Adeline Chew

Name: Adeline Chew Yao Yi
Nationality: Malaysia
Current Role: Software Engineer at META, Menlo Park, California, United States

Why did you choose to study Computer Science?

My decision to study Computer Science was driven by my fascination with software systems, machine learning, and computer systems, as well as the ever-growing role technology plays in our lives, such as smart home systems, recommendation algorithms, and autonomous vehicles. A degree in Computer Science has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to understand and contribute to these advancements, allowing me to be at the forefront of creating innovative solutions that address real-world challenges and make a positive impact on the world through technology.

Why did you choose to study at Monash, and has it met your expectations so far?

I chose to study at Monash University because of its outstanding reputation for providing top-notch education and its emphasis on practical, career-oriented skills.

Monash has indeed met and even exceeded my expectations. The positive learning atmosphere and the opportunities for collaboration on projects and competitions have significantly enhanced my learning journey. Additionally, the university's focus on preparing students for real-world challenges has allowed me to develop a solid foundation in Computer Science, equipping me with the essential skills to excel in my upcoming career.

You were the first runner-up of the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2021. Please tell us about your project and your experience participating in a global challenge. Were your lecturers encouraging? (Do you have photos from the competition?) 

As the first runner-up in the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2021, my team and I developed Crocole Log, a real-time collaboration platform designed to streamline communication and coordination for spaceflight missions. This web application enables team members to record information about missions, view live creation of logs by others on demand, and share multimedia content such as images. Key features include a console-like UI, tagging functionality for linking log entries, real-time collaboration, and sorting options for logs by time, author, or entry topic. The platform also ensures each log entry includes a timestamp and author information, with security measures to maintain data integrity.

Participating in the NASA Space Apps Challenge was an incredible learning experience that allowed us to apply our technical skills to address real-world challenges in the space sector. Through developing Crocole Log, we gained invaluable exposure to the space industry's needs. We are proud to have represented our university in such a prestigious global competition.

What other type of opportunities did you participate in? (E.g. internships, student exchange, clubs and societies, field trips, conferences, etc.)

I have been fortunate to participate in a variety of opportunities during my time at Monash. One such opportunity was my internship at Reluvate Technologies Pte Ltd in Singapore, where I worked as a Software Engineering Intern.

Another significant experience was my student exchange program at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. As an exchange student, I was allowed to explore diverse perspectives and approaches to Computer Science, as well as immerse myself in a new cultural environment.

I have also participated in numerous hackathons and programming competitions, such as Hong Leong Bank Can You Hack It 2021 and Monash PVC IT Challenge, where I had the chance to collaborate with other students, develop innovative solutions, and enhance my software development skills.

Additionally, I have a publication resulting from my final year project, which showcases my research and technical abilities in the field of Computer Science.

What do you enjoy most about your student life at Monash?

What I appreciate most about being a student at Monash is the conducive learning environment, where everyone is focusing on their studies and personal growth. The university offers excellent support from the school, lecturers and tutors, which motivates students to succeed academically.

What is your biggest career goal, or what is the difference you’d like to make?

My biggest career goal is to become a successful software engineer, leveraging my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in the industry. I aspire to create cutting-edge, constructive solutions that address real-world problems and contribute to the advancement of technology.

By continually refining my skill sets and staying updated with the latest trends and advancements in the field of Computer Science, I aim to develop software applications and systems that not only improve the user experience but also drive meaningful change in various sectors.