Maya Malavasi

If there was one thing that I wanted people to know about me, it would be that I am a proud generalist who thrives on problem-solving. When I first arrived at Case Western Reserve University, I fully believed that I would pursue Mechanical Engineering—maybe pick up a minor if I could, but that was probably it, right? Then I took the introduction to computer science course for engineers, and once I found the joy that comes from figuring out a particularly stubborn line of code, I never looked back. Still, I didn’t want to set aside my other interests: part of what drew me to mechanical engineering in the first place was the breadth of knowledge it requires. So instead of narrowing my focus, I expanded it, and eventually earned dual-majors in Computer Science and Philosophy of Science, and minors in Creative Writing, History, and Computer Game Design. People’s faces when I go down that list naturally never fail to make me cackle in mad glee.

To me, software development should be an endless stream of experimentation and discovery, just like creative writing, game design, or even philosophy. I built and published a video game from scratch with tools I learned over the course of one semester, then used those same tools to publish informational animations of emerging aviation technology. I have found meaning in writing both poetry and technical documentation. In my senior year, I helped create an online research platform in collaboration with the NASA Glenn Research Center, measuring radio wave data through varying atmospheric conditions to mimic Earth-to-low-orbit satellite communications. We were honored to win the award for Best Senior Project in the CS Department, but most importantly for me, our platform will be used to support future amateur and professional radio users.

In my spare time, I am an unabashed nerd and D&D enthusiast. I adore creating art in any form, from traditional painting, to digital painting, to chalk art, to woodworking, or anything in between.