FOSSI: Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Karis Lewis. I am currently a senior at Deptford High School and will be attending Howard University for computer science. I am the class treasurer for the senior class, a member of the National Art Honors Society and National Honors Society. I am a varsity player on the field hockey team where I have received the title of All Tri-county honors 2nd team for two years. I am also on the bowling team where I received the 3rd place award in the Olympic Conference Bowling tournament.
One of the best opportunities I’ve had throughout my 4 years of high school was the summer before my senior year. My school gave me the opportunity to attend the Governors School of Engineering and Technology (GSET) at Rutgers University in New Jersey. As a part of the GSET program, I formed a research group where we partnered on creating a 3D printed prosthetic hand for a young boy. This research was presented in front of a panel at Rutgers University and the 2021 IEEE MIT Undergraduate Research and Technology Conference. This research project also resulted in an article that was published in IEEE Digital Explore in Spring 2022.
FOSSI: Why are you passionate about pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field?
Since I was a child, I've loved putting together robots, puzzles and creating computer games. I started developing games in the fifth grade and realized I enjoyed the design and problem-solving skills involved in the process. This curiosity influenced my decision to enroll in the engineering track that was offered as a part of the STEM program at my high school. During my sophomore year in this track, I completed an assignment to construct a tabletop elevator and design code that would move the elevator up and down by pushing buttons. I felt a tremendous sense of pride when this assignment worked successfully, especially since I knew that my input played a large part in our success. This process strengthened my passion for coding and influenced me to pursue a degree in computer science.
FOSSI: Fast forward – where do you see yourself in ten years?
I envision a career in game design, especially open-world games. I love the flexibility and creativity needed for open-world games because the story can be never-ending, and it continues to unfold for the player.
My future goals include starting my own computer game design company that fosters inclusivity and showcases women in the computer programming field. The creation of my company will allow me to combine my love for game design and my desire to make an inclusive space where the input of women is valued.
FOSSI: Share a few fun facts about yourself.
- I am a published author.
- I am passionate about aerospace engineering and might pursue a masters degree in that field.
- I love music and my favorite artists are Doja Cat, Joji, Gracie Abrams, and Jean Dawson.
- My first concert was Olivia Rodrigo where I stood out in the torrential rain for 7 hours in an effort to get a place as close to the stage as possible since I purchased tickets in the pit.
- I have a twin sister who is also enrolling as a freshman at Howard.