Nikhila Puppala

Year in School
Junior

Major
Computer Science

Research Interests
Artificial Intelligence Security and Privacy

Research Mentor
Prof. Nancy M. Amato

Research/Engagement Experience
Part of Professor Amato's Parasol Planning Lab for Motion and Task Planning.

Interests
Machine Learning, AI and Sustainability

Project Title
PPL Open Source Software Development for Robot Task and Motion Planning

How did I get interested in Computer Science?
Ever since I took my first computer science class, I was fascinated with the analyzing, brainstorming, and problem solving involved in CS. I appreciated even more that computer science could be applied in so many different ways to solve real-world problems. It's so exciting to be a part of a field that is constantly innovating and creating.

What social interests matter to me?
Computer science has the potential to help solve so many problems and few that stand out to me are sustainability and improved medical diagnosis.

What is my most impactful college experience?
One of my favorite things about college so far has been being a part of the student community through CS STARS and WCS. As a high schooler, I attended WCS events like Chictech so being able to be on the other side and planning those events now has been a really meaningful and fulfilling experience.

These are a few of my favorite things!
Listening to music, books, English breakfast tea, and autumn!

Research Description
This semester I will be working with my PHD mentor Courtney McBeth, to implement algorithms for multi robot planning using grid decomposition and skeleton workspace guidance. This will include adding functionality to the Parasol Planning Library to support this new algorithm.

Biography
Nikhila Puppala is a junior majoring in Computer Science who grew in Naperville, Illinois. Nikhila is interested in participating in research opportunities and learning more about how CS can be applied in different ways to create a positive impact and further innovation in the field. In the CS STARS Program she hopes to delve deeper into how different parts of CS are evolving and is particularly interested in AI and motion planning. Nikhila is also actively involved in the student community and serves as the Outreach Co-chair for WCS and has been a Project Manager for CS 124 Honors.