Diana Romero’s Journey: From an Aiducation Scholar to a Computer Engineering PhD Student
Meet Diana Romero, a self-driven and talented student from the Philippines. Despite facing significant financial challenges and coming from a family with no college-educated parents, Diana’s passion for technology and determination to succeed led her to pursue a degree in Computer Engineering. With the help of Aiducation Scholarship, Diana was able to achieve her dreams and is now a successful PhD student in the field of human-in-the-loop systems at the University of California, Irvine.
Join us as we explore Diana’s inspiring journey, from humble beginnings to ground-breaking research, and discover how Aiducation has played a vital role in empowering her to make a positive impact on the world.
Hello! I'm Yana or Diana Romero. I'm a former beneficiary of Aiducation scholarship program in the Philippines and I'm here to tell you a little bit about my Aiducation journey.
Diana’s university graduation picture from Ateneo de Manila
I realized from an early age that I had a natural affinity for technology, but it wasn't until high school that I knew I wanted to pursue a career in computer engineering. At the time, it was unclear whether my family would be able to support my college education, as none of my parents had gone to college, and my mother could even barely write. Despite these challenges, I knew my parents were doing everything they could to help me achieve my aspirations, and I was determined to put in the effort myself. I never thought that people or communities beyond my immediate family would invest in my future. That's why I was pleasantly surprised when I received an Aiducation Scholarship in 2014.
Through this scholarship, I was able to pursue higher education, build my confidence and skills, and finally realize my dream of becoming a researcher. I am forever grateful for this opportunity because it introduced me to my true passion for computer engineering. My love for the field grew gradually, as I incrementally learned things, I liked about it through my education. Until one day, I just realized how amazing and marvellous it is that we, as humans, have created something so intricate, compact, and powerful. I am especially thankful for the Aiducation community because it meant the world to me to know that people believed in me and saw my potential. Being part of this community has given me so much confidence, inspiration, and joy that I can't express it in words.
My achievement of completing my bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Ateneo de Manila University with Cum Laude Latin honours was not just my own. It was the result of love and compassion from many people who believed in me. I am still excited and giddy about the possibilities in this field, and my undergraduate experience has led me to pursue my dream of being at the forefront of innovation in computer engineering.
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Diana working on Microsoft HoloLens at the lab
I am currently a Computer Engineering PhD student at the University of California, Irvine, working on my goal of becoming a research engineer in the field of human-in-the-loop systems which are essentially just computer systems that require human interaction or input. I’ve always been interested in developing systems that directly improved our lives as humans so I’m very happy to be mentored by Professor Salma Elmalaki who specializes in this field and jump-start my career as a research engineer.
I am forever grateful to the many people who believed in me, supported me, and helped me through my tertiary education. I would like to especially thank and express my wholehearted gratitude to Mr Marco Spitz and KIMI Krippen AG. Their encouragement and belief in me enabled me to get to the point where I wake up every day to do what I love - learn and research - all in the name of advancing humanity through computer engineering.
Published by Boniface