Women Who Reign: Jasmine Roberts

“She’s mad, but she’s magic. There’s no lie in her fire.” –Charles Bukowski

Tell us about yourself along with a fun fact!
My excursion into computer science was somewhat fortuitous. I ventured into the computer science after grappling with physics and electrical engineering at the undergraduate level. Initially, I was captivated by physics because I am drawn to unlocking how and why things are. What drew me to computer science is reproducing through simulation how things are, how they could be and how they should be.

While growing up, I never considered science or engineering as having favoring a predominant demographic. I owe this to supportive parents, instructors and selective media. Starting at age 5, my parents would buy educational PC games like JumpStart. Through incessant prodding, I was the first in my primary school class to own a mobile phone. My favorite films were Hayao Miyazaki’s which I did not notice until later were female-protagonist driven films. I faintly remember passively watching Star Trek re-runs with Lt. Uhura and Cpt. Janeway and actively appreciating those same episodes at an older age.

Through mentorship, raising awareness and initiatives, I continually strive to make other women feel comfortable and supported in this field. I am an active mentor in Girls Who Code, Women in Computer Science (WiCS), and Graduate Resident Advisor for MIT’s Sorority Life. I look forward annually to reconnecting with all of the talented women I’ve met at the Grace Hopper Conference.

Fun Fact: I am an environmentalist and am mindful of technology’s ecological impact.

As a member of World Wildlife Fund, I have “adopted” several endangered animals and have an expanding collection of succulents.

This past week, over Earth Day, my team and I won first place at a Virtual Reality Eco Hackathon in Boston and we may get to present it at the UN Environmental Conference in Nairobi this December.

What # would define your life journey?
#keepingit100

Favorite website / app:
My favorite mobile app is Snapchat. While not the most active user, I appreciate the technology behind the Snap filters because it’s relevant to my current research. My…