2026-05-26

Overall, I think this semester was great, built projects, learned a lot, and got all A’s for once. Although the outcome was really well this semester, the journey was more intentional than other semesters, due to the fact that I was consistently reflecting on everything that I did. I also did took on a lot more leadership roles whenever available, whether that’s being the team lead for undergraduate research, to inquiring to becoming a director of a school organization, to becoming a vice president of the church fellowship that I go to on campus.

Academically, I learned about the basics of quantum computing, some different algorithms, and got resources to self-study Quantum Machine Learning. I learned about some of the theory underlying modern AI systems today via CS 4365 (Artificial Intelligence), I got to familiarize myself with different LLMs and see how they can be used in combination with AI Agents to drastically improve the output and the quality of work that I would do as a Software Engineering Intern at Atlassian over the summer, via CodePath’s AI101. I got to explore the broad topic of Explainable AI, to get a decent understanding of what it is and how to apply it in different settings.

Research-wise, I got to see how multiple fields can overlap in a single project. I got to lead a project for undergrads, to take direction and initiative with it, similar to what a first/second year PhD student might do. Sadly, I didn’t get a publication from either of the two research experiences that I had over the semester, but hopefully before the start of Fall 2026, one will be submitted to a top CS/SE conference.

I applied to lots of different programs, which include AI4ALL (AI Ignite), Break Through Tech, CodePath AI201, and Algorythm. These programs are good for networking and learning/reinforcing different skill sets (DSA, AI, SWE)

Things I’m doing over the summer

Some learnings that I took from this semester: