Graduation Spotlight: Pratibha Thakur

Pratibha Thakur
Computer Science Specialist
Trinity College

During her time at the University of Toronto, Pratibha Thakur helped shape student life in computer science through her leadership with the Computer Science Student Union (CSSU) and Women in Computer Science (WiCS). Drawn to both community-building and academic exploration, she embraced opportunities to support her peers.

Now, she is building on those experiences as she begins her career in software engineering, carrying forward a strong sense of community.

This Q&A has been edited for clarity and length.

You’ve been deeply involved in both CSSU and Women in Computer Science (WiCS). What kind of community were you hoping to help build through those roles?

My involvement with both CSSU and WiCS began in my first year. I found their events were not just great places to connect with peers, but also one of the best ways to get real, first-hand advice on navigating university life. Over my time at U of T, I’ve realized that having a community that supports your academic, professional and personal growth is invaluable, and both CSSU and WiCS offered exactly that.

I joined their executive teams to pay it forward and help strengthen our initiatives. Although I'm graduating, I am excited to see how these groups will continue to evolve. The student community here is so dynamic, and I know they'll keep doing amazing things.

Having stepped into leadership during a period of transition, what did you learn about leading teams through change?

When I first stepped into my presidency with CSSU, we hit the ground running. Many previous executives had graduated, so most of the new team was stepped into their roles for the first time. On top of that, we had several major events coming up, with hundreds of students expected to attend.

Leading a new team under that kind of pressure was challenging, but it was also energizing for all of us. I truly believe that a little bit of transition “chaos” is great for a team — it pushes teams to innovate. We used that period to restructure roles across our nine committees and build several new initiatives from scratch that simply didn't exist in previous years.

What first drew you to computer science, and was there a moment during your degree when you knew you’d made the right choice?

Through competitive math, I was exposed to problems in areas like combinatorics and number theory. I found their applications in computer science especially fascinating and decided to try it, knowing I had the flexibility at U of T to change my program if it wasn’t the right fit.

There wasn’t a single moment when I knew computer science was the perfect choice for me, but I remember a conversation in second year when a friend and I realized we couldn’t think of another subject we’d rather spend so many late nights studying. It also helped that my professors and peers were so encouraging.

If you could give one piece of advice to a first-year computer science student, what would it be and why?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the past four years, it’s that it’s totally fine if things don’t go as planned. In first and second year, I took everything so seriously. I worried over midterms, course selection, interviews and more, but things were rarely as serious as they felt.

To gain perspective, I found it helpful to share concerns with peers — we’re all in this together, and chances are, their worries are similar to yours.

What are your interests outside of computer science?

I’ve always loved a good book, and recently I’ve been dipping into both creative and technical writing. This summer, I’m also hoping to catch up on the 2025 Oscar-nominated movie list and maybe revisit playing the flute.

What's next for you, and how does computer science fit into that?

In July, I’ll start as a full-time software engineer with Amazon Robotics. I’m looking forward to learning more about the field and applying what I’ve learned over the past four years!

Graduation Spotlight: Jacob Klimczak

Jacob Klimczak
Computer Science Specialist
Victoria College

For Jacob Klimczak, studying computer science meant exploring its reach far beyond technology alone. From environmental research to data-driven modelling, he approached his degree with the aim of understanding and shaping complex systems across disciplines.

Now, he is focused on applying those skills to meaningful global challenges, with an interest in work that bridges technology and the natural world.

This Q&A has been edited for clarity and length.

What did it mean to you to receive a Computing Research Association (CRA) Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Honourable Mention at this stage in your academic career?

Receiving a CRA Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Honourable Mention felt incredibly validating. It was rewarding to see the effort I put into my research throughout my degree recognized by such a prominent organization. It also reinforced the idea that the computer science community values interdisciplinary work that treats computer science as a means rather than an end.

How do you see computer science contributing to broader global challenges?

In my view, increased global digitization has made computer science an integral part of most systems. As a result, digital literacy and software skills are among the most valuable that someone can have, whether they work in tech or not.

As the amount of available data grows, it is also becoming essential for supporting everyday decision-making across many environments. Organizations can use systems to augment human expertise and make more informed, data-driven decisions. This ability to support human judgment across fields is where computer science has the greatest potential to address global challenges.

What first drew you to computer science, and was there a moment during your degree when you knew you’d made the right choice?

I started working as a software engineer at a small company while still in high school, and that experience led me to pursue an education in computer science. At first, I saw a degree as a professional qualification that would broaden my opportunities at work. Over time, I came to see it as much more than that.

U of T exposed me to the fact that computer science was more than a tool for developing software products. I got involved in cutting-edge research that used algorithmic tools to quantify forest structure, understand traffic patterns, model on-chip power consumption and generate high-precision forecasts. In my final year, looking back at the range of fields I explored and the broad applicability of these tools I had learned, I felt confident I had made the right choice. It strengthened my software development skills while showing me how much more computers can do.

If you could give one piece of advice to a first-year computer science student, what would it be and why?

The biggest piece of advice I could give is one I wish I had received going into university: don't be afraid to get involved. It took me time to engage with opportunities on campus, but once I did, I found that the University of Toronto offers more projects, programs and experiences than there are students to fill them.

What are your interests outside of computer science?

Outside of computer science, I am passionate about the natural world and environmental activism. I see major challenges facing the global climate and Earth system over the coming decades, and I’m motivated to get involved in projects that support environmental causes. I try to apply my skills to work that contributes to a better world.

Graduation Spotlight: Yuchen Wang

Yuchen Wang
Computer Science Specialist
St. Michael’s College

Yuchen Wang’s undergraduate research focused on applying artificial intelligence in healthcare, with work spanning Toronto Rehab and the Vector Institute. Working closely with clinicians and real patient data, he developed a strong interest in building practical, patient-centred solutions.

Now, he is continuing that work in graduate studies, focusing on technologies that drive meaningful impact in clinical settings.

This Q&A has been edited for clarity and length.

Your work spans both Toronto Rehab and the Vector Institute. How did those experiences shape your approach to applying AI in healthcare?

My first research experience began at Toronto Rehab, where I was fortunate to receive funding from the Data Sciences Institute. There, I focused on extracting valuable insights from data to support recovery for patients with spinal cord injuries. Through this work, I learned the importance of developing solutions that are practical, interpretable and centred on patient needs.

Thanks to the research opportunities provided through the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto, I later joined the Vector Institute, where I strengthened my research and analytical skills through exposure to advanced computational methods and interdisciplinary collaboration. Together, these experiences shaped my goal of building technologies that create meaningful impact in clinical settings.

You’ve worked closely with clinicians and real patient data — how did that influence the kinds of problems you chose to focus on?

Working closely with clinicians and real patient data helped me focus on problems with clear clinical relevance and practical impact. I became especially interested in developing methods that could produce interpretable and reliable insights rather than simply optimizing performance metrics. These experiences showed me that meaningful healthcare technologies must address real challenges faced by both patients and care providers.

What first drew you to computer science, and was there a moment during your degree when you knew you’d made the right choice?

I was first drawn to computer science when I realized its power to uncover significant insights from massive amounts of data. I knew I had made the right choice during my work at Toronto Rehab, where I saw how my research could help patients recover faster and more effectively. That experience showed me how computational research can create tangible impact in healthcare and improve real patient outcomes.

If you could give one piece of advice to a first-year computer science student, what would it be and why?

I encourage first-year computer science students to go beyond the classroom and seek opportunities to apply what they learn to real-world problems.

I would also encourage them to find an area they are genuinely passionate about and stay committed to it, because long-term curiosity and persistence drive the most rewarding work.

What are your interests outside of computer science?

Outside of computer science, I enjoy playing badminton. I also love reading books in my spare time, as it allows me to explore new perspectives and continue learning beyond academics.

What’s next for you, and how does computer science fit into that?

This fall, I will begin the Master of Science in Computer Science program at Stanford University, where I hope to further strengthen my technical skills. Computer science will continue to be an important part of my academic and professional journey, especially as I work toward building technologies that can solve real-world problems.

Graduation Spotlight: Raghav Sinha

Raghav Sinha
Computer Science Minor
Trinity College

As a DCS ambassador, Raghav Sinha spent much of his time supporting students across different stages of their computer science journeys. Alongside his studies in economics, statistics and computer science, he developed a strong focus on community and real-world applications of technology.

Now, he is ready to bring those skills into the financial sector, applying data-driven approaches to complex challenges.

This Q&A has been edited for clarity and length.

As a DCS Ambassador and Lead Ambassador, you’ve supported a large community of students. What did you learn from mentoring others at different stages of their CS journey?

Mentoring students taught me that everyone's tech journey looks completely different, and there’s no single "correct" path to success. Whether someone is writing their first line of code or preparing for complex technical interviews, what they usually need is reassurance and a reminder that imposter syndrome is common. I learned that being a good mentor is less about having all the answers and more about being a patient listener and a reliable sounding board.

You also helped build programs like the Alumni-Student Mentorship initiative — what gap were you trying to address for students?

The Alumni-Student Mentorship Program has been a staple for decades, thanks to the incredible work of Kimberly Huynh-Nguyen. With this latest iteration, our goal was to modernize the way we bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Working closely with the team, I focused on bringing fresh, modern workplace insights and strategies into the program so students could better navigate today's rapidly evolving tech landscape. We wanted to give students a realistic, up-to-date view of industry trends, workplace culture and the transition into a modern career.

What first drew you to computer science, and was there a moment during your degree when you knew you’d made the right choice?

Honestly, I was first drawn to CS in middle school because I wanted to automate tasks I was too lazy to do myself — I loved the classic programmer paradox of spending two hours writing code just to save one minute of manual effort. Later at U of T, I knew I made the right choice when I discovered a passion for scalable machine learning. Seeing how code and statistics could intersect to solve complex data problems in corporate and financial contexts completely hooked me.

If you could give one piece of advice to a first-year computer science student, what would it be and why?

Don't spend all your time hidden behind a screen — actively build a community and talk to the people around you. The friendships, study groups and student clubs you join will not only make challenging weeks more manageable but will also open doors to opportunities you might not find on your own. Tech is highly collaborative, so learning to connect with others early on matters just as much as mastering syntax.

What are your interests outside of computer science?

When I'm not diving into tech, you’ll usually find me on the squash or tennis courts or watching the latest Formula 1 race. I also love applied behavioural science and strategy.

What's next for you, and how does computer science fit into that?

This July, I’ll step into the professional world as a full-time data science associate at TD Bank! Computer science fits perfectly into this next chapter, as the programming, analytical and machine learning skills I've built during my degree are exactly what I’ll use to tackle data-driven financial challenges at scale.

Graduation Spotlight: Jessica Chen

Jessica Chen
Computer Science Specialist
New College

Jessica Chen’s undergraduate experience was defined by her involvement with the University of Toronto Machine Intelligence Student Team (UTMIST), where she took on leadership roles to support student learning and exploration. Through these experiences, she embraced uncertainty and learned to take chances on new opportunities.

Now, she is continuing her studies at the graduate level, with an interest in interdisciplinary applications of artificial intelligence.

This Q&A has been edited for clarity and length.

You’ve held multiple leadership roles within UTMIST, including VP Academics. What motivated you to take on such a large role in shaping student learning experiences?

If you had asked me in my first year, I would never have imagined myself in a leadership role. Over the course of my undergrad, I realized I wanted to make a broader impact on the community that gave me so much. Since I've been with UTMIST for so long, it felt natural for me to take on leadership positions and give back.

Through UTMIST, you led initiatives like workshops and competitions. What impact were you hoping these would have on other students?

Many people I know, including myself, didn't really know what they were interested in at the start of university or felt like they were behind. Even in the upper years, people change directions – I did too. Through these workshops and events, we aimed to help students explore topics they’re curious about and build a community where they can learn together.

It's normal not to have everything figured out right away, and I hope we made trying something new feel a little less intimidating. It's absolutely OK if students don't end up enjoying it — what matters is that they tried something they were interested in.

What first drew you to computer science, and was there a moment during your degree when you knew you’d made the right choice?

I was interested in video game development, so computer science felt like a no-brainer. I didn't take any CS courses or do much coding before university, so I was going in pretty much blind. Looking back, I feel like I accomplished more than I could have imagined, especially in my last year.

I don't think there was a moment when I knew I’d made the right choice, but it’s a choice I make the most of every day.

What are your interests outside of computer science?

I keep up with music and dance. I've had opportunities to perform in shows around Toronto and even toured Europe with an orchestra once! I also love gaming. You can probably find me playing late at night, even in the middle of exam season.

What's next for you, and how does computer science fit into that?

This summer, I’m interning at Sledgehammer Games, working on Call of Duty. In September, I'll head to the University of Alberta for a thesis-based master’s program. I'll likely work on an interdisciplinary project at the intersection of AI and biology, although nothing is set in stone.

I don't know what my future career or academic route will look like, but computer science will definitely be part of it in some way.

Graduation Spotlight: Helena Glowacki

Helena Glowacki
Computer Science Specialist
University College

Blending computer science with creativity and community, Helena Glowacki shaped her undergraduate experience through research, student storytelling and artistic interests. Her path reflects a curiosity about how technology connects with human expression.

Now, she is continuing her studies in computer science, focusing on human-AI interaction and the role of technology in creative work.

This Q&A has been edited for clarity and length.

You’ve contributed to the In the Loop podcast — what drew you to that platform, and what did you enjoy most about being part of it?

I discovered the podcast during my Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) internship when I was trying to figure out how to make the most of my final year at U of T, and I ended up listening to every episode in one sitting. Each episode introduces a new topic by bringing together faculty and student perspectives. Even when a topic didn’t directly align with my technical interests, it felt genuine and easy to connect with, so I kept listening.

The Grad School 101 episode especially inspired me to consider graduate studies as a pathway. After working on the podcast, what I enjoyed most was collaborating with Professors Mario Badr and Diane Horton. Their joy and passion are infectious, and I feel grateful I had the chance to work with them.

If you’re a current or prospective CS student, I highly recommend checking out the podcast @uoftintheloop on Instagram! :)

Alongside your work in CS, you’re also involved in the student orchestra — how do your creative and technical interests intersect?

Creative arts have always been a big part of my life, through music and visual arts, and I’ve loved how naturally they connect with computer science through areas like graphics, video game design and UI design. As AI advances quickly, that intersection has become even more important to me.

I’m currently working with undergraduate student Sarah Wang, PhD student Harsh Kumar and Professor Ashton Anderson on research that explores how LLMs may shape emotional expression and the creator-audience relationship. This work made me think about how we can better design AI systems that support, rather than replace, human creativity, and it’s something I hope to keep exploring.

What first drew you to computer science, and was there a moment during your degree when you knew you’d made the right choice?

I took my first computer science course as an elective in high school. It’s hard to explain, but I liked how solving a computer science problem felt different from solving a pure math question or working through other STEM subjects — it felt more like solving a riddle than following a set process.

In university, I never had a single moment where I realized I’d made the right choice. Instead, I'll always remember and cherish the incredible support from the teaching team and CS community, along with the freedom we had to explore. People were excited to hear new ideas and to see each other grow.

If you could give one piece of advice to a first-year computer science student, what would it be and why?

Find your community! U of T is a huge school, and while that can feel overwhelming, it also means there are many opportunities to make friends and build a support system. If there is something that excites you or you want to try something new, whether it's related to computer science or not, there is a way to pursue it.

Of course, make time for your studies, but having a place where you can be and express who you are makes it easier to face the challenges along the way.

What are your interests outside of computer science?

Outside of computer science and the creative arts, I’ve grown to enjoy marketing because of how closely it connects to building communities and helping people feel connected. One of my favourite experiences during my degree was serving as marketing director for the Women in Science and Engineering National Conference in my third year.

In the months leading up to the conference, I built our platform for outreach and engagement, and it was incredibly rewarding to see that work come to life as more than 400 delegates from across Canada joined us. More than anything, I loved watching people connect, find their community and form new friendships over the weekend.

Although marketing sits outside computer science, I’ve noticed it is increasingly shaping how I approach and share my technical work.

What's next for you, and how does computer science fit into that?

This fall, I’ll return to the U of T Department of Computer Science to begin the MSc in Computer Science program! I’m excited to work with Professor Fanny Chevalier in human-AI interaction, building on her work in HCI.