Emilia Gan is a PhD candidate in computer science and engineering at the University of Washington, Seattle. She has a bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from M.I.T., master’s degrees in pathobiology and computer science from the University of Washington, and is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Emilia first started programming while she was a student in pathobiology and wanted to analyze biological data sets. Her interest in computer science grew from there, ultimately leading her to change fields. Now, as a member of the Community Data Science Collective at the University of Washington, her graduate research investigates factors that promote continued engagement in coding among children who are novice programmers.