Welcome to My Portfolio
Hello! I’m Layanne, a senior studying Computer Science at Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. My fascination with Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Sustainable Technology has shaped my academic journey, where I’ve explored both the theoretical and practical dimensions of computing. My passion lies at the intersection of algorithms and societal impact, where technical innovation drives transformative applications. Here’s a closer look at my background and expertise:
Journey and Education
I am originally from Beirut, Lebanon, where my high school years were marked by a deep fascination with astronomy and quantum physics. I initially aspired to become an astrophysicist and participated actively in Math Olympiads. However, lacking physics-focused activities, I took the initiative to start my school’s Astronomy Club, the Galileo Club, where I taught astronomy lessons to fellow students. Our club soon went on to participate in the Math, Science, and Technology Fair, where we developed Spac-ed, a mobile app designed to educate users on astronomy through trivia games and courses.
My interest in sustainable energy was sparked through research at Notre Dame University on Vertical Axis Wind Turbines. I was also involved in my school’s Robotics Club, which initially led me to major in mechanical engineering in college. However, during my freshman year, while working as a Desktop Support Technician, I discovered a passion for Computer Science. Further exploration into this field led me to conduct research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Computational Fluid Dynamics (detailed in the Professional Experience section). Through this work, I realized how powerful code can be in tackling big, complex problems, and I found immense satisfaction in creating algorithms that could be directly applied to real-world challenges.
Now a senior at Columbia University, I am set to graduate in May 2025. My coursework is deeply rooted in theory yet emphasizes hands-on experience with the tools and technologies that drive today’s digital landscape. Columbia’s rigorous program has allowed me to develop a nuanced understanding of complex systems and to apply this knowledge through diverse, multidisciplinary projects, preparing me to contribute effectively in the field of Computer Science.
Focus
My focus spans Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Sustainable Technology. I am motivated by the ability to leverage AI and data to address high-stakes challenges, creating solutions that have real societal benefits. I view technology as a tool that, when applied ethically and thoughtfully, can make a significant impact in areas like environmental sustainability, resource optimization, and public health. I am particularly drawn to projects that balance complexity with purpose, delivering innovative yet sustainable solutions.
Skills
Throughout my journey, I have developed a diverse skill set across numerous programming languages and frameworks that power my research and projects. My proficiency includes Java, Python, C++, C, MySQL, JavaScript, Ruby, HTML, CSS, Swift, and MATLAB. Each language serves as a foundational tool in academic and professional projects, allowing me to write clean, efficient, and maintainable code.
In addition to programming languages, I am skilled in frameworks and tools that bring applications to life. My machine learning experience with TensorFlow and PyTorch has enabled me to design, train, and deploy data-driven models, while Docker facilitates containerization and scalability. For web development, I use Flask to create responsive backends and Selenium for automated testing, and Ruby on Rails for building robust applications. Together, these tools empower me to deliver effective, reliable, and scalable solutions that are ready for real-world deployment.
