Peer Concentration Advisors (PCAs) serve as peer advisors for current CS concentrators and pre-concentrators, providing a valuable perspective and helping students to discover additional resources and opportunities. Students can reach out to meet with PCAs with similar academic, career, or extracurricular interests.
Coming soon: More information about the initiatives and programs run by the PCAs…
For more information, including if you would like to find and meet with a PCA that would be a good match for your interests or concerns, and if you are interested in being a PCA, please reach out to the PCA Co-Captains, Nicole Jarmula and Gayatri Balasubramanian, through the email address cs-pca@seas.harvard.edu.
You can view the profiles of former PCAs here.
Class of 2021, lives in Quincy. From Carmel, Indiana.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gayatrib/
https://github.com/gayatri-a-b/
About Me: Chat with me if you want to work with CS in the public sector. I can also talk about switching to CS, stress management, and prioritizing CS with a part-time job, sport, and ROTC.
Concentration: Computer Science
Courses: Math 23a, Math 23b, CS20, CS50, CS51, CS141, CS146, APMTH107
Tags: Athlete, Started CS Late
Class of 2021, lives in Winthrop. From Chicago, IL.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-jarmula/
CS Interests: I can’t think of anything I’m not interested in, but lately have fallen in love with Mixed Reality, AI, and Program Management. I’ve done a few CS internships spanning startups, FAANG (Microsoft), and government (DHS). I also love anything that ties in neuroscience, psychology or languages into Computer Science, hence the MBB track. I will be working on my thesis this semester on Natural Language Processing, so come find me next semester if you want to see how that turns out! I am also a TF for CS 171, and studied abroad in Paris last semester, during which time I did take CS classes! Other Interests: I really really love foreign languages, so there’s a good chance you’ll find me on Mango Languages
Also: Talk to me if you have questions about study abroad, doubts about whether or not CS is for you, interning at various types of companies/across CS disciplines, and anything at all whether or not it is CS-related! My inbox is always open :)
Concentration: Computer Science MBB, secondary in Government
Courses: CS 50, CS 51, CS 121, CS 171, Math 21a/b, CS 187, CS 91r, CS 126
Tags: FGLI, Study abroad
Class of 2021, lives in Mather. From .
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amymzhou
About Me: A rising senior studying Computer Science, Women Gender Studies & Education, Amy is passionate about CS education policy, educational technology, data visualization, machine learning, and human computer interaction. Outside of computer science, Amy is co-chair of Harvard WECode, the largest student-run conference for women engineers, as well as a Classical producer on WHRB Harvard Radio Broadcasting. In her free time, she loves hiking, reading memoirs and nonfiction, watercoloring, dogs, and running (training for first half right now!). Please reach out if you have questions about being an international student, cross-registering at MIT, connecting CS to humanities, exploring tech for good, or coming into college with * zero * CS experience!
Concentration: Joint Computer Science & Women Gender Studies with a Secondary in Education
Courses: CS20, CS50, CS51, CS105, CS121, CS124, CS171, STAT110, MIT 6.036
Tags: International, Joint Concentration, CS & Humanities
Affinity Groups: WiCS
Class of 2021, lives in Quincy. From .
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aurielw/
aurielwright@college.harvard.edu
CS Interests: I’m interested in startups, hobby hacking, telemedical software, quant trading, building products from scratch, human focused design, technology literacy
Other Interests: I also have an interest in understanding socio-economically linked tech education disparities and started a blog to help folks from low income backgrounds make informed decisions about funding their education. Check it out on my personal website: https://www.wrightauriel.com.
Also: Happy to talk about transferring into CS late, realistic diversity expectations in CS, and anything else in between. I spent a great deal of my youth in China, so I speak business and conversational Mandarin as well! If you ever randomly need translation help HMU :).
Concentration: Computer Science / Mandarin Chinese
Courses: CS50, CS20, CS144, CS121, CS124, CS179, ES95R
Tags: FGLI, Started CS Late
Affinity Groups: BSA, ABHW, NSBE
Class of 2022, lives in Adams. From .
https://www.linkedin.com/in/britteny-okorom-achuonye/
bokoromachuonye@college.harvard.edu
About Me: I am originally from Detroit, MI and am currently a rising junior in Adams. I am studying CS and I am really interested in Big Data, AI, and social impact work regarding social equity. In my free time I like to crochet and do other crafts and am currently learning how to make crochet stuffed animals and maybe embroidery.
Concentration: Computer Science with a Secondary in African-American Studies
Courses: CS 50, CS 20, CS 121, CS 124, CS 10, Stat 110
Tags: FGLI
Affinity Groups: HSBSE, WiCS, BSA, ABHW, and Primus
Class of 2021, lives in Quincy. From .
carolynwong@college.harvard.edu
About Me: I’m especially interested in CS + linguistics, Android development, and applying technology to education and healthcare! Happy to talk about industry internships, cross-registering at MIT, senior thesis research, or starting CS late (took CS50 my sophomore year). Outside of CS, I enjoy running, birdwatching, and reading Calvin and Hobbes. Feel free to reach out via email or FB message!
Concentration: Computer science, secondary in linguistics
Courses: CS20, CS50, CS91r, CS124, CS152, MIT 6.034, MIT 6.036, MIT 6.840, MIT 9.19, Stat 110
Tags: Started CS Late, Joint Concentration, Research
Class of 2022, lives in Eliot. From .
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chenai-mangachena
chenai_mangachena@college.harvard.edu
About Me: I am a junior from Zimbabwe in Eliot House. I hadn’t done any programming prior to college so CS was entirely new and so far it has been a very challenging but rewarding journey for me. I have learned a lot about how to learn and master concepts, how to navigate the CS field as an African female, how to identify fitting opportunities etc, that I am willing to share. I enjoy backend programming and application of CS in basic services provision. I am happy to talk about anything so please reach out!
Concentration: Computer science, secondary in African Studies
Courses: CS50, CS20, CS124
Tags: FGLI, International
Class of 2021, lives in Quincy. From Foster City, CA.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyhzhang/
cindyzhang@college.harvard.edu
CS Interests: I’m a senior in Quincy and a joint English and CS concentrator. I’m interested in CS law and ethics (with an emphasis on privacy), product management, and tech for social good. On campus, I’m a TF for CS 105 and part of WiCS, the Radcliffe Choral Society, and The Crimson.
Also: Ask me about doing a humanities/CS joint (including writing a thesis!), finding internships, working for a startup or part-time, TFing courses, balancing recruiting/classes/extracurriculars, books/what to read, or anything else!
Concentration: Joint Computer Science and English
Courses: CS 50, CS 51, CS 61, CS 121, CS 124, CS 105, CS 181
Tags: Joint Concentration
Class of 2021, lives in Pfoho. From Cambridge, Mass (but originally from the Midwest, and have also lived on the West Coast and in China).
CS interests: It feels like with every class, I just learn how much more of CS there is to explore, but for now my interests are: theoretical CS, cryptography, tech and social good, design, CS x law/ethics, CS education
Other interests: I’m a member of the Mariachi Veritas de Harvard, a volunteer at Harvard Square Homeless Shelter and Small Claims Advisory Service, and a licensed street artist who specializes in portraits (emilychan.carbonmade.com). I love hiking, making music, cooking, creative writing, theatre, and the Great British Baking Show.
Also: I work at the Quad Grille, so come say hi and chat over some food!
Class of 2023, lives in Lowell. From .
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshikasaxena/
eshikasaxena@college.harvard.edu
About Me: I’m interested in artificial intelligence, deep learning, computer vision, and the intersection of computer science and healthcare. On campus, I’m involved with WiCS, GAMI, SWE, and WIB. I love baking/cooking, teaching CS, traveling, and dancing. I’m happy to talk about doing CS research, finding internships, intro CS courses, and life in general! Feel free to reach out anytime through email or Facebook message :)
Concentration: Computer Science with a secondary in Statistics
Courses: CS 50, CS 51, CS 124, CS 108, Stat 110
Tags: CS research, internships
Affinity Groups: South Asian Association
Class of 2021, lives in Pforzheimer. From New York City.
fatoumatambaye@college.harvard.edu
About Me: It’s always kind of hard for me to pinpoint my interests in CS to just one thing, seeing as I am open to just about anything. However, if I had to say, I am interested software development and I have more recently discovered an interest in hardware, so I am excited for where my explorations will take me in the future. I am also interested in ethics and history, with a specific focus on the impact that technology has on society and that society has on technology. Outside of CS, I enjoy sports, particularly running and soccer, but I have also been rediscovering my passion for Taekwondo this past summer. I also enjoy reading and singing.
Concentration: Computer Science
Courses: Math 1b-21b, CS121, CS124, CS141
Tags: FGLI
Class of 2021, lives in Pforzheimer. From Alexandria, Virginia.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicasedwards/
About me: I’m Jessica, a senior in Pfoho from and currently located in Alexandria, Virginia! My computer science interests include advocating for diversity in tech, data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, privacy, and education technology! Outside of CS, I am also excited to be pursuing an Education secondary. My other involvements at Harvard include Harvard College Faith and Action and the Kuumba Singers of Harvard College, and I’ve previously volunteered through PBHA programs as a Y2Y Homeless Shelter supervisor and a mentor for the Franklin Afterschool Enrichment Program (FASE). Feel free to reach out to me about CS research, government tech internships, advocating for women and underrepresented minorities in CS, and anything else on your mind!
Concentration: Computer Science, secondary in Education
Courses: CS50, CS51, Math21ab, STAT110, CS182, CS124, CS121, CS171, ES50, CS91r, GOV50 (Data), Designing K-12 CS Learning Experiences (HGSE course)
Affinity Groups: WiCS, HSBSE
Class of 2021, lives in Lowell. From .
https://github.com/London-Lowmanstone
lowmanstone@college.harvard.edu
About Me: I’m interested in AI, tech for social good, entrepreneurship, and I love writing music as well! Campus-wise I’m on the board for the Harvard Tech Review doing arts and data analytics stuff, and I enjoy having interesting conversations with people about random topics :)
Concentration: Joint in Computer Science and Philosophy
Courses: CS50, CS61, CS124, CS182, CS189, CS91r, MIT 6.840
Tags: Joint Concentration, Entrepreneurship
Class of 2023, lives in Winthrop. From .
About Me: I’m interested in ML & recommendation systems, mathematical modeling, data analysis, and carbon footprint of computing devices. Outside of classes, I’m also passionate about EdTech and curating open-source collaborative community. I also love musical theater, reading, and traveling (sadly not now). Feel free to reach out about international student experience as well. Happy to chat about any of the above or anything else you’d like to discuss.
Concentration: Joint Computer Science and Math
Courses: CS50, CS51
Tags: International, Joint Concentration
Class of 2021, lives in Quincy. From Palo Alto, California.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-wang/
maggiewang@college.harvard.edu
About Me: I’m interested in using robotics for space exploration, environmental protection, and biotechnology. I’ve worked on autonomous drones and smart homes, and I’m currently doing research in a robotics lab at MIT. Happy to chat about taking classes that excite you, working at a startup, research and cross-registering at MIT, making art, taking care of mental health, great books, sustainable / intentional living, etc.
Concentration: Physics AB, Computer Science SM
Courses: CS 61, CS 161, CS 124, CS 183, CS 249r
Tags: Advanced Standing / Fourth-Year Master’s
Class of 2023, lives in Kirkland. From .
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshikasaxena/
About Me: Regarding my CS interests, I enjoy ed tech, data science, and CS education (CA for CS50). Besides CS, I enjoy board games, travelling, languages, fitness and food. As a first generation college student, I am happy to help all students navigate the plethora of opportunities available at Harvard and beyond.
Concentration: Computer Science; Citation in Arabic
Courses: CS50, CS20, Math 23A, Math 23C
Tags: FGLI
Class of 2021, lives in Leverett House. From Fairfax, Virginia.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-wang/
michelewang@college.harvard.edu
CS Interests: data science, machine learning, theoretical CS, ~big data~, and applications of CS to any other field (e.g. economics, public policy, humanities).
Other Interests: Academically - I love reading and writing, anything related to businesses or strategy, and moral/political philosophy. Besides PCA, I’m involved in Model Congress and enjoy running and hiking.
Also: I would love to get to know you so feel free to reach out about anything - e.g. thoughts on careers in non-tech industries or non-SWE roles, integrating humanities and social science courses into your schedule, clubs on campus, the Applied Math concentration, and anything else. Feel free to shoot me an email or FB message.
Class of 2021, lives in Currier. From New York, New York .
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nabibahmed
https://www.github.com/nahmed3536
CS Interests: Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Full-Stack Web Development (React.js and Node.js), and Visualizations
Other Interests: I’m pursuing a masters in statistics through advanced standing and a secondary in economics. On campus, I’m on the board of the Harvard College Japan Initiative (HCJI) and Harvard Islamic Society (HIS). In terms of hobbies, I enjoy long-distance biking, cooking, photography, teaching, volunteering, and doing deep dives on esoteric topics!
Also: Please reach out if you would ever like to chat about courses, internships, recruiting, programs, and other opportunities. I’ve taken courses at MIT and Harvard Summer School, studied abroad in Europe, completed internal and external CS programs/bootcamps, done CS privacy research over the summer and semester, TFed CS and Stats courses, completed personal data science projects, self-taught myself new programming paradigms and languages, interned as a full-stack developer at a big Tech company (Oracle), and more!
Concentration: Computer Science, secondary in Economics
Courses: MIT 6.840, CS109, CS50, CS51, Stat110, Stat111, Stat171, ECON1123
Tags: FGLI, Started CS Late, Study Abroad
Affinity Groups: Harvard Islamic Society
Class of 2021, lives in Cabot. From Columbus, OH.
About Me: Hi y’all! I love machine learning and theoretical CS. I’m especially interested in human-interpretable machine learning, machine learning for healthcare, cryptography, and privacy. I currently do machine learning research and intend to pursue a PhD in CS. I really enjoy reading and learning from work in the humanities about the social history of computing and social consequences of tech. I also TF CS 121 and CS 181. Ask me about applying to a CS PhD, interdisciplinary communities that use technology to shift power, or reading recommendations about gender and CS.
Concentration: Computer Science AB/SM
Courses: CS 121, CS181, MIT 6.871
Tags: AB / SM, Research
Affinity Groups: WiCS
Class of 2022, lives in Pforzheimer. From .
https://www.linkedin.com/in/singerng/
noahsinger@college.harvard.edu
About Me: I study theoretical computer science, and dabble in math, computer systems, machine learning, and other areas. I also enjoy Programming™. Other interests include: literature (esp. science fiction), tech+society, writing, playing tennis and piano, listening to music, and baking. Talk to me about taking 121, CS research, grad school, TFing, joint concentrating, or anything else!
Concentration: Joint Concentration in Computer Science and Math
Courses: CS 121, 124, 153, 161, 263, 281, 229r, 127
Tags: Joint Concentration
Class of 2022, lives in Pforzheimer. From .
https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviaserenagraham/
oliviagraham@college.harvard.edu
About Me: Hey there! My name is Olivia, and I’m really passionate about building/launching products that people love. On campus, I TF for CS51, do research at HBS and more! Happy to chat about getting into SWE w/o any experience before Harvard, why the NYT mini crossword will improve your life, book recommendations, why I love product management, or anything that may be on your mind :)
Concentration: Computer Science, secondary in Mind, Brain, Behavior
Courses: CS50, CS51, CS100, CS179, CS121, CS124
Tags: International
Class of 2021, lives in Quincy. From .
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-lisk/
About Me: I am most excited about AI/ML, robotics, and CS x Social Good, and am taking both CS courses and pre-med requirements in hopes of attending medical school and combining my passions for tech and healthcare throughout my career. I research in a robotic surgery lab at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, play on Harvard’s varsity women’s rugby team, direct at the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter, and work as an EMT through CrimsonEMS. I have spent college trying to balance being both a CS concentrator and a pre-med while remaining committed to extracurriculars, and am so excited to advise anyone else thinking of following a similar path – it can seem scary! I have interned at NASA and Google, so I am also happy to advise on finding SWE internships and going through the recruiting process.
Concentration: Computer Science MBB, secondary in Global Health & Health Policy
Courses: CS50, CS51, CS121, CS124, CS136, CS171, CS181, CS189, and all pre-med courses
Tags: Athlete, Pre-med
Class of 2021, lives in Mather House. From Fayetteville, Arkansas.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-k-kim/
CS Interests: privacy, cryptography, syn+comp bio, ai, ml, fintech, agtech, bioethics
Other Interests: Beyond CS, I’m studying bioengineering focused on materials science! On campus, I’m involved with Harvard Technology Review and Harvard Computer Society. Recently I’ve been engrossed in learning new languages and overcoming the replication crisis.
Also: I’ve spent some time dabbling in CS research, quant finance, tech investing, and tech publications. Would love to chat about literally anything: entrepreneurship on campus, quant finance recruiting, researching at MIT, venture capital, skydiving, favorite restaurants, etc.
Class of 2021, lives in Pforzheimer. From .
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-lucioni
CS Interests: I’m interested in machine learning and data science, privacy, and mobile development (iOS). I also love exploring how CS relates to other fields and analyzing social media through a data science lens.
Other Interests: Combined with CS, I’m pursuing a joint with Statistics, and I’m more than happy to speak about Stat at Harvard! On campus, I’m part of the Harvard Pops orchestra and WiCS. Outside of school, I love to bake, paint, read, and be in nature. If you have any book or recipe recommendations, let me know!
Also: Please feel free to reach out to me about cross-registering at MIT, finding internships, pursuing a joint concentration, managing stress, or anything else (CS related or not)!
Concentration: Joint in Computer Science and Statistics
Courses: CS 109a/b, MIT 6.036, CS 105, Stat 171, Stat 110, Stat 111, CS 171, CS 124, CS 121, CS 51, CS 50, CS 20
Tags: Joint Concentration
Affinity Groups: WiCS
Class of 2021, lives in Dunster. From Los Angeles, CA.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/serena-davis-b21629120/
serenadavis@college.harvard.edu
About Me: I’m interested in the cognitive aspect of Computer Science – how humans makes choices and how we can translate those choices to tech. This interest has led to curiosity about the intersections of Computer Science and various different areas - currently, I’m especially interested in fintech and looking to understand how technology can be used to reach underbanked and undercredited populations. For fun, I love hiking, technical theater, and trying new foods, and I’m happy to help answer any questions!
Concentration: Computer Science, secondary in Classical Civilizations
Courses: APCOMP 221, APMTH 22A, CS 108, CS 121, CS 124, CS 179, STAT 110
Tags: Transfer Student
Class of 2023, lives in Cabot. From Munster, IN.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyasiyer30/
shreyasiyer@college.harvard.edu
About Me: Hey all! I’m a sophomore in Cabot House studying CS. My CS interests include AI/ML, hardware, cloud computing, privacy, and computational economics. I’m also pursuing a secondary in Economics. I love playing the cello and reading non-fiction, and on campus, I’m involved in HCCG, HFAC, and the Debating Union. I’m happy to talk about finding an internship, doing CS research @ Harvard, music, TV shows to watch, or anything else!
Concentration: Computer Science, secondary in Economics
Courses: CS 50, CS 51
Tags: Started CS Late
Affinity Groups: South Asian Association, Harvard Dharma
Class of 2022, lives in Eliot. From Munster, IN.
http://linkedin.com/in/shreyvardhan/
About Me: I’m very interested in applying CS to areas in the social sciences and humanities, particularly intersections in law, economics, and public policy. I’m also fond of web development and design. Extracurricular wise, I enjoy teaching, writing for The Crimson’s Editorial Board, and helping foster political dialogue on campus and beyond with the US-India Initiative. Feel free to reach out to me about combining CS with other areas, particularly in the social sciences and humanities, finding jobs/internships as an international student, hunting for Indian food, or anything else!
Concentration: Joint Concentration in CS (Primary) and Math (Allied), secondary in Economics/History
Courses: CS50, 51, 121, 124, 126. Econ 1011a, Math 152, Math 122
Tags: International, Joint Concentration
Class of 2023, lives in Lowell. From Vienna, Austria.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/siona-prasad-5b351019a/
sionaprasad@college.harvard.edu
About Me: My name is Siona and I am currently a sophomore in Lowell studying Computer Science and Statistics. I am really interested in the application of tech to healthcare and medicine using data science/machine learning tools. I’d be happy to talk about CS research, being CS-premed, women in tech, and just navigating CS at Harvard. Outside of CS, I am also involved with Crimson Emergency Medical Services, our South Asian Association, and club tennis.
Concentration: Computer Science, secondary in Statistics
Courses: CS50, Stat110, CS124, CS179, Ls1a/Ls1b
Tags: Pre-med
Affinity Groups: South Asian Association
Class of 2023, lives in Dunster. From .
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarunmuraliprasad/
tarunmuraliprasad@college.harvard.edu
About Me: I’m interested in machine learning (especially its application to other fields like physics and medicine), recommender systems, algorithms, and software development. Outside of the classroom, I’m involved with Datamatch, HCS, and the Harvard Cricket Club. I also love board games! Ask me about choosing math/CS classes, cross-registering at MIT, contacting professors to talk about potential research experiences, STEM clubs/activities on campus, and anything else. I’m also international, so I’m happy to talk you through the logistics of off-campus opportunities in the US, applying to OPT/CPT, etc.
Concentration: Computer Science
Courses: CS50, CS51, MIT 6.036, Math 22
Tags: International
Class of 2022, lives in Lowell. From .
https://www.linkedin.com/in/varun-tekur-3bab21122/
CS Interests: Machine Learning/Statistics, Computer Vision, NLP, Systems, Robotics, intersection of research and industry, applications to Biology and Clean Energy
Other Interests: I’m really interested in entrepreneurship, involved with several South Asian organizations on campus, and recently served as the software team lead for Harvard Aeronautics. I am also a huge (Boston) sports fan and lead the sports department of WHRB Harvard radio.
Also: I’m more than happy to chat about working at startups, applications of CS to real-world problems, and finding areas of CS (and other subjects) that you are really passionate about!
Concentration: Computer Science
Courses: CS 61, 152, 121, 124, 165, 181, Stat 110, ES 170
Class of 2021, lives in Lowell House. From Ariana, Tunisia.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wassimmarrakchi/
https://github.com/wassimmarrakchi
wassim_marrakchi@college.harvard.edu
About Me: I am a member of the Class of 2021 at Harvard College, concentrating in Computer Science with a secondary in Mathematical Sciences and interested in Theoretical Computer Science and Computer Ethics. I was planning on pursuing a joint-concentration in Computer Science and Mathematics before this year so I’m happy to talk to you about pursuing a joint concentration with Computer Science.
Originally from Tunis, Tunisia, I am an international student who can help prospective and current international concentrators figure out the inner workings of CS education at Harvard and in the U.S..
On-campus, I have served as a student representative on the Committee of Undergraduate Education, a stein co-chair on the Lowell House Committee, and a liaison between the college’s Society of Arab Students and the university’s Arab Students Association. Outside of campus, I am involved with the network of Tunisian American Young Professionals and have helped with some of their diaspora-wide initiatives including their annual retreat and their Tunisian Diaspora Fund to Support COVID-19 Recovery.
During my junior year’s summer, I was a research fellow in the Harvard Program for Research in Science and Engineering and an Engineering Summer Analyst for Goldman Sachs’s Global Compliance Division. During my sophomore year’s summer, I was a research intern for the Harvard Privacy Tools Project and a teaching assistant for AddisCoder, a 4-week intensive algorithms class in Addis Ababa for top high school students from all regions of Ethiopia. During my first year’s summer, I took summer courses in the London School of Economics facilitated by the Office of Career Services. I’m happy to talk to you about any of these experiences!
Concentration: Computer Science, secondary in Mathematical Sciences
Courses: CS 50, CS 51, CS 61, CS 121, CS 124, CS 183, CS 191, CS 223, CS 226r, CS 228, STAT 110, STAT 111, AM 120, MATH 25
Tags: FGLI, International, Joint Concentration
Affinity Groups: Harvard Society of Arab Students