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The first time I truly understood the power of interdisciplinary thinking was during my junior year, when I combined my passion for computer science with my interest in environmental policy. I had spent months developing a machine learning model to predict water quality issues in local rivers, but it wasn't until I presented my findings to the city council that I realized technology alone wasn't enough.

What started as a coding project became a journey into understanding how data can inform policy decisions, how technical solutions must be accessible to communities, and how innovation requires bridging the gap between complex algorithms and real-world problems.

At Harvard, I want to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and social justice, particularly how we can develop ethical frameworks for deploying technology that serves marginalized communities. The opportunity to work with professors who are leading research in algorithmic fairness and to collaborate with peers who bring diverse perspectives to technology challenges is exactly what I need to grow as both a technologist and a citizen.

My experience has taught me that the most impactful innovations come from understanding problems from multiple angles. I've learned to code not just for the sake of building software, but to create tools that can address systemic issues.

Through my work with a local nonprofit, I helped develop a mobile app that connects low-income families with food assistance programs. The technical challenge was interesting, but seeing how the app reduced the time families spent searching for resources from hours to minutes showed me the real value of what I was learning.

This project reinforced my belief that technology should be a force for equity, not just efficiency. At Harvard, I want to deepen this understanding by studying both the technical and ethical dimensions of technology development.

I envision using my Harvard education to work at the intersection of technology and policy, developing solutions that are not only technically sound but also socially responsible. Whether through research in machine learning ethics, policy work on technology regulation, or building tools that directly serve underserved communities, I want to ensure that the technological revolution benefits everyone, not just those who can afford it.