Vivian Vasquez is woman in a field dominated by men – computer engineering. When I asked her about this she told me “put it like this, last quarter I took a class with 60 guys and 2 girls!” Deciding to put her experience and knowledge into practice, Vivian aided in creating a club at UCSB to support women pursing a career in computer engineering -W.I.S.H. Vivian tells us a little more about herself and W.I.S.H.!
Her Campus:What year are you and what’s your major?
Vivian:I am a fourth year Computer Engineering major.
HC:Tell us a little about W.I.S.H. and what it stands for.
V:W.I.S.H. stands for Women in Software and Hardware. We are a campus organization that supports the success of undergraduate women in computer science/engineering. However, all majors are welcomed with open arms!
HC:How did you become involved in W.I.S.H.?
V: During my Freshman year here at UCSB, I was contacted by a Computer Science Professor to attend a social/open discussion event for women in computing. After the event the attendees and I decided to turn the group into a club.
HC:Do you think being a woman gives you an advantage in the computer engineering/science field? How?
V:Being a woman in engineering is a rarity. We are high in demand and low in supply; and therefore, in my opinion, have greater value.
HC:What is your favorite/best thing you’ve done as part of W.I.S.H.?
V:We reached out to local elementary schools and taught them computer science fundamentals. The kids were awesome!
HC:What is your advice for any woman trying to enter this field?
V:Join support groups like W.I.S.H. It does get hard at times and you need that outside reminder that the hard days will pass and you will survive! Also have confidence in yourself and never give up.
HC:How can someone else become involved in this club?
V:Just attend one of our events. On February 23 we will be hosting a tour of UCSB’s AlloSphere. Some of the Media Arts & Technology graduate students will have their multimedia work on display. You can email our lovely President Stephanie Smith at sns@umail.ucsb.edufor more information.
HC:What other things do you do around campus?
V:I am also a member/past officer of another club on campus called Los Ingenieros–also known as L.I. The club is dedicated to serve its members and the community in the advancement of math, science, and engineering disciplines. L.I. has won “Organization of the Year” at UCSB twice in the past four years. In addition, I also do research here on campus! I am currently working on developing this plant recognition android application. Shout out to my mentor Dmitry Fedorov.
HC:What is your favorite thing about UCSB?
V:I know you asked for one, but I have three: beautiful weather, campus, and people.
P.S. The world’s first computer programmer was a woman. Holla.