A private school located in Evanston, Illinois.

Northwestern University

633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL, 60208

"The Word full of grace and truth”

Private liberal arts college

Why CS at Northwestern?

Northwestern University is an excellent choice for Computer Science students thanks to several factors. Firstly, the Department of Computer Science at Northwestern is highly respected for its innovative research and teaching. Notable projects include the development of the NUcore system, which enhances collaborative research across various scientific domains (mainly medical), and pioneering work in artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and robotics. The university is also home to the Center for Robotics and Biosystems, which conducts cutting-edge research in robotics and automation. Additionally, its location near Chicago provides ample professional opportunities with major tech companies and startups, such as Motorola Solutions, Grubhub, and Braintree. The proximity to these companies, along with access to research labs like the Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab (let me in!!!) offers a rich environment for professional growth and practical experience.

This article is also great: https://northwesternbusinessreview.org/the-rise-of-computer-science-at-northwestern-a028717e04d

Research and Faculty

Professors I am head over heels for:

1. Robby Findler (publications website): develops mild-blowing research on programming languages and their semantics, with works such as the Racket language. That’d be fun to work on!
2. Chris Riesbeck (https://users.cs.northwestern.edu/~riesbeck/): his work is not my immediate interest, however he also works with AI and this quote has me on a chokehold: “Artificial Intelligence is the search for the answer to the fundamental question: Why are computers so stupid?”

Community Engagement

Community engagement at Northwestern University is vibrant, with more than 500 student organizations and clubs. For CS students, key groups include the Robotics Club, and the Northwestern Artificial Intelligence Group (NAIG). These organizations offer mentorship, hands-on projects, and events focused on engineering and AI. Beyond Computer Science, Northwestern's community engagement includes the Associated Student Government (ASG) and the Center for Civic Engagement, promoting leadership and community service. Cultural and affinity groups like Alianza and the Black Student Alliance (BSA) provide platforms for cultural celebration and advocacy.

Student Support and Diversity Centers

For student support, Northwestern offers several options, including the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the Student Assistance and Support Services (SASS), both offering comprehensive mental health support, crisis intervention, and resources to help students. The university supports the LGBT+ community through the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC), which offers advocacy, education, and a safe space for LGBT+ students. For Latino culture, the Latino Cultural Center serves as a hub for cultural engagement, support, and community building. Additionally, the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) supports first-generation and low-income students, ensuring they have the resources and community needed to thrive.