Keren Skariah, 19, from Fremont, California, is a freshman at the University of California, Davis, with a clear vision to graduate early by 2026. Driven by her love for puzzles and math, Skariah found her calling in data science, a field that constantly pushes her to think critically and problem-solve. But her ambitions extend far beyond academicsâSkariah is on a mission to close the gender gap in tech and create a more inclusive space for women in STEM.
Already making her mark on campus, Skariah coled UC Davisâs first hackathon exclusively for female and nonbinary students, attracting more than 200 participants. This event was a testament to her determination to build a supportive community and drive change in a field that desperately needs more diversity.
Outside of the tech world, Skariah is a creative spirit who finds joy in dancing, reading, and spending quality time with her friends. Her favorite pastime? Sitting on random benches around campus, either lost in a book or simply enjoying the peace and quiet. A lover of music, Skariah dreams of one day working as a data analyst at Spotify, combining her technical expertise with her passion for music.
Keren Skariahâs story is a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of community. As a woman in STEM, sheâs not just carving out a space for herself but paving the way for the next generation of women to thrive in the tech industry.
Glamour: Whatâs something in STEM that you wish people knew more about?
Keren Skariah: I think a lot of people are hesitant to join the field because they perceive it as difficult. But what I wish more people knew is that there are so many resources available online to help you. Iâve definitely struggled in some of my coding classes, but there are Coursera courses, Google resources, and so much more. The field is constantly evolving, with new updates and advancements always emerging, and because of that, people are continually sharing valuable information.
One important thing Iâve learned, and something my dad, who is also in STEM, taught me, is that this is a field where you have to keep learning. With the rapid advancements, like those in AI, itâs crucial to maintain a passion for continuous learning. If youâre not interested in growing and updating your knowledge, you might not enjoy the journey. But if you do, itâs incredibly rewarding to stay curious and engaged in this field.
What do you love most about studying STEM, specifically data science?
For me, Iâve never been a strong writerâwriting just hasnât been my thing. Growing up, my favorite game was mancala, and I still play it with my friends when they come over. I love doing puzzles, playing Wordle, and similar activities because they have clear answersâyou either get it or you donât. Thereâs a certain satisfaction in solving something, like getting the Wordle in two tries and seeing the confetti; it just makes me happy. I feel like STEM is similar because thereâs usually one correct way to get to the answer.
