ADVERTISEMENT
Rutgers sophomore Kaajal Yadav awarded Aspire2STEAM scholarship
Yadav aims to develop user-friendly algorithms for enhanced technology accessibility
Kaajal Yadav is the new Aspirer scholarship recipient. / Image – Aspire2STEAM
Rutgers University sophomore, Kaajal Yadav has been awarded the Aspirer scholarship By Aspire2STEAM, a nonprofit that supports young women in science, technology, engineering, the arts, or math (STEAM) fields to address barriers in male-dominated industries.
Yadav, who is majoring in computer science and minoring in data science, has developed a passion for computer after initially facing difficulties with it “Coding has been a unique presence in my life. It has been the first intellectual area I have stuck with that I have pursued from my own sheer will and interest,” Yadav, who likes to spend time coding on her phone, said.
“Coding allows me to creatively apply logical reasoning to make the real world a little bit better for others. It is incredibly exciting and empowering. I learned that doubts are healthy and if I temper those doubts with a bit of trust in myself, I can accomplish what I set out to do,” she added.
The young programmer has co-founded a computer science program for young learners and mentored through the Rubisco STEM Mentorship Program. Her publications include “The Early Formation of Mathematics: Euclid’s Theories” and research on influential women like Louise Bourgeois and Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin.
Her accolades include being a Kode with Klossy scholar and receiving the National Center for Women in Technology Award. She has also contributed as a Zooniverse Citizen Science Project “Star Notes” volunteer and worked with the Smithsonian Institution Transcription Center.
Cheryl O’Donoghue, founder of Aspire2STEAM, praised Yadav’s ambitions. “Kaajal is a computer programmer on a mission to one day build advanced user interfaces so that people can get the most out of their experience using technology platforms such as Google with even fewer delays and glitches while producing high-quality information,” O’Donoghue said.
In the new academic year, Yadav aims to deepen her understanding of data structures and algorithms, inspired by applications like Google Maps. Her twin sister, Rhea Yadav, was also recently awarded the scholarship to pursue her ambitions in coding.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
.png)
.jpeg)
.png)
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login