My name is Amal Nanavati, and I am spending ten months in Kyoto, Japan. I grew up in Fremont, California., where I had many interests. I loved learning about cultures, doing science experiments, reading, doing math, playing the violin and more. So when planning for college, I decided to study computer science because computers are useful for any job!
I attended college at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I studied computer science, which means I learned how to make computer programs, smartphone applications and robots. I also pursued global studies, which means I learned how these technologies change our world. During college, I created games and robots to help people who are blind or deaf. I also taught computer programming afterschool to middle school students.
In Japan, I study how robots can learn to interact with humans merely by observing them. For example, if a robot watches a shopkeeper interact with customers many times, can it learn to act like the shopkeeper? Maybe after the next ten months, I'll be able to tell you!
When I am not doing research, I hike, bike, explore temples, teach Japanese elementary school students about America and practice the kokyu (a Japanese instrument like the violin).
Thank you for welcoming me into your class! I am excited to share my journey with you. Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu! (Nice to meet you!)
