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Student Profile: Aileen Kuang

Aileen Profile
Aileen- B.A. English and Informatics with a Minor in Comparative History of Ideas (CHID) 

Where do you call “home” or your “hometown?” 

I was born in Canada, but have lived in Seattle since I was five years old and am proud to call it my home.

 

What do you study/what is your area of interest? And why did you choose this area?

I am an English and Informatics major with a minor in the Comparative History of Ideas. I'm super interested in the intersection between technology and the humanities. How is science and technology represented in literature, film, and other forms of media? How is technology linked to systems of oppression, like patriarchy and racism? These are the questions that I am invested in, and are what influenced my majors of study.

Where is your favorite place to study on-campus? 

I love to study at City Grind in the Henry Art Gallery (best sandwiches on campus, in my opinion) or Allen Library!

Allen Library
Discover inspiration and knowledge at Allen Library, a cornerstone of learning and exploration on the University of Washington campus.

 

What is one of the many humanities courses you recommend taking?

ENGL 257 Asian-American Literature with Michelle Liu -- Michelle is a fantastic professor and will genuinely change your entire worldview.

Investing time in your community and making connections can help you get out of that mindset and makes your work as a humanities student all the more meaningful.

Aileen Kuang Major in English and Informatics with a Minor in CHID
portrait of Aileen Kuang

What has been an unforgettable experience during your time at UW thus far? 

This past summer, I was participated in UW's Summer Institute in the Arts and Humanities, and it was truly one of the best experiences I've had as a student here. I loved thinking with my peers and researching for my project, and the SIAH community provided such a welcoming and warm space to think, argue, and create.

 

How have you used the Humanities Academic Services advising office while on your journey?  

The HAS (Humanities Academic Services) center has been so helpful for my degree planning as I've been trying to complete two majors and a minor!

 

What advice would you give a new student in the humanities? 

Find your community and work that you're interested in outside of academia! I've found that, for me, the academy can feel very isolating -- like you're stuck in an ivory tower. Investing time in your community and making connections can help you get out of that mindset and makes your work as a humanities student all the more meaningful.

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