In first grade, we had a dress-up career day. “Dream big”, we were told, “because we could be anything we put our minds to”, you know, all that stuff that gets a six-year-old really excited. So, as a really excited six-year-old, I walked into a classroom full of firefighters and soccer players dressed in khakis and a blue oxford shirt. When I could be anything at all, I chose to be a computer programmer— I wanted to solve big, dynamic problems with technology. It was my dream. And it still is.

In fact, my dreams have only grown. I truly believe that technology is the key to solving the world’s biggest, most dynamic problems. Among these, the problem that has captured my fascination is money. I want to delve into the complexities of the global economy, to leverage computational techniques and find innovative ways to solve the most critical financial issues affecting our global society. Whether that be developing cryptocurrency solutions that empower people marginalized from traditional financial systems. Or creating more efficient trading systems that lower barriers to entry, motivate liquidity, and make financial markets more accessible to people from all walks of life. Technology can change our economy, and the world for the better and I want to be a part of that change.

But for me, the next step in this journey to solve these big, important problems is to get to a point where I know enough to be on the cutting edge of my field. That is why I am pursuing a BS in computer science and a BA in Economics at the University of Cincinnati. As well as a Masters of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence through UC’s ACCEND program. But even further than my formal education, I am committed to growing my knowledge and expertise throughout these next few years through internships, research, and other real-world experience. Because I want to be able to more effectively contribute to solving the world's biggest problems.