working to plan an annual conference for high school students as the Director-General.

Daniel Rosen

Hometown: New York, NY

Major: Undeclared

I am from New York City and attended Riverdale Country School in the Bronx. During my free time, I like to play lacrosse and basketball. I also love playing and listening to music—I play the piano and I’m beginning to learn guitar. I was drawn to the Milstein Program at Cornell because I have a strong interest in the humanities, but also want to gain a foundational understanding of modern technology. I’m very interested in literature and philosophy, and I enjoy reading creative novels in addition to philosophical texts. But, I’m also very eager to learn more about technology and gain proficiency in important areas within technology. I think we are living in an increasingly digitized world, and technology has the power to create a lot of value in the world, especially with regard to improving the quality of life for people. I hope to apply the ethical and moral frameworks I have gleaned from my humanities education into thinking about new technologies and their implications for society.

Victoria Smith

Hometown: Snellville, GA

Major: Environment & Sustainability 

My interests include marketing, economics, statistics, writing, Africana Studies and performance through storytelling. My goal to is to work to further diversity and inclusion everywhere. I am excited about the Milstein Program because of its focus on benefiting humanity and building an understanding of technology and its implications. My own personal experiences and struggles I have encountered shape the way I see the world and overall, I just wants to bring everyone closer together. Through Milstein, these goals may become a reality. 

Michael Tyrrell

Hometown: North Reading, MA

Majors: English and Math 

I am a Math and English major who loves exploring the nuance of intersection between these two fields, but also enjoys them each for their own merits. I also like debate and politics, and seek to find ways for us all the examine our shared humanity in a time when digital platforms are transforming how we interact with each other. I enjoy data analysis and designing processes that approach issues about society and humanity through a mathematical frame. I also am an avid cyclist, runner, and backpacker, and feel so fortunate to be in beautiful Ithaca! 

Katherine Vella

Hometown: New York City

Major: Information Science

Minor: Psychology

I have always been motivated to find creative solutions to problems. In high school, I was president of our chapter of Girls Who Code and I served as Managing & Graphics Editor for our school newspaper. These experiences piqued my interest in harnessing Graphic Design and technology in order to find practical solutions to everyday challenges. I see vast potential in the integration of technology and humanities to better someone’s life—and I want in on the action. Fundamentally, I believe every person should have an equal opportunity to grow and succeed in our society, and thoughtful innovations can bring us closer to that goal. I currently plan to major in Information Science and minor in Psychology, and participating in the Milstein Program engages both of my interests. The program’s focus on hands-on experience in socially-conscious innovation is endlessly exciting to me. When I graduate college (and while I am here at Cornell), I want to have the skills to make a difference in the lives of others. I want to take risks and learn from my failures as I grow to be a leader in my field. I am honored to be a part of the Milstein Program and am grateful for this life-changing opportunity.

Noah Watson

Major: Information Science (graduating early)

Activities and Societies: Student Assembly, Cornell Tech Policy Lab 

Before coming to Cornell, I studied abroad in China for two years. While there, I attended an international school and volunteered at an English school. My experiences abroad have helped shape my academic interests; at Cornell, I major in Information Science, exploring my interests in international relations, linguistics, and public interest technology through coursework and extracurricular activities. I am grateful to be part of the Milstein Program because its interdisciplinary focus allows me to pursue my diverse interests while also encouraging me to apply them to the real world. 

Pareesay Afzal

Hometown: Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Majors: English and Information Science

Minor: Music

Activities and Societies: Haven, Contrapunkt

STEM and the humanities are, to me, like the mind and the heart - although most of my educational background has been in pure-science and technology areas, my interest in the humanities stretching from language, literature, and music, have non-binarized my way of viewing the world we live in and given me impetus to apply my STEM-cultivated skills towards meaningful endeavors. 

Through the Milstein opportunity, I would be deeply interested in taking on projects that explore — or create—anti-colonialist, anti-patriarchal, and anti-capitalist intersections with technology; this, in my view, is significant to address in a world where, for example, technological superiority is one of imperialism’s tools to exclude and exploit communities and rob them from the confidence to stand on their own feet. Beyond everything, I just hope to express myself honestly through my work in a way that inspires others to do so too. 

In my free time, I dip into reading, writing, and noodling around on the guitar. 

Elena Ault

Hometown: Fairfield, CT

Major: Economics 

Minors: Business and Spanish

Activities and Societies: Cornell Society for Women in Business, Cornell Angel Partners, Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars

I am a sophomore intending to major in Economics and minor in Business and Spanish. My interest lies in technology ethics and how innovation will shape the economy, politics, and modern culture. 
 
I was drawn to the Milstein Program because I believe that an interdisciplinary background is key to solving the biggest challenges facing the world. I am excited about how the Milstein Program enables me to combine my diverse interests in economics, government, data science, and design thinking. I am particularly interested in the analysis of data ethics to help organizations identify risks early in the development of new products and services.  I believe that it is necessary for society to meaningfully address challenges that arise from new technologies, but also seek to harness the positive capabilities of technology to strengthen government and business organizations.

Marwa Bakri

Hometown: Durham, North Carolina

Major: Information Science

From an internship experience in a lab that worked on democratizing health screening tools for women in low-to-middle income countries, I grew a fascination with promoting equitable and accessible technology on a worldly scale through STEM. I also learned some technical skills including coding and building a program in Python, which I hope to continue to use as an information science major. Moreover, other advocacy work has allowed me to look at resource accessibility through the lens of systemic injustice and I hope to also study its connection to technology and a digitized world. 

The Milstein Program excites me the most because of the way I can explore my overlapping interests in equitable tech and culture through its emphasis placed on learning outside of the classroom. I’m very grateful for this unique opportunity and I look forward to problem-solving collaboratively with the cohorts of other curious and multifaceted students. 

Aaron Beidermann

Hometown: New York City 

Major: Computer Science

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, I attended Saint Ann’s School from preschool through high school. I’m interested in sustainability, machine learning and the ethics of technology. I enjoy learning about foreign cultures through language—I study Chinese and Japanese. I also love music—I play the cello, the piano and score short films.

Julia Beitel

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Major: Information Science

I have lived in Seattle all of my life except for three months where I studied abroad in Eleuthera, Bahamas. There, I participated in Aquaponics research which helped to foster my passion for applied sciences and sustainability. I want to continue solving global problems sustainably by considering the humanity beyond typical research. By considering the human condition and how it relates to the challenges of our evolving world, the solutions we can uncover are far more comprehensive. 

In the next decade, leaps in data and information science will continue to transform the way we approach scientific research. What excites me most about the Milstein Program is the breadth of its community-engaged student projects. I am excited to add more humanity to data in the Milstein Program by applying it to help solve pressing global problems. 

I love playing soccer and basketball and when I’m not exploring nature on a hike with my friends or up-cycling vintage clothes, I’m spending time at the beach or with my dog.

Nikhil Batt

Hometown: Bangalore, India

Major: Information Science

I'm a freshman from Bangalore, India, planning to major in Information Science and minor in CS. 

I’m deeply passionate about data science and its numerous innovations for improving the human condition. I’m also concerned about issues related to data ethics and trust – interests that were triggered by my research in security and privacy. I’m excited about leveraging the Milstein Program’s resources and opportunities to explore these areas further, and designing breakthrough solutions to address humanity’s most pressing challenges. 

I can’t wait to explore the intersection of the liberal arts and technology. By appreciating the diverse world views of my fellow Milstein students and faculty, I hope to enrich my own. 

My hobbies include theatre, poetry and elocution. I’ve been a stage musician for several years: I play the drums, although off late, I’ve developed a deep passion for the guitar!

Gloria Cai

Hometown: Ellicott City, Maryland

Majors: Computer Science and Music

Growing up, I have always been passionate about sharing the universal language of music with others. My experiences with computer science and outreach in high school also led to my fascination with technology and new innovations. In the future, I want to use technology to create solutions that can improve the accessibility of music and education for others. I am incredibly honored to be a part of the Milstein Program and am excited to participate in projects that can engage my diverse interests and help those in need. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, thrifting, making playlists, and hanging out with my friends.

Carlton Cassedy

Hometown: Plainfield, NH

High School: Kimball Union Academy

Major: Computer Science

I've always been someone who asks a lot of questions, someone who is fundamentally curious about the world. As my interest in solving problems using computers and technology has developed, my general interests in what's right and wrong, and how our global status quo operates have persisted. My hope is to innovatively use upcoming technologies, like machine learning, to solve the issues humanity is going to face in the coming decades.

In my spare time, I enjoy music and singing, and play many competitive videogames. 

Obioha Chijioke

Hometown: Bronx, NY

Intended major: Information Science

Highschool: Riverdale Country School 

I have been curious about the power of technology since before I could explain it. When I was younger growing up in Nigeria, whenever I came across new devices and gadgets for the first time, my eyes would light up. As I grew older and into community-engaged leadership, I knew that I wanted to apply my technical skills for social change. I am interested in product design and software development and hope to help lead Africa's upcoming technological development.

I am majoring in Information Science with minors in Business for Engineers and Africana Studies. I joined the Milstein program to collaborate with a talented group of students and be exposed to hands-on experience and interactive learning tailored to my interests. I am excited to explore the intersection of technology and humanities, especially as it relates to my communities. In my free time, I enjoy music, youtube, good conversation, and basketball.

Naba Deyab

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Majors: Computer Science and Economics

I was born in Omaha, Nebraska and have lived in Seattle, Washington for the past ten years. I graduated from Raisbeck Aviation High School in Seattle, where my passion to pursue interdisciplinary studies was strengthened. Throughout my life, I have been endlessly fascinated by technology and the role it plays in society, often thoughtfully connecting the impacts having or lacking technology has on a community. These connections began an endless drive to study and immerse myself in interdisciplinary studies, with a hope to double major in Computer Science and Economics.

Throughout my high school career, I took advantage of a multitude of opportunities presented to me. As part of a FIRST Robotics Competition team for 4 years, I was on both the business and programming subteams, actively contributing as a programmer while also learning how to manage the business side of the team. I have also completed a summer internship with Microsoft, as part of their AI Platform team, which solidified my interest in computer science, and sparked a new curiosity in how it has the ability to impact aspects of daily life. During this previous year, I also had the opportunity to intern under NASA astronaut Dr. Don Pettit, whose stories and wisdom only fueled a deeper curiosity to understand how profound of an impact technology can make on people’s lives, and on the world as a whole.

The Milstein Program in Technology and Humanity appealed to me in the sense that I had an opportunity unlike any other to pursue an interdisciplinary curriculum that allows me to explore the intersections of technology and humanity without restrictions. I am eager to learn about computer science and economics, while also learning about the ethics and morality behind each, as well as the chain effects each one has on the world and society. I am beyond thankful for the opportunity presented by the Milstein family and Cornell University to pursue my interdisciplinary interests in a program which will not limit me, and will allow me to delve deep into the intersections of technology and humanity.

Luke Ellis

Hometown: Honolulu, HI

Majors: Information Science and Music

I'm an affable tap-dancing fellow who enjoys humor and food of all forms. I spend most of my time at the piano bench, in the theatre, or at my desk thinking and twiddling my thumbs while occasionally doing work. After completing multiple interdisciplinary projects in my senior year of high school, I realized how much I enjoyed the cross between sciences and the arts. More specifically, I enjoy exploring the use of computer science and technology to enhance entertainment experiences.

While at Cornell, I hope to play piano in a jazz band, tap dance frequently, explore the Ithaca wilderness, and compose a musical in my free time.

Thomas Hollinger

Hometown: Littleton, MA

Major: Undecided

I'm always wondering how to push both technical and governmental boundaries. Whether that means launching Martian colonies, creating more sustainable technologies, or redefining our political practices to address rampant social inequality, I want to be on the leading edge of these changes. When I’m not in the classroom, I love to play soccer, cook, spend time outside, and fly small airplanes.

Peyton Johnson

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Majors: Computer Science and Economics

I am studying Computer Science and Economics! Particularly, I hope to use artificial intelligence to predict markets. My interest in technology started during my middle school years in Tokyo, Japan. I have continued to pursue my passion for the intersection of humanities and technology through my high school, the Marlborough School. There, I completed a research project on access to technology and improving education. On-campus, I hope to continue my love for photography and architecture while continuing my academic interests.

Mary Kolbas

Hometown: Raleigh, NC

High School: Enloe High School

Major: Information Science

I have always been a multifaceted person, not only intrigued by the study of music and languages but also fascinated by the applications of math and computer science. Throughout my life, an interdisciplinary approach has served as my way to navigate challenges and dive into niche topics. I am driven by projects that serve a purpose, which often requires using technology to analyze the humanities-based topics that affect the community. 
    
Whether it be about how new technologies affect children's development or how linguistic evolution affects bias and discrimination, I believe technology is an important tool that allows us to start designing tangible solutions. I am also interested in the socio-economic effects of emerging technologies and how they influence individuals’ interactions with one another, both online and in person. 
    
I intend to major in Information Science and minor in Operations Research and am incredibly excited to be part of the Milstein program. At Cornell, I am also involved in the Recreational Fencing Club and in my free time enjoy playing cello, cooking, and journaling.

Johann Lee

Hometown: Vancouver, BC, CA

Majors: Computer Science and Economics

Although I was born in a society dominated by social media, my childhood bookshelf was trapped in the Victorian era. Over the years, these competing interests have manifested in my tech projects, which focus on the intersection between the humanities and technology. My past research projects  — which include algorithms predicting the effects of adult cannabis legalization on teenagers, programs forecasting a book’s position on the New York Times Best Seller list, and classification models foretelling the locations of forest fires — have focused on using technology to address societal problems.   

I plan to major in Computer Science and Economics, and maybe dabble into linguistics and finance. Working with my peers and professors at both Cornell Tech and Ithaca, I hope to build upon my interest in neural networks to empower the humanities and find innovative solutions to existing conundrums. 

My other hobbies include windsurfing, skiing, DJ-ing, and apologizing for hitting the tennis balls out of the court. 

Elida Met-Hoxha

Hometown: Houston, TX

Major: Mathematics

I moved to the States when I was 5. With a limited Albanian vocabulary and a non-existent English one, I found solace in numbers. My love with the fascinating language of science has just grown since then. I have experienced first-hand the effects that even the simplest of technologies can have on developing communities and the environment. And so, I am truly honored to be a part of the Milstein Program, where I hope to interweave some of my different passions together to ponder some questions and solve some problems.

Andres Murillo

Hometown: Jackson Heights, NY

Majors: Economics and Information Science

Growing up in New York City has played a major role in shaping my personal identity and career interests. The immense skyscrapers, bright city lights, and complex transit systems are a symbol of our technological evolution. Engaging with my surroundings inspired me to delve deeper into the realm of Computer Science. However, I was unsure of where or how to start. After being given advice by my peers, teachers, and mentors, I decided that the best way to improve my programming skills was by exploring my interests through personal projects. Over the past few years, I've had experience in video game design, 3D modeling, and story creation. Now that I have built a solid foundation in the field of STEM, I hope to learn more about how to make technology more accessible to the lives of others around the world.

Tanvi Namjoshi

Hometown: Basking Ridge, NJ

Major: Computer Science

Activities and Societies: Cornell Tech Policy Lab, Steminist Movement Cornell E-Board, Women in Computing at Cornell 

I am a sophomore majoring in Computer Science. My interests lie in artificial intelligence, public policy, and the ethics of new and emerging technologies. I am particularly interested in exploring the how biased data can negatively influence A.I. applications, as well as how new technologies can be harnessed to strengthen communities. I was drawn to the Milstein Program because I believe the sciences and humanities are not mutually exclusive. The program allows me to explore my diverse interests and how they intersect through research and community-based student projects. 

At Cornell, I am an Milstein Research Fellow for the Cornell Tech Policy Lab. I am also on the outreach committee for The Steminist Movement’s Cornell chapter. I am passionate about making STEM, and particularly CIS, a more accessible field and have continued this endeavor by mentoring middle-school girls through WICC’s Girls Who Code program. 

Outside of academics I enjoy baking, hiking, and studying Kathak, a form of Indian classical dance. I was also very active in my debate community in high school, which sparked my passion for ethics and public policy, topics I hope to continue exploring here at Cornell. 

Camila Orr

Hometown: Great Falls, VA

Major: Information Science

My multicultural upbringing and experience living overseas in Rome, Italy and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic shaped my international outlook. As a result, I value how technology crosses all borders and disciplines to bring people together. My interest in technology began with a course in sixth grade on digital design. This positive, early experience motivated me for the past seven years to pursue courses in machine learning, virtual reality game development, 3-D printing, robotics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and programming. Each course made me curious about something new, which then led to the next opportunity. At Cornell, I hope to major in Information Science and look forward to exploring different fields within technology and the humanities.

I am grateful to the Milstein Family for their vision in creating the Milstein Program and feel fortunate to be a part of it.

Rhema Onyia

Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria

Major: Economics

Minor: French

Activities and Societies: Scholars in Our Society and Africa (SOSA)

I was only 7 years old when my family and I relocated from Los Angeles, California to Lagos, Nigeria. At such a young age, I realized the stark differences between the two countries in terms of wealth, equity and their social environments. One of my earliest memories was seeing a 5 year old child financially contribute to their family through street-trading. The incomes of the 7 other family members were just not enough to grow their family business. Even though I was only 2 years older than he was, it became one of my burning desires to explore means to increase access to financing for microbusinesses in Africa.

Joining the Milstein program will afford me the opportunity to explore the use of technology to solve issues of social inequity in Africa, especially within the areas of finance and the environment. In my spare time, when I'm not volunteering, I like to sing, dance and perform in plays and musicals. I also love hanging out with friends and trying out new things.

Gordon Tenev

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Majors: Computer Science and Music

Music and computer science are my biggest passions. During my senior year in high school, I took an independent study to write a virtual synthesizer using C++ that is compatible with most music production software. Using technology as a means of creative expression, I aspire to continue making music through innovative sound design, bridging the humanities with computer science, and telling stories through digital media. Through the Milstein program, I will be able to combine my interests in technology and humanity with my desire to impact the world.

Aryan Valluri

Hometown: Bangalore, India

High School: Mallya Aditi International School

Majors: Computer Science and Government

Growing up, I found myself possessing a dual academic persona. Whether it was my science-heavy subjects or my Model UN extracurriculars, I had much reason to relish in experimentation and research, but a part of me just could not help but be drawn to discussions that were subject to ethics and interpretation. 

Now, fascinated by the study of global politics, technology and their areas of intersection, I wish to better understand and aid problems in fields from energy to security that I have grown up witnessing in the theater of the Indian sub-continent.

Currently, I am pursuing this dream at Cornell University as a Milstein Scholar in Technology and Humanity and being a proud member of the affiliated Tech Policy Lab. I am thankful to the Milstein Program for providing me with a platform to leverage my interdisciplinary interests, and I am excited to work with and grow alongside my cohort and faculty.

You'll find me collecting vinyls, doing my best LeBron James impression on the basketball court or rocking out on my guitar.

Marie Williams

Hometown: Palo Alto, CA

Major: Information Science

Minor: Business

I was born in Palo Alto, California, but at age three I moved with my family across the world to Shanghai, China, where I spent the next ten years of my life. In 2016, I moved back to the San Francisco Bay Area. Between my years in the Silicon Valley and China, I have seen the immense capabilities of technology. I have also seen great potential. More specifically, while technology has in part contributed to greater polarization and divide in our world, I believe that it can and should also be utilized to transcend the differences that separate us. 

It is clear from the impending Fourth Industrial Revolution that technology will grow to have an ever more significant place in all aspects of our lives. It is therefore crucial for us to explore and understand as best we can what lies ahead. I’m especially excited to do exactly that through the Milstein Program by taking an interdisciplinary approach. 

Here at Cornell, I am also a member of the Women’s Varsity Swim Team. Other hobbies of mine include reading, baking, traveling, and going to the beach.

Andres Wu

Hometown: San Jose, Costa Rica

Major: Information Science

Minor: Computer Science

Being at the crossroads of multiple cultures has let me experience the world through many different perspectives. Whether it was connecting with my grandparents through Taiwanese, or starting conversations with Costa Rica’s favorite word, “mae”, the importance of language has been ingrained in me since young. This, in addition to my growing interest in Computer and Information Science, led me to apply to the Milstein Program. I believe that understanding technology through multiple viewpoints is the key to the future. My ambition is to be able to preserve essential pieces of human heritage, such as Indigenous languages, through the intersection of different fields within technology and the humanities. Through the Milstein Program’s dedicated and personalized attention to students, I will be able to obtain the tools and skills necessary to develop my knowledge, achieve my goals, and elevate my liberal arts education. Outside of the classroom, you can find me playing tennis, folding origami, and struggling to climb Libe Slope. 

Zixin Xu

Hometown: Shanghai, China

Majors: Psychology and Computer Science

I am from Shanghai, China, where I attended Shanghai Foreign Language School. Growing up, I am curious and adventurous, interested in exploring new things and eager to step out of my comfort zone. My curiosity has led me to psychology and computer science; I am amazed by their synergy and I am particularly excited by the possibilities that the combination of these two disciplines can bring. I hope to be able to build upon my interest and explore new inspirations in Psychology and Computer Science in the Milstein Program. I believe the Milstein Program will be an enriching experience where I would be able to realize my passion and ideas. I look forward to learning from experts, engaging with my peers, and actively delving into research. I enjoy jogging, rowing, badminton, traveling, listening to music, watching movies, and hanging out with friends in my free time. 

Joy Alemu

Hometown: Alexandria, VA

Intended Major: Computer Science

Through expanding my horizons, I developed two passions in high school, one for computer science and the other for graphic design. To achieve this and much more, I want to learn about many interdisciplinary fields. Growing up I became more interested in immersive technologies, be it Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), extended reality XR, and 360-degree videos. In addition I got the chance to be a NASA VASTS scholar. I want to build upon my graphic design and digital imaging skills and work on these technologies. I am excited to be a part of the Milstein Program which will allow me to build upon my ideas while engaging in research with my peers. In my free time, I love digital art, writing opinion pieces, listening to R&B, cooking, and hanging out with friends. 

Dodoo Emmanuel Nii Amu

Hometown: Accra, Ghana

Intended Major: Undecided

Nii Amu here. I am from Ghana in West Africa. I intend on pursing Computer Science but feel a strong pull towards biological sciences and chemistry. I'm thus undecided for now. 
I greatly enjoy classical music and wouldn't mind becoming one in the near future.
I am excited to be a part of the Milstein Program  and cannot wait to engage with colleagues to find solutions to every day problems in countries such as mine.

Aadarsh Balireddy

Hometown: Lewisville, TX

Intended Major: Computer Science

Hi, my name is Aadarsh and I'm from Dallas, Texas. Computers have always fascinated me with how they exhibit a completely new world that we have created from the ground up. As someone with a deep love for history, this makes my mind buzz with excitement and possibility. Because of rapid improvements in graphical technology, now for the first time in our history we have the ability to bring back to life the magnificent, lost world of the past back to life, preserved in a form that will be unaffected by the physical wear of time, completely within our new, virtual realm.

Outside of this specific area of study, I also have a passion for other areas of the humanities, like linguistics and music. Chamber music especially is something I'm very passionate about, because of all of the strange, unique, and beautiful sounds/textures composers aren't afraid to risk putting in there (highly recommend either  one of Bartok's or Ravel's string quartets for reference). It makes for an incredibly unique listening and performing experience, and I love it so much. This is an area where technology has a big impact on the humanities as well, since as a saxophonist, I often have to use music notation software to arrange pieces written for other instruments.

Anyway, I'm extremely excited to get to meet you all and further explore the ways we can impact our community through exploring the intersection of new technology and old disciplines!

Dylan Van Bramer

Hometown: Valhalla, NY

Intended Majors: Physics and Earth + Atmospheric Sciences

Planning to double major in Physics and Earth + Atmospheric Sciences, I want to equip myself with the technical toolkit to solve today’s biggest problems. As a member of the Milstein Program, and as a student active in my community, I hope to continue to seek out the problems affecting people across the globe, whether it be continued effects of the climate crisis or breaches of social justice (which, I’ve found, are more related than may first appear).  I am excited to examine the intersection between science and politics: analyzing the interdependence of governments that fund scientific endeavors, and research that, in turn, dictates social policy. 

When I’m not learning about physics or writing articles to continue my passion for journalism and communication, I love trying new plant-based ice cream flavors with my friends, going on hikes, upcycling clothing for a social entrepreneurship project I started, and playing volleyball. I’m currently trying my hand at 35 mm photography and learning how to play the guitar. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to explore the world around me, and to both develop and communicate solutions addressing community needs as a member of the Milstein Program.

Akhil Fernando-Bell

Hometown: Kula, HI

Intended Major: Computer Science

My name is Akhil Fernando-Bell, I am from Maui, Hawaii, part of the incoming Cornell University, class of 2025. I am excited to study Computer Science, as well as take on new experiences while being a part of the Milstein program. While I lean toward technological fields of study, I know the importance of studying humanities, more specifically, social and cultural histories and human social development. Having the ability to moderate material aspirations in the sciences with principles rooted in reason is something that I prioritize in my life. I hope to be involved in the development and evolution of paradigm shifting technology alongside like minded individuals working to bring humanity into a better understanding of itself.

Ming DeMers

Hometown: Rochester, NY

Intended Major: Computer Science 

Minor: History

Since my first computer, a VTech Learning Laptop, to my current frankenstein machine, a desktop cobbled together by garage sales and electronic recycling bins, I've loved working with technology. I started coding with Scratch in 2nd grade, and soon taught myself Batch programming afterschool in the library. Today, I've used my coding skills in an internship and numerous self-directed projects. I also enjoy studying history and literature. I believe there are certain universal themes and emotions that are only exposed when studying the humanities. 

Combining my interests, I want to become something of a "tech philosopher." Someone who considers the ethical, societal, and political implications of innovation. I want to create technology that helps, not hinders. I think Dr. Ian Malcolm's quote is especially pertinent to today's interconnected and evolving world: "You stood on the shoulders of geniuses to accomplish something as fast as you could and... were so preoccupied with whether or not you could, you didn’t stop to think if you should.”

I plan to major in Computer Science but want to study a diverse array of subjects at Cornell. In collaboration with peers and professors, I am excited to learn and discover more about this world. I am incredibly grateful towards the Milstein Family, the Milstein Program, and the College of Arts & Sciences for this immense opportunity.

Outside of academics, I am a volunteer firefighter, a 3rd Dan black belt in taekwondo, theatre stage manager, and hope to become a NYS Certified EMT this August. I also enjoy playing the cello, running XC and T&F, and photography.

My favorite movie is "Amadeus," but my favorite composer is Dvořák.

Vipin Gunda

Hometown: Iselin, NJ

Intended Major: Computer Science

Throughout high school, I’ve had many opportunities to experience collaboration in STEM and the humanities. For instance, I was a member of the mechanical and programming teams for FIRST robotics, I worked with professionals as a programming intern and a lab intern, and I collaborated with other officers as the president of my local American Cancer Society and Science Honor Society. 

But as I became more involved in tutoring disadvantaged children through a local community center, I came to value humanities, which at first seemed incompatible with my interest in STEM. Through the Milstein Program, I hope to  work on projects that use technology to benefit the lives of others and find an intersection between humanities and STEM. I am grateful for this unique opportunity to work with like-minded Cornellians and excited to see what's in store for the Class of 2025.

As per my hobbies, I have recently started playing piano and picked up gardening. I love playing pickup basketball over the weekends and watching NBA games. I also enjoy trivia and science bowls.

Neeya Hamed

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Intended Major: Biology & Society 

As an avid dancer throughout high school, I learned the great capacity that art has to move, inspire, and unite people from all walks of life. I hope to explore how we can utilize art and other disciplines to not only inform but enrich technology. 

Although technology has impacted the world positively in so many ways, I think that it is important to evaluate and always question whether they are used to promote a more equitable world. Through mathematical research about speech recognition in high school, I became fascinated in the potential of combining tools such as linguistics, artificial intelligence and activism to improve access to technology for people who are traditionally underrepresented.

I am especially excited about the Milstein program’s great emphasis on community-based projects because I firmly believe that through engagement with humanity we can find solutions to the world’s most pressing issues. I am honored to have the opportunity to explore the intersections between all my interests alongside passionate peers. 

Zayana Khan

Hometown: Mumbai, India

Intended Major: Computer Science

I’m a freshman from Mumbai, India, planning to major in Computer Science while simultaneously exploring Philosophy and Ethics, Economics and Finance. 

During an internship with a cyber-security firm, I realized that CS extends beyond coding into areas such as data privacy and cybersecurity policies. As someone who has also harbored an interest in Philosophy and Ethics, I’m keen to delve into the nuanced ethical dilemmas posed by our virtual lives and topics such as surveillance of citizens and the ethics of intelligent autonomous systems. 

Through the Milstein Program, I hope to apply my love for CS to my varied interests in the Humanities. I hope to gain insight from the diverse experiences of my peers and professors and explore my entrepreneurial side by developing innovative tech-based solutions to the challenges we face today. 

My hobbies include theatre, reading, eating dark chocolate and watching movies. 

Iman Kiio

Hometown: Groton, MA

Intended Major: Computer Science

I am passionate about technology and service, and I  have been a part of activities such as teaching computer programming to children and organizing hackathons in my community. I am honored to be a part of the Milstein Program where I can learn about the intersection of the humanities and sciences. I would also like to explore opportunities for how to make technology accessible to all children.

Harriet Kumah

Hometown: Bronx, NY

Intended Major: Biology & Society or Computer Science

I have always had a fascination with technology, how it works, and the ability for technological innovation to improve our lives. We are fortunate enough to live in an increasingly technology-based age, some might even call it a revolution, from digital currency to self-driving cars, and I can not wait for the day where technology has an even larger part in our lives. Not only am I excited to live in this world, but I hope to have a part in creating it as well. I hope to focus on technology in the medical field specifically.

My other interests include philosophy and religious studies as it allows me to understand the complexities of people and the world, and why things are the way they are. Because of how interdisciplinary real life is, being well-rounded leads to more success and impact. Through the Milstein Program, I hope to grow to emulate the qualities of a modern “renaissance man.” I am excited to expand and apply my knowledge in my areas of interest and create something great!

Abby Langer

Hometown: Warren, NJ

Intended Major: Government

Minor: Computer Science

At Cornell I am planning to major in government and minor in computer science.  I believe that applied math goes hand in hand with politics because both fields can be boiled down to solving problems.  Politicians seek to achieve policy ends, but without quantifiable evidence, it is often difficult to attain the desired outcome.  Issues in today’s society are so complex with so many variables that gut instinct and good intentions alone will not necessarily result in attaining the intended goals. Data analysis as well as computer science can be used strategically to maximize meaningful change in our country and world.  Immersing myself in the intersection of these disciplines is something that I am incredibly passionate about and that I am extremely excited to explore through the Milstein Program!

Catherine Martin

Hometown: Princeton, NJ

Intended Major: Computer Science 

I grew up in Princeton, New Jersey. As a three-sport varsity athlete in high school, I am extremely passionate about athletics, and I hope to use technology to advance physical activity and performance in the athletic field. I am planning to study computer science. I applied to the Milstein Program because it is a unique opportunity to explore and dive into all of my interests. I am incredibly honored to be a part of this program.  

In my free time, I enjoy taking photographs, thrifting, and spending time with friends and family. I am a nature enthusiast who loves being outside, traveling, camping, hiking, and so on. 

Sylvan Martin

Hometown: Laurel, MD

Intended Majors: Computer Science and Mathematics 

Hey! I'm from Laurel, Maryland, right between Baltimore and the capital. I grew up going camping and rock climbing, so I was instilled with a love for the outdoors. One of my dreams is to be able to do a big wall climb in Yosemite some day. Among other things, I also have great love for Thai fried rice.

My interest in technology probably stems from a nerdy love of sci-fi, be it Asimov or Star Trek. But in our evermore digital world, one of the most basic rights I believe everyone should have is the right to privacy, so I look forward to studying how to best ensure that everyone can keep themselves secure from whatever forms of malevolence present themselves.

Krystal Ohubunwa

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Intended Major: Computer Science

Growing up, I dreaded the idea of having to choose one area of study to focus on for the rest of my life. I loved reading ancient literature as much as I did proving the congruence of two triangles. I debated anyone on philosophical issues, however I know my unit circle by heart. I love writing stories and drawing just as much as I love calculus and physics. It wasn't until my first Computer Science course that I truly felt like I had found my home. I could write, design, and be creative, as well as think logically, critically analyze, and problem solve all in one class.

Technology is extremely relevant in today’s world, and a holistic understanding of the humanities will aid me in understanding my place in society and how my creations can improve the world’s biggest societal issues. The Milstein Program is an absolute dream program for me, because it allows me to be technical, while also coaching me on how I can use those technical skills to be creative and improve the world around me. Overall, I want to never stop creating; never stop creating novels to inspire the masses, and never stop creating softwares or apps to help those in need. I am so excited to be apart of the Milstein family, and learn more about the humanistic impacts and uses of technology in our great big world.

Benjamin Upshaw

Hometown: Lockport, NY

Intended Major: Philosophy

I was raised in Lockport, a small city outside of Buffalo, New York and I have spent the last three years living in a suburb of Buffalo. I have been interested in the humanities since middle school when I first became involved with academic competition through the National Geographic Bee. The Milstein Program addresses my interest in interdisciplinary ethical problems involving government, politics, medicine, finance, and technology. In my free time I enjoy running, cooking, reading, and watching Youtube videos.

Finley Williams

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Intended Major: American Studies

Though my interests in the humanities - specifically literature, writing, and philosophy - has generally outpaced my interest in technology, I have read too much Bradbury, Vonnegut, and Asimov to ignore the ways in which technology can come to bear on seemingly unrelated spheres of our life. In the Milstein Program, I hope to explore the ways in which oppressive governments can use technology to further oppress their citizens, what increased automation means for the labor movements of the future, and countless other questions at the intersection of STEM and the humanities.

Borne by this love of interdisciplinary approaches, I plan to major in American Studies to better grasp the interplay of history, culture, economics, current events, and identity in our society.

If I'm not tutoring at the writing center, you can find me reading books and the news, taking long walks, cooking fried eggs, and occasionally writing Dylan-inspired folk songs on my guitar.

Merry Zebro

Hometown: Ashburn, VA

Intended Major: Computer Science

Hello! My name is Merry Zebro. I’m excited to be part of the Milstein Program. I look forward to meeting everyone! I plan on majoring in Computer Science.

Nathan Zhang

Hometown: Winston-Salem, MA

Intended Majors: Computer Science and Literatures in English

As a writer and a programmer, I've always been interested in the intersection of my two greatest passions. Computers have already revolutionized the way we communicate, and now they seem to hold a creative potential that might revolutionize the way we write and think about art. With the Milstein program, I hope to be able to explore this new frontier to the fullest, investigating how technological developments will shape the way we speak and write in the future. In particular, I'm interested in natural language processing, and how language models like GPT-3 are able to so effectively mimic the human voice.

Outside of the classroom, I love cooking, reading, quiz bowl, and weightlifting. I've also recently gotten into ping pong, and you can usually find me yelling "cho lei" as I promptly lose the game.