Nyja Casey is a senior at CECS, majoring in Applied Artificial Intelligence, with a double minor in Data Science and UX Design. She is a Student Ambassador. Keep scrolling to learn more about her and her time at CECS!
What interested you about CECS and what brought you here?
I started out as an exploratory psychology student because I’ve always been fascinated by the human brain and how people think. But I wasn’t sure I wanted to commit to years of grad school if I wasn’t 100% about it. I considered business next because I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset—but I realized I didn’t need a business degree to be an entrepreneur.
In high school, I took computer science. So, I thought I could pursue that, but the heavy coding side didn’t interest me. Later, I took a UX Design course and everything changed. I loved thinking about why experiences work the way they do and how design can shape behavior and business outcomes. That led me to declare UX Design as my first minor. Then I tried Data Science because it felt like another puzzle piece to my interests, so I declared it as a second minor.
When I learned about CECS, I finally found a space where I could explore all of these areas together without falling behind my projected graduation timeline. That flexibility is what brought me to CECS and let me forge my own path while still working within a solid curriculum.
Why did you choose Applied AI as your major?
During my exploration, I discovered the Applied AI major, and everything finally clicked. AI ties together psychology, design, data, and entrepreneurship in a way that makes sense for my strengths and my future. It feels like the future of innovation, growth, flexibility, and entrepreneurship! Instead of fearing AI, I see it as a gold rush—an opportunity to grow, create, and lead.
For me, UX Design, Data, and AI naturally build on one another. When you’re designing for real people, you need measurable data to understand their needs. When you understand the data, you’re able to build better, more empathetic experiences. And when you add AI on top of that, it amplifies what’s possible. AI is the icing on the cake.
As a minority in tech, I’m also passionate about breaking down bias both in data and in design. I want to create systems that are more equitable and help better represent people who are often overlooked and underrepresented. Empathy is a huge part of UX Design, and it’s something I carry into everything I do.
What is your favorite part about being a CECS Student Ambassador?
One of my favorite parts of being a CECS Student Ambassador is getting to share my story and be myself. CECS is the first college experience I’ve had where everything feels hands-on and real. Courses like AI 311 make me feel like I’m already operating in the professional world, not just preparing for it. That’s the kind of environment where I think learning thrives.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a CECS student?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is simple: don’t be afraid to reach out and network. First impressions matter, and growth happens when you put yourself in new, sometimes uncomfortable spaces. Comfort can keep you stuck. Showing up, asking questions, being authentic, and talking to people are the things that move you closer to your destiny.
If you could tell other students one thing about CECS, what would it be?
Forge your own path and create your own reality. That’s what we stand on. CECS is built for students who want to explore the intersections of their interests and build something meaningful from it. That’s exactly what I did.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
After graduation, I want to become a UX Designer and use my skills to bridge AI, data, and human-centered design to build experiences that truly make sense for people. I also want to use those skills to support my entrepreneurial goals. With everything CECS has helped me explore, I finally see a future that aligns with who I am and what I care about.