Undergraduate Student, School of Computer Science
Email: sngai AT connect.carleton.ca
Website: http://serenangai.com
Working on: Bachelor of Computer Science
About Me
Currently I am studying my 4th year of Computer Science at Carleton University, and I'll be graduating December 2009.
Undergraduate Studies
My choice
After graduating from a special arts program for Visual Arts at Canterbury High School, I decided to pursue Computer Science in my undergraduate studies. Every time I tell people about my arts background, people ask me why I switched from arts to science. Truthfully, to me anyways, computer science and art are not all that different. And although I miss having paint splattered on my clothes, today I can honestly say with confidence that I am happy with the decision I made.
Women in Science and Engineering
My feelings about being a woman in computer science
During my first year of university I noticed the number of females in my courses was significantly low compared to the number of males. After doing some research, I was shocked to find that there were only 15% of females in the Computer Science undergraduate program. Because we are a minority, I believe that it is essential to encourage more young women to pursue studies in computer science, and to build a support network for females to promote collaboration and provide encouragement and assistance.
Why I joined WISE
During the summer of 2007, I found out about WISE while I was searching online for an organization for women in Computer Science. I was interested in joining WISE because I felt the need for a student group at Carleton that encouraged young women to pursue studies in the Computer Science and Engineering fields.
In September 2007, Barbora, Tarah (the CU-WISE Rep at the time) and I began re-establishing the WISE group at Carleton. Along the way, we recruited Natalia and Gail to our team, and after several meetings..... CU-WISE was born :)
Why I recommend joining WISE
We do not have a large number female faculty members in these departments, and the dwindling number of females in these classes are not the most encouraging environment for young females. I think young women need role models to look up and aspire to.
No matter what nationality, size, or color, underneath our disguises we are all very much the same, and we need to support each other.
Other Interests
For the 2008-2009 school year I am also the VP External for the Carleton Computer Science Society (CCSS). Throughout the year, I also try to attend technology conferences and computer science competitions. I love yoga, art, photography, and travelling (even though it can be difficult to find time for these!).