Katie Shimaura

What’s your favorite class? Why?

My favorite class was Real Analysis with Professor Liz Stanhope! This class was extremely challenging but through this experience I developed skills that I can take into my future career such as working well with others, thinking deeply about the task at hand, and not being afraid to ask questions. This class gave me the tools that I need to go far in my career but also helped me meet new people that I now consider good friends!

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

What made me come to Lewis & Clark is how much it felt like home. I came on a visit to L&C and immediately fell in love with the campus and how I could see myself feeling at home for the next four years.

What do you like or find most interesting about your major?

I love that computer science and mathematics are so closely related. Because of this, the computer science and math subjects cross over a lot and I find that it is always cool to use my computer science background when I am working through a math problem or vice versa!

Tell us about your support systems and social outlets on campus: people, activities, clubs, res halls, etc.

Although I loved Lewis & Clark, when I first came to campus I was really worried I would not be able to find friends. I am really fortunate to have found Hawai‘i Club that makes me feel even more at home. I was able to find people that understand my background and are even willing to share our culture with everyone at L&C.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Don’t be afraid to go out and experience things. I believe that because I was willing to go out and join clubs, join hall activities, etc., I was able to make friends that make my experience here so much better and I am lucky enough to be able to say that they are truly some of my closest friends.

Did you visit campus before deciding to come to L&C? How did your visit influence your decision to attend?

Before I decided to come to L&C, I attended an overnight volleyball camp in the summer. This camp really solidified my decision to come here. I was able to get a taste of what it was like, especially by being able to stay in a residence hall, playing volleyball with part of the current team at the time, and going to the cafeteria. Because I had such an amazing experience at this camp, I decided that this was the place I wanted to call home for the next four years.

Which residence halls have you lived in? How would you describe the hall’s personality? What is/was the best thing about living on campus?

I have lived in Copeland and Holmes for a span of two and a half years. My freshman and sophomore year I lived in Copeland (freshman year in a double and sophomore year in a single). To me, Copeland is the extroverted hall. It is definitely one of the bigger, if not the biggest, residence halls and I loved it. Although sometimes it would get a little loud at night, it was a fun place to be. My first semester of my junior year, I lived in Holmes. To me, Holmes feels and looks like a hotel. It was very quiet and very clean. Although I live off campus now, the best thing about living on campus was the convenience. I did not have to drive anywhere, I was able to walk back to my room whenever I wanted to, and food was readily made at the cafeteria.

Have you had the opportunity to do research with a professor? If so, please describe the project and the experience.

I have been able to do an independent study with Associate Professor Paul Allen. For the past year, I have been working on researching the mathematics behind chaos. It has been a super interesting experience so far! Every week I meet with Paul and I go over what I was able to read, find, and any questions that I have that he could possibly help me figure out. It is super cool to do this research that we both have to work together to figure out!

How has Lewis & Clark changed you?

Before coming to L&C I never really left home. I was always unsure of myself and needed reassurance on any decision I made. Now coming to L&C I have found so much independence. I am more sure of myself and confident in all of the decisions I make knowing that I have grown up enough to do so.

Why do you love playing volleyball at L&C? How do you balance athletics and academics?

I love playing volleyball at L&C. I love how competitive the gym is as well as the rest of the conference. Although it is hard to do, I am able to balance athletics, academics, and working well. I am fortunate enough to have a lot of support from coaches, professors, and supervisors. Coaches know our academics are our top priority. When we do have to miss class, our professors are really understanding and are there for us if we need help with the material.

Computer Science and Mathematics