Mikayla Buford ’20
What are you currently doing professionally? What do you like about it?
I just started working as a Design Researcher at ChiByDesign, a design agency based in Chicago committed to disrupting and dismantling racism through community-engaged design research guided by anti-racist principles and mindsets. I interned for them summer of 2023, and I loved it! I’m thankful to work with incredibly caring and intentional people who believe in using their skills to advance equity and justice.
Now that I’m working there full time, I’ll be working on projects related to education, youth wellness, and service design, and I’m hoping to work on projects related to digital equity as well.
What motivated you to study computer science?
I wanted to study computer science after I participated in some STEM summer programs in middle school and high school. I loved the coding activities. The problem-solving process gave me the same joy and excitement I would experience solving math problems in class. I originally enrolled at Madison under Engineering, but I eventually transferred to Computer Sciences the second half of my first year because I realized I shouldn’t waste my time in college pursuing a degree that doesn’t excite me as much as computer science. I’m so thankful that I allowed myself to change my major and commit to studying computer science.
Why did you come to UW–Madison?
I went to UW–Madison because it was the school that I knew I would get the best advising and support to excel academically, and it was true! Being accepted in the Mercille J. Lee Scholars and McNair Scholars program and my involvement in the Navigators and W-ACM provided me with a community that understood my experience in college and uplifted me to achieve whatever I hoped to do.
I also thought the campus was gorgeous when I visited. Lakeshore was my favorite side of campus, and I definitely took advantage of the Lakeshore trail and all the green spaces on campus to meet up with friends and relax.
Do you have any advice for current CS students?
Take advantage of the humanities courses that are offered to learn how to critically think about the technologies you create, why, and how to design them to empower people and not exploit them.
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy cooking, crochet, crafting, and thrift shopping in my free time outside of work!