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Jasmin Singh '25 says there's never been a more exciting time to study computer science and artificial intelligence.  

From art to medicine to quantum computing, Singh has explored diverse career opportunities in computer science while contemplating big questions about how AI is transforming our world. Singh says UMassD not only equipped her with the skills and knowledge to make her mark on her field, but also helped her build a community she will value long after graduation.  

Why did you decide to study computer science at UMassD? 

"I've always been interested in the crossroads between technology and human creativity, and I knew I wanted to study artificial intelligence. ½ûÂþÌìÌà is one of the few schools I applied to that offers a concentration in AI," Singh said.  

"I didn't have the best academic experience in high school, but UMassD showed me that I could have a fresh start."  

A world of opportunities in computer science 

As a student at UMassD, Singh completed three internships where she explored a few of the vastly different paths one can take in computer science.  

Robotics

At New Bedford Research and Robotics (NBRR), Singh worked with artists using technology like 3D printing to bring their designs to life. She won an Office of Undergraduate Research summer grant to continue studying ceramic additive manufacturing at NBRR.  

Game design

As a game designer at Toontown Rewritten, Singh joined a team of developers and learned how game design uses computer science to bring creators together to tell stories that connect with an audience.  

Medical research and development

Singh completed yet another internship as part of the research and development team at Project Insulin, a Cambridge-based nonprofit that is creating a generic form of insulin and increasing access to the lifesaving drug.  

Singh also completed a research fellowship with physics professor Dr. Renuka Rajapakse focused on quantum computing. For her capstone project, Singh and her team worked on an assignment from the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), developing a simulation for an unmanned aerial vehicle that can relay wireless communications to remote locations.  

"I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to explore these different aspects of my field and what computer science makes possible in different industries," Singh said. "What they have in common is they help people, and that's what I think technology should do." 

During her time as a student, Singh helped revive the dormant UMassD chapter of Engineers Without Borders, an organization that partners with underserved communities all over the world to deliver engineering solutions.  

As artificial intelligence becomes more prominent in the field of computer science and in everyday life, Singh's studies led her to investigate not only how AI works but also what it means to use it.  

What do you wish more people understood about AI? 

"AI is not the problem; it's how we use it," Singh said. 

"Artificial intelligence powers a lot of the technology we use every day. But as generative AI and large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT have entered the mainstream very quickly, there's a lot that users don't understand about how it works. It's so easy to use, but there are ethical implications we don't always think about. I wouldn't want us to become too reliant on it or lose appreciation for human creativity. 

"This semester I did an independent study with Associate Teaching Professor Clinton Rogers about the homogenization of content and culture on the internet as the use of generative AI becomes more common. People use ChatGPT to create online content, which then informs how the LLM learns. It becomes a closed loop system.  Another unintended effect of generative AI is the way it can perpetuate biases based on the cultural norms of those who develop and use it the most. 

"These are the kinds of things I think it's important to be mindful of as this technology develops. I want to be someone who helps make technology better and bring awareness to the ethical issues and implications posed by AI." 

Looking back 

Reflecting on her college experience, Singh says the people at UMassD have had a lasting impact on her life: "I've learned so much from the people around me. College introduces you to so many amazing people you wouldn't have otherwise met. The time may have been fleeting, but the impact will last much longer." 

What advice would you give to younger students? 

"Worrying is worshipping the problem, so try to avoid overthinking and just move forward. Change is a constant in life; try to embrace it with curiosity." 

"I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to explore these different aspects of my field and what computer science makes possible in different industries. What they have in common is they help people, and that's what I think technology should do."