CS + Human Communication · Northwestern '28

Hi, I'm
Healy

I build things that work for people, not around them. I have a passion for understanding how people connect and interact with the world around them and how computers play into those interactions.

A headshot of Healy smiling, wearing a green button up collared top. She is wearing translucent purple glasses and has her brown wavy hair styled in a half-up-half down.

Focused on learning
and building for people

I'm a sophomore at Northwestern studying Computer Science, with a minor in Human Communication Sciences. I am passionate about the intersection between people and the technology around them, and I aim to use computers to make the world a better, more accessible, and more efficient place. I believe that computer scientists have a responsibility to make our designs and products work for everyone, and to center our products around the people who will ultimately use them.

My experience spans teaching students in and out of classrooms, adapting instruction to students with diverse learning needs, contributing observational research on CS pedagogy, and leading teams in fast-paced, unpredictable environments. Whether I'm debugging an academic project or collaborating with coworkers or classmates, I bring the same attention to detail and empathy.

Outside the classroom you'll find me harmonizing with my a cappella group, skating with Northwestern's club ice hockey team, or plotting ways to get more kids excited about computing.

See what I've been up to

From algorithms and data structures to CS education research and responsible AI, click below to learn more about my projects!

Algorithms
Trip Planner
Research
CS Pedagogy
AI / ML
Sign Language Tool

Where I've been

Jan 2026 – Present
NU TIDAL Lab + TIILT Lab
CS Instructor + Research Contributor
  • Teach weekly CS lessons in a Python music program and on sensor-based projects, adapting instruction to students with varied communication styles and learning needs.
  • Contribute structured observational data on CS teaching strategies to lab researchers.
  • Participate in reflective discussions with volunteers and researchers to refine curriculum and policy, emphasizing belonging and inclusion in the field.
Sept 2024 – Present
Northwestern University Recreation
Swim Instructor
  • Design lesson plans for weekly classes of 8 children, remaining flexible to pivot in real time.
  • Adjust instruction to meet the diverse comprehension and learning needs of each student, ensuring all children can participate and succeed.
  • Write individualized progress reports on each student's strengths and growth areas, following Red Cross documentation guidelines.
June 2022 – Aug 2025
YMCA Camp Nokomis
Laconia, NH
Counselor, Lifeguard, Co-Head of Sailing Program
  • Collaborated with coworkers to develop programming for 150 children ages 7–16 with a wide range of physical, neurodevelopmental, and communication needs.
  • Cared for 11–13 campers 24/7 over 8 weeks, fostering a positive and supportive cabin community.
  • Led inventory, records management, equipment maintenance, staff training, and curriculum development for sailing program
  • Increased registration for sailing classes by 50% by improving offerings and camper confidence
  • Exercised clear, effective communication to adapt quickly to rapidly changing situations without supervision.
  • Completed a 3-year leadership intensive; voted best CIT by staff members.

Beyond the classroom

President

ShireiNU A Capella · Oct 2024–Present

Liaise with Northwestern Hillel, coordinate performances on and off campus, lead exec board meetings, design newsletters and surveys for approximately 20 members.

Workshops Member

RAISO · Jan 2025–Present

Learn to build AI projects focused on responsible AI use. Most recently developed a sign language recognition tool using machine learning.

Member

Club Ice Hockey · 2025–Present

Compete on Northwestern's club ice hockey team as a defenseman. Fundraise for and market the team alongside teammates as the team grows in its first year.

Where I study

Northwestern University

B.A. in Computer Science
Minor: Human Communication Sciences
Evanston, IL
Expected June 2028 · Dean's List: 5/5 quarters
Human-Computer Interaction Data Structures + Algorithms Intro to Artificial Intelligence Intro to Computer Systems Probability + Statistics Discrete Math for CS Inclusive Making

Let's connect

Whether you're interested in collaborating, have an opportunity to share, or just want to say hello, I'd love to hear from you!