Meet our Summer Interns!

Meet ARI's summer interns for 2024! These interns worked with ARI staff researchers and scientists to gain hands-on knowledge and experience. They presented on their work in August.

Khimaya Bagla

Bachelor's of Science in Neuroscience and Psychology with a minor in Journalism, class of 2026, Brandeis University

ARI was my top choice because I was looking to gain research experience that can be translational and has real world applications. Moreover, the research cores are areas that I have not traditionally seen be merged with my majors; therefore, ARI would allow me to merge my areas of interest and work with new fields.  

I am looking forward to being a part of labs in fields I have not yet gotten a chance to experience and be able to identify the differences firsthand. I am also looking forward to learning more about new techniques of data analysis.  

I get to experience the new field of psychophysics through unique equipment and work with experienced and trained waterway pilots, which is amazing. I also have a very supportive team that has a diverse background of people, which allows me to learn a lot.

Although not set in stone, I plan to pursue an integrated master's program combined with a Ph.D. in neuropsychology. 

Tan Debnath

Master's of Science in Information Management, expected graduation Spring 2025, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Over the past year, I've developed a strong interest in data science and machine learning, particularly in natural language processing through my coursework and research at UIUC's Center for Children's Books. When I learned about ARI's peritext project, it felt like a perfect fit. The project aligns closely with my previous work and leverages the skills I've been honing, offering a unique chance to deepen my knowledge in areas that are crucial to my future career aspirations.

I hope to experiment with advanced techniques in NLP and text analysis, enhancing my ability to extract meaningful insights from vast amounts of unstructured data.

The welcoming environment at ARI has been an absolute highlight! When you step into the ARI offices, the first person you meet is MaryEllen Simpson, whose knack for making you feel at home is matched only by her crocheting skills. She really sets the tone for the rest of the office, where everyone is just as fun and engaging to talk to.

My supervisor, Dr. Ana Lučić, has been an incredible mentor, offering unceasing support and genuine kindness that is both inspiring and encouraging. I thoroughly enjoy our discussions, as there's always something new to learn. Working with Ana and the rest of the team has been fabulously educational and fulfilling.

I've developed a strong interest in digital humanities, particularly through my experiences at UIUC. In the short term, I plan to leverage my NLP and text analysis skills to contribute to solving real-world challenges in this field. Long-term, I hope to pivot into the healthcare sector, using my DS/ML knowledge to advance research in medical sciences.

Saksham Jain

Master's of Science in Industrial Engineering (Advanced Analytics), graduated May 2024, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

I wanted to work at ARI, because I liked the idea of working on text data and applying NLP (natural language processing) techniques and my skills and knowledge from my coursework and previous experiences in this research environment.

 I’m looking forward to developing NLP solutions and implementing cutting-edge technologies like LLMs (large language models) to create impactful solutions and gain hands-on experience.

 So far, I have had really good exposure to software development, data science, and concepts of NLP. I have had a very positive experience with the team. My manager, Dr. Ana Lučić, is very supportive and gives importance to work life balance. The whole team is very supportive.

 I plan on continuing to work in the domain of NLP and data science to gain more experience and contribute to creating practical solutions to solve real world problems.

Mohney Raza

Bachelor's of Science in Information Studies, with a minor in Computer Science,
class of 2026, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

I wanted to work at ARI to gain valuable, hands-on experience working on something that gives back to the university. While at ARI, I'm looking forward to applying the skills I learned in my classes to a work environment to accomplish a shared goal.

I have enjoyed having an accommodating and supportive supervisor in Dr. Ana Lucic, and the team has helped me learn and adapt every step of the way.

As soon as I joined the project, there wasn't a second where I felt overwhelmed because everyone just wanted to help each other out as much as possible to get the project done as a team while allowing room for growth and learning.

After graduation, I plans on pursuing a career as a data scientist, data engineer or data analyst. 

Shreya Shetye

Master of Computer Science, 2025, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

I wanted to work with ARI because of its reputation as a pioneering institute in translational research at the intersection of academia, industry, and government. ARI's focus on developing validated technologies and its collaborative approach align perfectly with my aspiration to leverage AI for creating intelligent and accessible technology. I am particularly drawn to ARI's commitment to solving real-world problems through multidisciplinary research, which resonates deeply with my long-term goal of starting a company focused on improving the lives of people with disabilities through innovative AI solutions.

At ARI, I am eager to expand my knowledge in AI and related domains, particularly in the areas of computer vision and its applications in healthcare, autonomous vehicles, and interactive environments. I look forward to gaining hands-on experience in developing AI-driven technologies that can remove accessibility barriers and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, I am excited about learning how to effectively translate research innovations into practical solutions that can make a significant impact in society.

I have had positive experiences such as engaging in meaningful networking opportunities with experts from various disciplines, benefiting from mentorship from seasoned researchers, and learning new methodologies to tackle complex problems. These experiences will not only enhance my technical skills but also provide invaluable insights into real-world applications of research and development across different sectors.

After completing my master’s degree, I aim to gain professional experience in leading tech companies known for their advancements in AI, such as Amazon, Alphabet, Apple, or IBM. My goal is to work as an AI Research Engineer focusing on computer vision applications in healthcare, autonomous vehicles, and other interactive environments. Ultimately, I aspire to start my own company dedicated to developing intelligent and accessible technology for people with disabilities, leveraging AI to enhance their quality of life through innovations like improved screen readers, accessible cameras, and voice transcription tools.

Sophie Zeithaml

Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering, graduating December 2025, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

I was very interested in how the research at ARI did not just involve changing process parameters during fabrication, but also utilized testing and characterizing of the materials used.

This summer, I have already learned so much. In my last few weeks, I am looking forward to learning how to further analyze and characterize my sample.

The best part of working at ARI this summer has definitely been the people. I was not familiar with the lab environment before coming to ARI, and everyone has gone above and beyond in helping me understand the lab instruments and processes.

After I graduate, I am most likely going to work in manufacturing.