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  • About Me
  • Experience
  • Awards & Recognitions

About Me

Hi! I'm Jessica, an incoming freshman at Stanford University from South Florida. I'm passionate about using computer science to create opportunity and lasting change. Growing up as a first-generation American born to Hispanic immigrant parents has taught me the importance of perseverance, empathy, and community. I take pleasure in translating complex ideas into accessible learning experiences in both English and Spanish, and I strive to create inclusive environments where every individual can build confidence in using technology to address real-world issues.

Alongside my work in tech, I'm a dedicated vocalist with a genuine love for musical theater, jazz, and classical performance. Whether I'm coding or singing, I find joy in connecting with others and bringing ideas to life.

Keep scrolling to learn more about me and ways to get in touch!

Experience

Tech 4 Now

Jan 2024—Present

Founder & President

I founded Tech 4 Now, a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that bridges the generational digital divide by providing free technology education and resources in English and Spanish to children and seniors. I secured federal 501(c)(3) status, built the website, and to date, we have served 800+ kids and seniors across 6 countries and raised $5,000+ in donations. I created the Kids Learn Tech program to teach coding (JavaScript, Python), internet safety, and digital literacy to kids ages 8–12, and launched the Seniors Learn Tech program to bring the same curriculum to older adults. Our programs are currently active in libraries, schools, and community centers in Florida, New York, and across Latin America. I developed the curriculum, led outreach, recruited volunteers, and coordinated community partnerships.

Data Science and Computational Biology Lab (University of Miami)

Jan 2024—Present

Research Intern

I conduct computational neurobiology research under Dr. Vanessa Aguiar-Pulido, leveraging diverse computational approaches to understand neurodevelopmental disorders. Currently, I'm analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing data from mouse medial ganglionic eminence across three embryonic timepoints, investigating how cyclin D2 deletions affect interneuron development. Using Python/Scanpy, I implement machine learning methods including preprocessing, dimensionality reduction (PCA/UMAP), unsupervised clustering (Leiden), batch correction (Scanorama), and trajectory inference (PAGA with diffusion pseudotime) to map developmental trajectories. I presented my findings at the ACM International Conference on Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, and Health Informatics (ACM-BCB). Previously, I used R to explore overlaps between poison exons and minor intron genes in disorders like Dravet Syndrome.

Technovation

Oct 2024—Present

Student Ambassador (Oct 2024—Present); Community Leader (Apr 2025)

I was selected from hundreds of applicants globally to support Technovation teams and lead outreach sessions at schools, libraries, and community centers, reaching 80+ institutions. In my role as a Community Leader, a stipend-awarded leadership position, I managed the Ambassador communications platform, created and scheduled content, hosted online events, contributed to the monthly newsletter, and collaborated with the Alumnae team on engagement strategies. I was invited to share my journey as a 2024 Global Semifinalist and current Student Ambassador through platforms such as EY and SmartBrief. My tutorial on Flip the Switch, my cross-platform AI-powered mental wellness app, was published in Technovation's AI in Action curriculum and as a Power Solution for United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, guiding 300,000+ students globally in creating health-focused solutions. I was also chosen from 41,000+ Technovation alumnae to host the 2025 Technovation Global Celebration.

GoodforMEdia (Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing)

Jan 2025—Present

Youth Leader

I'm the first and only Youth Leader from Florida to join a national team developing strategies for healthier technology and social media use. I contribute to evidence-based resources like presentations and activities that promote media literacy and help youth engage with digital spaces more intentionally. I attend weekly meetings to analyze trends, discuss current events, and plan projects. I have lead workshops at venues including Stanford University's Tech‑X: Mental Health + Technology Immersion Experience and the San Diego Museum School. I aided in the creation of the Workshop Leader Training Program, which prepares youth to lead GoodforMEdia workshops in their communities, where I also served as a trainer for the selected participants. I developed a comprehensive guide titled "AI in the Digital World: A Guide for Teens" that covers topics such as chatbots, mental health impacts, misinformation, the role of AI in education, and how youth can approach AI in everyday life.

Neuroscience Journal Club (Stanford Neurology & Neurological Sciences)

Oct 2023—Present

Student Leader (July 2025—Present); Participant (Oct 2023—May 2025)

Appointed Chair of Moderation for the 2025–2026 academic year, leading 500+ accepted participants globally. In this role, I run meetings, introduce invited speakers, moderate Q&A sessions, and prepare guiding questions to support productive discussion of their research. As a participant, I engaged in monthly meetings to analyze and discuss current neuroscience research with peers and Stanford faculty. I presented scientific papers, contributed to collaborative discussions, and strengthened my skills in research analysis and scientific communication.

Artificial & Biological Computation Lab (New York University)

Jun 2025—Aug 2025

Research Intern

I conducted computational neuroscience research under Dr. Cristina Savin and Dr. Harsha Gurnani. I analyzed behavioral data from 414 rats performing a temporal wagering task across 15.9 million trials, investigating how structured behavioral variability reveals individual differences in decision-making strategies. Using Python, I implemented behavioral analysis (psychometric curves, opt-out curves, transition dynamics), computational modeling (Bayesian inference with 5 parameters including opportunity costs and inference levels), unsupervised learning (PCA, k-means clustering, kNN regression), and neural decoding (LDA with cross-validation). I was selected as one of 34 students internationally for the competitive NYU GSTEM program. I was also one of 10 recipients of the Winston Data Scholarship, a merit-based scholarship covering full tuition for the program and a data science course. I authored a 15-page research paper and was one of 4 featured oral presentations at the annual symposium with 120+ attendees.

Yale Young Global Scholars (Yale University)

Jul 2024;
Jan 2025—Present

Alumni Ambassador (Jan 2025—Present); Participant (Jul 2024)

I was chosen from 10,000+ applicants for the Innovations in Science and Technology (IST) session in 2024 where I attended lectures on neural mechanisms of music-based therapy, sustainability through biomimicry, robotics in education, and more. I contributed to NeuroBridge, an adaptive AI application to improve communication for individuals with autism, and presented AuthentiCheck AI, a web platform that leverages machine learning to assist teens with distinguishing accurate content from AI-generated misinformation, at the YYGS Speaker Series to an audience of 200+ students and professors. As a current Alumni Ambassador, I engage with prospective students and families to promote the YYGS program, host information sessions, and guide applicants through the admissions process.

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Oct 2023—Present

Teen Ambassador & Webmaster

As one of just 25 Teen Ambassadors, I represent the Broward Center for the Performing Arts by attending live performances and participating in monthly meetings with guest speakers from the arts. I write detailed reviews across a variety of genres, create social media posts, and maintain the Teen Ambassador website by organizing and updating reviews from all ambassadors.

UPchieve

Jun 2023—Present

Certified Tutor

I provide one-on-one academic support to 6th–12th grade students in Computer Science, Math, Biology, Chemistry, American History, World History, and English. Certified across 33 subjects, I help students master challenging concepts, strengthen study strategies, and reach their academic goals through personalized and supportive sessions.

Girls Who Code (Pine Crest School)

Sep 2024—Present

Co-Founder & Co-President

I co-founded and co-lead my school's Girls Who Code chapter, growing it to 25+ members and fostering a supportive space for students to explore technology through hands-on learning and mentorship. I organize and lead meetings using the official Girls Who Code curriculum, covering topics like web development, cybersecurity, data science, AI, and more. I also guide members as they build projects, tackle challenges, and prepare for competitions.

Pine Crest Voices (Pine Crest School)

Dec 2023—Present

Founder & President

I created and lead my school's A Cappella program. I'm responsible for recruiting 15+ members, selecting music, planning rehearsals, coordinating performances, and serving as liaison to the Fine Arts Department.

Science National Honor Society (Pine Crest School)

Sep 2024—Present

Science Journal Club Committee Chair

I lead discussions on scientific literature, plan meetings, and encourage student engagement in exploring complex topics at school as part of the Science National Honor Society.

Awards & Recognitions

  • National and South Florida Affiliate Winner, NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Award (Jan 2025)
    Chosen as one of 40 National Winners from 3,700+ applicants (top 1% nationwide). This award recognizes high school students for their achievements in computing and supports them in pursuing their passions. Sponsored by Apple, Bank of America, Jane Street, and Microsoft, the award includes an all-expenses-paid trip to the National Award Ceremony hosted by Bank of America, a cash prize, a MacBook, and access to a network of professionals, scholarship opportunities, and computing resources.
  • Regional Finalist, Coca-Cola Scholars Program (Jan 2026)
    Selected as one of 250 Regional Finalists out of 107,000+ applicants (top 0.23% nationwide), advancing from 1,238 Semifinalists. Recognized for demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and sustained commitment to making a positive difference in one's school and community.
  • Winner, Congressional App Challenge (Nov 2024)
    Won in Florida's 22nd District for developing Flip the Switch, a cross-platform AI-powered mental wellness app. Showcased in the U.S. Capitol for one year and featured on the U.S. House of Representatives website. Demoed at #HouseOfCode, the largest student computer science festival in the United States, to 300+ students, educators, and policymakers. Built using JavaScript for core functionality, React Native for the user interface, and Expo Go for testing and deployment across devices.
  • Global Semifinalist, Technovation Girls (Jun 2024)
    Selected as a Global Semifinalist (top 10% of 3200+ entries) for developing AuthentiCheck AI, a web platform leveraging machine learning to detect AI-generated misinformation in texts, images, and voices. Participated in the Senior Division. Built with HTML, Python, ReScript, and Nix. Currently serving 1K+ users.
  • International Silver Medalist, Senior Division, American Computer Science League (ACSL) (May 2025)
    Awarded a silver medal in the Senior Division Finals for achieving a score of 38/40. Only top scorers in the regular season are invited to compete in the international finals, and approximately 4.6% of finalists in the Senior Division, the most advanced division of the competition, received a silver medal. As the only silver medalist from Florida, earned the highest score in the state, reflecting exceptional mastery of advanced computer science concepts and competitive problem-solving.
  • Gold Recipient, Technology, Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards (Nov 2025)
    One of 10 Gold recipients in the Technology Category nationwide, chosen from approximately 35,000 applicants, representing the Green Region. This award recognizes Latino high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community, and for their excellence in various categories, including Technology. Recipients receive a $1,000 educational grant.
  • Winston Data Scholarship, New York University (May 2025)
    Received a competitive, merit-based $5,500 scholarship covering full tuition for the NYU GSTEM program. Selected as one of 10 scholars for academic excellence and interest in data science. Completed a data science course at the NYU Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences alongside the GSTEM research internship. Built a machine learning model to predict dementia risk using brain health indicators with a dataset of 1,830 patient records.
  • Distinguished Young Woman of Palm Beach County (Oct 2025)
    Chosen to represent Palm Beach County in the nation's oldest and largest scholarship program for high school girls. Competed in scholastics, interview, talent, fitness, and self-expression.
  • First Place, Senior Division, American Computer Science League (ACSL), Pine Crest School (May 2025)
    Achieved first place with a near-perfect score of 47/48, demonstrating advanced proficiency in Boolean Algebra, Assembly Language, LISP, Bit String Flicking, Data Structures, Graph Theory, Digital Electronics, and more across four contests.
  • Second Place, Intermediate Division, American Computer Science League (ACSL), Pine Crest School (May 2024)
    Secured second place in the Intermediate Division, demonstrating advanced proficiency in Boolean Algebra, Assembly Language, LISP, Bit String Flicking, Data Structures, Graph Theory, Digital Electronics, and more. Qualified for the international finals and placed first among all competitors from Pine Crest School.
  • AP Scholar with Distinction, College Board (Jul 2024 & Jul 2025)
    Awarded for earning an average score of at least 3.5 across all AP exams and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams.
  • National School Recognition Program Awardee, College Board (Aug 2025)
    Awarded for achieving a GPA of 3.3 or higher and qualifying through placement in the top 10% of PSAT/PSAT 10 school test takers or by earning scores of 3 or higher on at least two AP exams by 10th grade.
  • National Hispanic Recognition Program Awardee, College Board (Aug 2024)
    Recognized for academic excellence as a top-performing Hispanic student, based on PSAT/NMSQT scores, AP exam results, and GPA.
  • Outstanding Achievement in Computer Science, Pine Crest School (May 2024 & May 2025)
    Recognized for excellence in Computer Science as one of the top-performing students in my grade.
  • Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics, Pine Crest School (May 2025)
    Recognized for excellence in Mathematics as one of the top-performing students in my grade.
  • Outstanding Achievement in English, Pine Crest School (May 2023)
    Recognized for excellence in English as one of the top-performing students in my grade.
  • Winner, Poetry Out Loud, Pine Crest School (Jan 2024)
    Won 1st place for outstanding poetry recitation and interpretation in a schoolwide competition of 50+ students.
  • Outstanding Position Paper Award, Nova International Relations Association Model United Nations (NIRAMUN) Conference (Dec 2023)
    Recognized for excellence in research and writing while representing the delegation of Serbia at the NIRAMUN conference.
  • Bronze Award, CyberStart America (Jan 2024)
    Distinguished for strong performance in cybersecurity challenges by earning over 3,000 points, highlighting skills in cryptography, network security, digital forensics, and lateral thinking.
  • Superior Rating in Solo Musical Theater, District and State Solo & Ensemble, Florida Vocal Association (Feb & Mar 2023; Feb & Apr 2024; Feb & Apr 2025)
    Earned Superior ratings at the Florida Vocal Association District and State Solo & Ensemble competitions for outstanding solo musical theater performances in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
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