Hardiv Harshakumar

Why Computer Science?

When I first learnt how to use Scratch in Year 6, I was hooked. I started learning as much as I could about programming in other languages like Python over the summer before Year 7, and by the end of Year 7 one of my projects became featured on the Scratch homepage. This only inspired and motivated me more to keep coding and start exploring other languages.

I then started experimenting with VEX robotics kits in my DT lessons and got so much satisfaction when I could upload my ROBOT C code to the robots and watch as they came to life. This instilled in me a desire to work in robotics, and I subsequently started to explore the fields of AI and machine learning, especially their applications In robotics. After reading about Tesla Autopilot, I was amazed that a car could partially drive itself, and realised that this was the field with that I want to go into. But maybe this might change in the future.

What did you find hardest about Comp Sci?

Writing those 9 markers. Never thought I'd have to write another essay after GCSEs but here we are.

What do you see yourself doing in the future?

I'd like to work on autonomous systems in the future, most hopefully self driving cars. A good understanding of AI and a general knowledge of control systems will help me develop and maintain computer vision and decision making algorithms. Plus, the general approach to thinking logically in CS will be a transferrable skill useful in any situation.

Best Comp Sci project? What's your NEA on? 

I made a glove exoskeleton that helps stroke patients with restricted mobility to grip items with ease, making use of computer vision to identify grabbable objects.

Do you have any advice for students studying Comp Sci?

The best way to learn computing is by coding as much as you can to improve your logical thinking, and make analogies to remember your theory easier.

"Why do programmers hate light mode? They don't wanna attract bugs"