I'm Laura, an aspiring Software Engineer from Brooklyn, NY.
I'm a lifelong New Yorker with a passion for NYC. In my free time, I enjoy skygazing, archery, photomanipulation, and etching. I'm also currently developing a multiplayer, side-scrolling beat 'em up game for iOS and training to run my first marathon by fall 2015.
I'm extremely interested in exploring the role of context awareness in the app development space, particularly with respect to using location services and wearables' sensor readings to promote immersion within the mobile environment. I believe the best apps should initially know the user like an onlooker in a public space, rather than an extension of one's own mind; through becoming accustomed with the user through non-invasive means, the user experience becomes akin to getting to know a new friend.
New York University
Class of 2014
B.S.: Computer Science
Minor: Animal Studies
Stevens Institute of Technology
Class of 2014
B.E.: Mechanical Engineering
Concentration: Robotics and Automation
The NYU/Stevens Dual Degree Program is a 5-year, B.S./B.E.-yielding opportunity for students to concurrently attend both NYU in Greenwich Village and Stevens IT in Hoboken, NJ. Coursework is primarily divided into a 3-2 split, with the first 3 years focused on satisfying NYU's required coursework for a Bachelor of Science degree, and the last two years concentrating on completing Stevens' requirements for a Bachelor of Engineering degree.
The Dual Degree Program allows participants to become fully immersed in the academic life of two distinct universities - with the caveat that some course scheduling conflicts will likely arise. Semesterly schedules, particularly those involving higher-level classes, often involve commuting between both campuses within the course of single day. Due to discrepancies between the universities with respect to academic calendars and class times, significant emphasis is placed on schedule planning. As a result, individual semesterly course loads are often in excess of 18 credits to accommodate the feasibility of completing both degrees within the 5 year span.
NYU's recent reacquisition of the Polytechnic Institute at MetroTech Center normalizes the academic calendar for NYU's engineering students, while marking the end of the university's close affiliation with Stevens. Although NYU Poly will surely imbue its students with a myriad of academic opportunities, I believe participation in the Engineering Program at Stevens presents cool experiences without compare. Lots of cool resources, with emphasis on team building and project management.
At a glance, one of these things is not like the others. Hey, I did animal studies and robotics and automation. Animal Studies focused primarily on the philosophical side of things, with cool tie-ins to logic and robotics. Cool things about how the world is changing, definitions of consciousness are being challenged, and sentience is being questioned. Somehow, this magically related to things relevant to my majors. It also ties in nicely to my concentration in Robotics, so push that point.
During my time as an undergrad, I completed a full 4-year program in NYU's Residential College for Leadership and Public Service. The Res College Program entails participation in a myriad of NYC-centric cultural, scholarly, and community service oriented events. Students are encouraged to both organize and volunteer at altruistic ventures, spanning the Bowery Mission, Housing Works, God's Love We Deliver, Yorkville Common Pantry, Relay for Life, and beyond.
I was also closely associated with NYU's largest student organization, Play: The Games Club, served as a Tournament Organizer for Super Smash Bros, and competed in Smash tourneys across the North East on a competitive level.
Maybe! Check out my resume here!