Hometown
Orland Park, Illinois
Major and Graduation
Bachelor and Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence, minor in Business, Expected Graduation: 2024
Student Organization Involvement
Women in Cyber Security
Why did you choose your major/what do you want to do with your degree?
I have always been fascinated by the infinite capacity technology holds and the manner in which humanity has consistently utilized cutting-edge technology to further advance our way of life at every corner of human history. I aspire to stand tall on the shoulders of the giants who came before me and serve humanity with safe, ethical technologies that will further enhance the human experience.
What is your favorite thing about the Camras Scholars Program?
I love the diverse selection of opportunities Camras provides for us scholars. Through Camras I'm able to gain exposure to related interests as well as give back to the community in ways I didn't know possible. I know my college experience wouldn't be nearly as exciting without the opportunities provided by Camras.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
In 20 years, I hope to have gained invaluable experience working for innovative companies whose efforts are aligned with serving humanity and progressing the future. Simultaneously, I hope to have successfully attained a position where I can lead a team of bright individuals and influence cutting-edge developments. I also hope to be further integrated in my hometown community and constantly giving back, especially to those who have been pivotal to my successful path here to IIT and beyond.
How do you think you best represent what it means to be a Camras scholar?
During an opportunity to work with a software company, I took the initiative to design an autonomous solution that would allow for better cost-efficiency and time management. After getting the project approved, I was then able to work with a team of experts to get the solution working in practice. I've also joyously served as a literacy coach for Camras's Literacy Program at John B. Drake Elementary School, where I read to fourth and fifth grade students to aid the gap created in literacy by the COVID-19 pandemic. More recently, I've led college-readiness initiatives at different high schools in the Chicago Suburbs. A high-achieving group of IIT students and I offered insight on various opportunities in numerous STEM majors, shared our personal stories on the sometimes daunting task of choosing a major, and spoke one-on-one with the students who had specific questions for us panelists.
Contact
Email: lshalabi@hawk.iit.edu
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/laylashalabi/