Adonis Garcia

Global Challenge: Advance Personalized Learning

I see AI and machine learning not just as fascinating technologies, but as powerful tools to bridge global educational gaps. My mission is to leverage these innovations to create a world where quality education is accessible to all, regardless of geography or background."

Bio:

I am a senior Computer Science student with a minor in Mathematics at NYU Tandon School of Engineering. Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, I carry the energy and diversity of my hometown with me in everything I do. My journey into Computer Science began with a childhood love for solving puzzles. A curiosity that evolved into a passion for using technology to tackle real-world challenges. Today, I'm focused on the intersection of Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and education, driven by a vision to create tools that genuinely improve how people learn and access information.

One of the most transformative aspects of my time at NYU has been the opportunity to experience the world beyond New York. I've studied abroad at NYU Abu Dhabi twice, once in the spring of my sophomore year and again in my junior year. I also spent a January term in Seoul, South Korea, and volunteered in Sri Lanka the summer after my first Abu Dhabi experience. Each place opened my eyes in different ways: Abu Dhabi challenged my preconceived notions and showed me the richness of cultures beyond my bubble. Seoul's vibrant, civilized energy and thriving gaming scene captivated me. Sri Lanka's natural beauty and genuine people reminded me that technology must adapt to the individual, not the other way around. These experiences didn't just broaden my worldview; they fundamentally shaped how I think about building AI solutions that work for everyone, everywhere.

Professionally, I've had the privilege of testing different waters to understand where I truly belong. Last summer, I interned as a Software Engineer at Bank of America, where I got a firsthand look at what it means to build at corporate scale, managing risk, working through agile development, and understanding the weight of serving millions. While I learned immensely and valued my time there, the experience confirmed what I already suspected: I thrive in environments with rapid development, ownership, and ambitious vision. That realization led me to where I am now, working as an Applied AI Engineer at Mission ML, where I build rapidly prototyped tools for federal stakeholders, directly addressing their needs in real time. It's the kind of work that feels urgent, meaningful, and aligned with who I am.

This semester, I'm pouring my energy into two independent study capstone projects that sit at the heart of what I care about: using AI to solve real educational challenges. The first is a comprehensive Q&A platform for NYU Tandon's EG 1004 course, a class every first-year engineering student takes. The course has an overwhelming amount of documentation, and students struggle to navigate it all. I'm building a tool to make information more accessible for both students and TAs. The second project is an adaptive learning platform for introductory CS courses, designed to meet students where they are by adjusting to their skill level, interests, and learning style. Both projects involve students in the creation process because I believe the best educational tools are built with the people who will use them, not just for them.

Beyond my technical work, I've remained deeply committed to leadership and mentorship on campus. Junior year, I served as a GLASS recruiter and a member of the Computer Science Initiative Committee, roles that allowed me to have real impact in shaping opportunities for my peers. I continue to be involved with the Bella Quisqueya Dominican Club, HEOP, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), and NYU Gentlemen of Quality (GQ). These communities have been more than extracurriculars; they've been spaces where I've grown, connected, and learned the value of genuine relationships. I've also worked as a Teaching Assistant for the General Engineering Department and mentored students through the Academic Achievement Program, experiences that constantly remind me why I'm in this field in the first place. As an underrepresented minority student, I've come to deeply value the power of community. Having people who hold you accountable, inspire you, and support you through the challenges makes all the difference, especially in a demanding field like STEM.

My first semester of senior year brought challenges that shifted my perspective in ways I didn't expect. I realized that beyond the accolades, the 4.0 GPA, and the professional accomplishments, what matters most are the people who show up for you when life gets hard. The brothers and sisters who care about you. The relationships that ground you. That realization has shaped how I'm approaching this final semester with intention, presence, and a focus on being a good person who loves the people around him. I'm not letting ambition pull me away from what really matters.

After graduation, I'm heading straight into the AI startup space. I want to either join a startup where I can make a tangible impact or eventually found my own. I love AI, I understand its power and its risks, and that's exactly why I want to be on the side that's building it responsibly, building it for good. Right now, I don't have the problem that keeps me awake at night, but I know it'll come. And when it does, I'll know, because I won't be able to stop myself from solving it.

Looking back, NYU has given me something rare: a global education that's pushed me beyond borders, a technical foundation that's equipped me to build meaningful things, and a community that's reminded me who I am and who I want to be. As I finish my last semester, I'm focused on loving the people around me, staying true to myself, and stepping into whatever comes next with the same curiosity that first drew me to a computer screen all those years ago.