From Hackathon Organiser to AI Researcher: Medini Chopra’s Journey

When Medini Chopra first joined the RedBrick Hacks organising team in 2022, they could not have anticipated how profoundly the experience would shape their academic and professional trajectory. Currently pursuing a master's degree in computer science at Northwestern University, Chopra reflects on how organising one of their university's most ambitious hackathons became a cornerstone of their personal and professional development.

The Genesis of a Vision

Medini's involvement with RedBrick Hacks began during the early conceptual discussions in 2020-2021, when the idea of hosting a university-wide hackathon was first taking shape. They subsequently assumed the role of Media and Outreach Coordinator for RedBrick Hacks 2022, playing a crucial role in bringing the event's visual identity to life. Their contributions spanned promotional materials, lanyard design, and standees that would become iconic elements of the event.

The transition from online planning to in-person execution during the summer of 2022 presented unique challenges. Chopra recalls the intense heat and extended shifts that characterised the organising period, alongside the remarkable team spirit that emerged from these demanding conditions. "We all got really close as an organising committee," they remember, "having to do the long shifts, wake up really early, and everyone's kind of all over the place, tired." Despite the exhaustion, the team found moments of joy and connection—including the FuelZone mango milkshake breaks that became a cherished tradition.

Beyond the Event: Skills That Transfer

Chopra's contribution to the event's broader visual and organisational framework proved to be more than a creative exercise. The experience became a masterclass in project management, communication, and rapid problem-solving under pressure.

"I learned a lot of transferable skills," Chopra explains, "like project management, how to talk to people, how to think quickly, because there was a lot of logistical stuff that had to be figured out." The collaborative and often informal nature of the organising team meant that everyone undertook various tasks, fostering a versatility that would prove invaluable in their future endeavours.

Perhaps most significantly, the hackathon provided Chopra with direct exposure to the innovation ecosystem they would later join as a researcher. As they note, "I'm also part of The Garage @ Northwestern, it's their startup space." Interacting with participants throughout the event offered inspiring glimpses into the dedication and creativity that drives technological innovation. "It was very inspiring to see everyone's drive to build something and just kind of be up all night with their teammates trying to fix some bugs," they recall. "The atmosphere was really fun."

Academic Pursuits and Research Excellence

Chopra worked as a Research Assistant on several projects under the Mphasis AI & Applied Tech lab. The impact of this research extended far beyond academic circles when their findings were published in ThePrint's premium offering, reaching a readership of over 13 million people. This publication represented a significant achievement in translating complex computational research into accessible insights for public consumption.

This foundational research experience, combining machine learning, natural language processing, and social media analysis, established Chopra as a researcher capable of tackling large-scale data problems with real-world implications. The organisational and interpersonal skills developed through RedBrick Hacks, combined with this substantial research portfolio, positioned them perfectly for their subsequent master's program at Northwestern University.

At Northwestern, Chopra embraced the institution's philosophy of "CS plus X"—the integration of computer science with other disciplines. Working under the Human-AI Collaboration Lab, advised by Prof. Matthew Groh, they focused on studying the creativity of humans in the landscape of generative AI. They are also part of the Design, Technology, and Research lab, which focuses on experiential computing and visualising key differences in how the same human experiences are realised across geographical locations.

They have gained comprehensive expertise across data science, natural language processing, human-computer interaction, and full-stack engineering. Additionally, they hold a bachelor's degree in Kathak and have developed creative cross-disciplinary thinking by connecting their two passions: computer science and music.

Advice for the Next Generation

Drawing from their diverse experiences, Chopra offers valuable guidance for current computer science students. Rather than focusing solely on memorising algorithms, they advocate for developing strong problem-solving paradigms and pursuing projects that genuinely inspire passion and commitment.

"Don't silo yourself," Chopra advises, emphasising the importance of gaining transferable skills that extend beyond pure technical expertise. Their journey from hackathon organiser to AI researcher exemplifies this philosophy, demonstrating how experiences that might seem peripheral to one's primary field of study can become foundational to future success.

Lasting Impact

Chopra is currently interning in the financial technology sector as an AI Analyst at Cboe Global Markets. This role represents the perfect synthesis of their academic research background and the practical application of AI technologies in real-world financial systems.

Their unique combination of computer science excellence, dance training, and hackathon organising experience exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary thinking in today's technology landscape. As they continue their work in human-AI collaboration at the intersection of finance and technology, Chopra carries forward the collaborative spirit and innovative mindset that defined their RedBrick Hacks experience. Their journey serves as an inspiring example for current students of how embracing diverse opportunities and developing transferable skills can open pathways to meaningful and impactful careers that transcend traditional boundaries.

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Breaking Barriers: Tackling Educational Accessibility on International Platform

Vaanee, a student researcher at 51˛čąÝ, has achieved international recognition for her innovative accessibility technology project at the 27th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction in Sweden (June 2025). The project, called "Dots," addresses a critical educational challenge by making visual STEM concepts accessible to visually impaired students through real-time tactile conversion. The system transforms visual elements like graphs and data representations into tactile formats using two key components: a live-action camera that captures visual content and a machine that converts this information into Braille output in real-time, enabling visually impaired students to participate fully in classroom learning.

The project emerged from Vaanee's longstanding interest in accessible technology and a pivotal conversation with Professor Debayan Gupta, who presented the challenge of helping blind students understand graphs taught in class in real-time. This user-centered approach became the foundation of the project, with Vaanee emphasizing that working in accessibility requires a design process that extends far beyond prototyping. While existing software solutions can simplify graphs using screen reader software and Braille displays, these technologies are often expensive and not readily available. Dots aims to democratize inclusive technology by making it accessible to everyone, addressing both the technical and economic barriers that prevent widespread adoption of assistive learning tools.

The project's impact extends beyond the classroom, with Vaanee gaining valuable insights into user-first design principles that inform all aspects of her laboratory work. The real-time conversion capability distinguishes Dots from existing solutions, ensuring that visually impaired students can engage with visual content simultaneously with their peers, rather than receiving processed information after the fact. This approach supports a more integrated and inclusive educational experience, addressing the fundamental challenge of ensuring equal access to visual learning materials in STEM education.

The conference presentation has opened significant opportunities for Vaanee, including publication in a peer-reviewed journal and feedback from international experts in human-computer interaction and accessibility technology. These professional connections have expanded her post-undergraduate opportunities while validating the project's potential impact. The project remains in the prototype stage, with plans for development in the digital makerspace and eventual classroom deployment. Vaanee's commitment to advancing this work is evident in her decision to continue Dots as her undergraduate thesis, positioning her to further refine the technology and explore its broader applications in inclusive education.

 The success of this project demonstrates how student-driven research can address real-world challenges while building expertise in emerging fields like accessibility technology and human-computer interaction.

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Let’s Make: Lamps

The Digital Makerspace hosted Let’s Make: Lamps, a hands-on workshop aimed at empowering students through practical skills and creative expression. Led by community mentor Vaanee Tripathi, the session introduced participants to basic electrical wiring and product design. Students transformed raw materials into custom-built lamps that not only lit up their dorm rooms but also reflected their personal aesthetics.

Vaanee, reflecting on the intent behind the workshop, shared, “We didn’t want students to think the Makerspace is just about electronics and computers. There is a design inherent in the concept of making. We wanted to validate that crafting something with your hands—be it with sticks, wires, or fabric—is also making.”

The workshop emphasised design thinking: students were encouraged to sketch, plan, and iterate their lamp concepts before assembling them. Drawing from a curated mood board inspired by diverse dorm room styles across campus, participants created pieces tailored to various aesthetics—from soft minimalism to bold maximalism.

“What we really wanted to leave them with,” Vaanee added, “were two things: the confidence to wire a bulb themselves, and an understanding that design is a process. Clarity improves making.”

While the workshop was only two hours long, it was structured to offer students a strong starting point. Participants left with their bulbs wired and designs underway—many returned to complete their lamps, drawn by the satisfaction of building something from scratch.

The event demonstrated the power of interdisciplinary making. With a mix of craft, electronics, and personal expression, Let’s Make: Lamps reaffirmed the Makerspace as a space for everyone to explore, create, and learn essential life skills—one glowing lamp at a time.

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Let’s Make: Fabric Fun with 3D Printing

The Makerspace recently hosted Fun with Fabric 3D Printing, an introductory workshop exploring the intersection of additive manufacturing and fabric design.

Led by community mentor Sanchak Garg, the session provided participants with a hands-on opportunity to learn the basics of CAD and 3D printing, while experimenting with the emerging technique of printing directly on fabric. Beyond technical instruction, the workshop emphasised creative exploration, encouraging students to experiment with personalised fashion and innovative material use. As Sanchak shared, “I wanted to see how 3D printing could make fabric-based designs stand out. It was messy at times—prints failed, fabrics slipped—but figuring it out was half the fun.”

Through guided experimentation and trial-and-error, students engaged with both the technical challenges and creative possibilities of blending digital tools with textile-based craft. Open to students from all disciplines, the workshop highlighted the potential of interdisciplinary making and demonstrated how digital fabrication can expand the boundaries of traditional design practices.

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Understanding Glaciers, One Fluid at a Time

Led by Professor Pramoda Kumar and supported by the Mphasis AI & Applied Tech Lab, the Hydrodynamics Laboratory at 51˛čąÝ is pushing the boundaries of environmental fluid dynamics while providing transformative research experiences for students.

The lab’s flagship project, Glaciers on a Tabletop, investigates how non-Newtonian gravity currents -fluids that mimic the behaviour of glacial ice -interact under controlled experimental conditions. Using advanced imaging, data analysis in Python, and custom lab setups, the team studies the evolution of these currents to better understand ice stream dynamics and glacial flow behaviour in real-world settings.

Hands-on learning is at the heart of the lab’s philosophy. Student researchers are involved in every step- from setting up apparatus and preparing fluids to coding, imaging, and data analysis—building a toolkit of interdisciplinary skills that translate beyond the lab.

The outcomes speak for themselves. Undergraduate researcher Drishana secured three international fellowships, ultimately choosing the Global Intern Program at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology. Simar was selected for the ANU-FRT 25 internship in Australia, while Bhavna continues to apply her skills to advanced research pursuits.

The lab is now expanding its work to include velocity tracking via tracer particles and further fluid regime classification. As it continues to model glacial systems at a small scale, the lab’s contributions to climate science and student development reflect the power of combining institutional support, mentorship, and curiosity-driven inquiry.

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Rogue: Where Code meets Couture

The Rogue fashion show collection began as a showcase inspired by iron and futuristic themes, which evolved into a 3D printing project after a spontaneous suggestion during the first showcase. Taking initiative, Tova quickly learned the entire 3D printing process- CAD designing, slicing, and operating the printers. "It took about 2–3 days to learn the basics, and after that, I was able to do everything on my own,” said Hitova. They spent many hours at the Makerspace, printing and reprinting to perfect each design.

Community mentor Sanchak Garg introduced the idea of printing directly on fabric, expanding the collection’s possibilities. The outfits featured bold, out-of-the-box elements, including spiked mesh chokers, bracelets, masks, and the showstopper- a dragon-scale veil armour that added a striking gothic touch.

Each piece took approximately four days to design, prototype, print, and sew. “My favourite part was seeing the CAD designs come to life,” Hitova shared. “Watching the collection take shape was truly wonderful and helped me gain confidence with 3D printing.”

Hitova, along with a few other enthusiastic students—Mihika Kulkarni, Teesta, and Arushi Menon—helped bring the collection to life. Together, they pushed the boundaries of fashion and technology with this innovative showcase.

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Ashoka team makes waves with AI-driven climate proposal at Harvard.

A team of four Ashoka students—Soumyajit Basu, Fiona Arora, Aryan Nath, and Karan Kumar—secured a rare opportunity to present in person at the Policy Hackathon of the India Conference at Harvard (ICH). Mentored by Dr. Lipika Dey, this group was the only student team selected among over 1,000 participants, including professionals, policy experts, and researchers.

“We were the only student team shortlisted amongst thousands of teams of students, professionals and experts,” said Fiona when asked about her experience of presenting at the India Conference at Harvard.

The hackathon, organised in collaboration with the Indian School of Business (ISB) and GDi Partners, focused on crafting innovative, data-backed solutions to policy challenges. Their project addressed climate vulnerability at the block level in India, proposing a novel clustering-based framework leveraging deep learning and detailed data analytics. The team’s research offers targeted, actionable insights to help policymakers identify the most vulnerable regions and devise adaptive strategies to build climate resilience.

With generous support from the Mphasis AI & Applied Tech Lab, Fiona Arora represented the team, presenting their data-driven solutions to a distinguished panel of judges and contributing to global policy discussions on climate adaptation.

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Pottery Exhibition in collaboration with Visual Arts Department

The Visual Arts Department, in partnership with the Digital Makerspace, recently hosted a unique pottery exhibition, workshop, and live performance led by artist Sangeeta Jawla. Curated by Nischal Bhardwaj and supported by the student academic society Untitled, the event was organized under the guidance of Mihika Kulkarni. It brought together students, faculty, and artists to engage deeply with the craft of pottery as a form of artistic and cultural expression.

The exhibition featured handcrafted pottery pieces blending traditional techniques with contemporary experimentation. Participants took part in a hands-on workshop, learning sculpting under expert mentorship. The event concluded with a performance that explored the cultural, historical, and social dimensions of pottery, connecting materiality with issues of gender, folklore, and labor economies.

Jawla’s work draws on extensive research with potter communities across India, inviting participants to rethink clay as a medium for storytelling and cultural dialogue.

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