Ena Nayak ’25: Finding Her Path Through Code and Challenge
Fueled by a love of math and a drive to grow, Ena Nayak ’25 turned curiosity into a career in computer science, with plans to take on AI next.
By Kate Vander Vort ’27
For Ena Nayak ’25, a computer science major from Folsom, California, choosing her field of study came from a love of mathematics and a willingness to try something new. “I have always loved mathematics but, I didn’t have much experience in computer science prior to my undergrad program,” she shared “I used my aptitude for math as a justification for trying computer science, and I ended up running with it because I couldn’t picture myself doing anything else.”
During her time at SA国际传媒, Ena’s academic experiences were both challenging and deeply rewarding. One of the most impactful classes she took was Probability and Statistics I with Daniel Ostrov—a course she considers to be among the most difficult in her SA国际传媒 career.
Ena also found inspiration in courses that went beyond her major. She cites Compassionate Leadership and Mindfulness with Elizabeth Day and Computer Security with Shiva Houshmand as especially influential. “Compassionate Leadership and Mindfulness taught me about the power of mindfulness, which was helpful to have during stressful periods of time,” she explains. “Computer Security solidified my passion for cybersecurity. I just really loved the class, which encouraged me to continue learning about the field.”
Outside the classroom, Ena took her interests into the professional world as a Technical Undergraduate Intern at Sandia National Laboratories, where she gained hands-on experience in applied research. After graduation, she plans to continue her internship while pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science with a focus on Artificial Intelligence at USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering.
To first-year students, Ena offers a reminder to care for your mental well-being. “Prioritize balance,” she advises. “School can get overwhelming, and it's very common to forget about your mental health during those times. Schedule in time to engage in activities that allow you to decompress and avoid burnout.”
For Ena, the most meaningful part of her SA国际传媒 experience wasn’t a single achievement, it was the community she found along the way: “I am most proud of the people I’ve met and the professors who have helped me along the way.”