Celebrating the Achievements of Exceptional Students

This fall, ten exceptional seniors were honored by the College of Science for their remarkable achievements both academically and personally. Among them, Portia Cooper made her mark, being recognized as the standout student in Computer Science and awarded the title of Overall Outstanding Senior.

Portia’s journey into the world of technology began in her hometown of Tucson at the age of 12, participating in a transformative program called UArizona Girls Who Code. This initiative, designed for young women interested in computer science, was facilitated by the University of Arizona. Under the guidance of inspiring faculty and peers, she engaged in groundbreaking research aimed at addressing significant social issues, including creating a machine learning model to combat the spread of false information online.

Currently, Portia is focused on a project that aims to identify online hate speech disguised using Unicode perturbations, a continuation of her previous published work. She reminisces about her enlightening summer in Scandinavia, where a magical sunset moment with swans left a lasting impression on her.

One of her proudest contributions has been mentoring middle and high school students in coding, particularly as the Lead Facilitator of Girls Who Code. Looking ahead, Portia will embark on an Accelerated Master’s Program in Computer Science and a prestigious internship at Sandia National Laboratories, where she aims to further her research endeavors. The future seems bright for this rising star in technology!

Portia Cooper: A Rising Star in Computer Science and Her Impact on Future Generations

### Celebrating Bright Minds in Technology

In the realm of academia, few achievements stand out as much as those accomplished by exceptional students. This fall, the College of Science recognized ten outstanding seniors for their impressive contributions both academically and personally. Among them, Portia Cooper garnered attention as the leading figure in Computer Science, crowned Overall Outstanding Senior for her remarkable array of accomplishments.

### The Path to Success

Portia’s journey into technology ignited at just 12 years old in Tucson, Arizona, through a transformative initiative called UArizona Girls Who Code. This program, tailored for young women fascinated by computer science, provided an empowering platform for her to explore complex topics under the mentorship of knowledgeable faculty and inspired peers. Through this program, she delved into groundbreaking research, tackling significant social concerns and developing innovative solutions.

### Pioneering Research Focus

Currently, Portia is immersed in a pivotal project aimed at identifying online hate speech that cleverly disguises itself through Unicode perturbations. This cutting-edge research builds on her earlier published work and underscores her commitment to harnessing technology for social good. As digital communication evolves, understanding and combating online misinformation and hate speech becomes increasingly crucial.

### Mentorship and Community Engagement

Beyond her academic achievements, Portia is dedicated to giving back to her community. As the Lead Facilitator of the Girls Who Code program, she has taken on a mentoring role, helping middle and high school students navigate the world of coding. This not only showcases her leadership qualities but also reflects her desire to inspire the next generation of female technologists.

### Future Endeavors

Looking towards the future, Portia plans to enroll in an Accelerated Master’s Program in Computer Science, which will further solidify her expertise. Additionally, she has secured a prestigious internship at Sandia National Laboratories, a leading research facility that enables her to expand her contributions to important technological developments.

### Insights into Portia’s Journey

Portia’s remarkable journey shows the impact of early engagement in STEM fields and how programs can nurture talent and foster innovation. Her story serves as an inspiration not just to students in tech, but to anyone pursuing excellence in their chosen field.

### Features of UArizona Girls Who Code Program

– **Empowerment**: Designed to uplift and support young women in technology.
– **Mentorship**: Access to experienced faculty and industry professionals.
– **Practical Skills**: Hands-on experience in coding and problem-solving.
– **Networking Opportunities**: Connect with peers and professionals in the field.

### Conclusion

At the core of Portia Cooper’s narrative lies a powerful message about the importance of mentorship, community engagement, and the courage to tackle the pressing challenges faced in today’s digital landscape. As she continues to blaze trails in computer science, Portia exemplifies how dedication and passion can spark positive change in both technology and society.

For more information on fostering young talent in tech, visit University of Arizona.