About Sonali:
I love doing work that energizes me. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are the areas of CS I find most interesting, and my biggest passion outside of academics is sustainability and climate change. As such, I was so excited when in my second year I started doing sustainability-oriented computer vision research with Madhur Behl in the Link Lab. This research is broadly termed the Internet of Wasted Things (IoWT): we use computer vision to track and classify different types of waste objects. Outside of research, I am also the student co-chair of the Materials Working Group underneath the Environmental Stewardship Subcommittee. Our goal is to reduce and divert material waste on Grounds, and we have completed many composting projects and more. Recently we've been involved in preparing UVA for the new executive order from Ralph Northam, EO-77, to eliminate single-use plastics at state institutions including UVA. After graduation, I will be moving to Seattle, WA in August to start work at Amazon as a Software Development Engineer. I love all things outdoorsy so I am super excited for the move! This will be my first time on the West Coast, but I'm eager for the adventures of life post-grad. In my free time, I love to cook, hang out with friends, and write.
How Sonali achieved success this year:
Being surrounded by a supportive network absolutely contributed the most to my well-being this year. I am especially grateful to my research advisor Dr. Madhur Behl. He ensured I could continue working on our project virtually undisturbed and always uplifted my spirits on our Zoom meetings when I was stressed over work. I'm also thankful to all of my Professors who have been so understanding this year, as well as my family, my roommates, and all of my friends for keeping me company in such an isolating time.
Additionally, I felt motivated to finish off the year because I loved all the projects I was working on. During college I intentionally involved myself in work I was passionate about, i.e. CS and sustainability, and over the years I've been fortunate to see my extra-curriculars interact with each other and build off one another. It's given me a deeper understanding, appreciation, and fondness for the topic area. I even wrote my STS thesis on the role of AI in climate change! Finishing out this semester felt like I was sealing off my projects with a neat bow (and sadly saying goodbye to them as well), and it made me motivated to do it right.