Meet Lilly Amirjavadi

Tell us a bit about your background

I grew up in Los Angeles and moved to San Diego in 2019 to start my undergrad at UCSD. I got my B.S. in political science: data analytics with a minor in computational social science and graduated in June 2023. I had plans to go to graduate school for public policy, but when I heard about the new CSS masters program, I knew that its emphasis on computational methods was perfect for me. I’ve always been passionate about interdisciplinary work in the social sciences, which is exactly what I get to do as a CSS student.

What are you studying/ researching?

I study deep learning and neural networks under Dr. Mignozzetti, who is part of the political science faculty. I am assisting in the production of a machine learning tool which employs multilevel regression and poststratification on survey data. Using deep neural networks, the model will predict disaggregated results using aggregated survey data. Our team will use Python, Julia, and R to implement the algorithm and will present our results this spring.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lilly-amirjavadi-415512215

Describe your involvement in the UC San Diego community

As an undergrad at UCSD, I founded Muse Dance Company, which is a jazz and contemporary dance team. While I am unable to participate as a grad student, I am so glad that they are still dancing together, and I always look back fondly on our performances.

As a grad student, my classwork and studies keep me very busy, but I still make time for some of my hobbies. I am an avid reader, and enjoy finding coffee shops around the SD area where I can enjoy a cup of coffee and a good book. I also enjoy showing some of my peers who are new to San Diego around campus and showing them my favorite places to study, eat, or hang out.

Why UC San Diego?

I chose to stay at UCSD because I knew that it was a great fit for me. The CSS program encompasses my research and professional goals to become a well-rounded social scientist. I am able to grow my technical skills and apply them to my areas of interest, and with such a broad range of affiliated departments and faculty, I find that there is always something new to learn.

What has been your favorite part about your graduate student experience at UC San Diego?

My favorite part about my graduate experience at UCSD has been working on my capstone project, which I will present at the end of the year in order to receive my degree. Studying deep learning and neural networks has been challenging, especially when I have to balance my capstone and regular coursework, but it has been very rewarding as well. I've learned so much about the field since starting my degree, and I'm excited to join the growing discourse on computational methods in social science.