Outstanding Senior Awards: Mercedes Ortiz

College of Science: Why did you choose your area of study?  

I actually switched to computer science on a bit of a whim. One night, I saw a friend working on his coding homework, and for the first time in a long time, something academic sparked genuine excitement in me. I was curious and wanted to learn more. Once I officially entered the major, I realized just how powerful computer science could be—how flexible it is, and how it can be used as a tool for social good. I discovered that coding isn’t just about building apps or websites; it can be used to drive real change and make a positive impact in communities that need it most. That realization made me fall in love with the field.

COS: Tell us about a class or research project you really enjoyed. 

One of my favorite classes was a sports analytics course. Despite needing a few crash courses on the rules of football—shoutout to Dr. Lowenthal for his patience! I found it fascinating. It was the first time in one of my classes where I saw how statistics and programming could directly connect with real-world events. The hands-on projects, analyzing actual gameplay data, made the material come alive. It was exciting to realize that even fields like sports can be enriched with data science, and that there's a place for people like me, even if I didn’t grow up immersed in sports culture.

COS: What is one specific memory from your time at UA that you'll cherish forever? 

One memory I’ll always cherish is the day my roommates and I picked up our foster dog, Virgil Scrabble, from PACC. We weren’t technically allowed to have pets (apologies to our landlord), but we decided to foster him anyway—and, unsurprisingly, we were instantly smitten. We got him his first pup cup and gave him all the love (and a very long name). Though he already came with the name Virgil Scrabble, he quickly became Virgil Tibayan-Ewing-Mamaril-Ortiz, an honorary member of the family. That whole experience—full of love, chaos, and a little rule-breaking—perfectly captures the joy and spontaneity of my time at UA.

COS: What are you most proud of having accomplished in your time at UA? 

I’m proud of finding my niche—of discovering a passion I truly want to carry into my career. My work as a data intern at the OHAIRE Lab, supporting research on how service dogs impact veterans with PTSD, has been incredibly meaningful. So has my involvement with the WISE program, where I helped develop data science curricula for Title I high schools here in Tucson. Both experiences reinforced the idea that I can use my technical skills not just for innovation, but to uplift underrepresented communities and give back in tangible ways. That’s the kind of work I want to keep doing.

COS: What is next for you after graduation? 

I’m taking some time to travel and explore the world—something I’ve dreamed about for a long time. My first stops are Portugal, Spain, and Italy. After years of hard work, I’m excited to recharge, experience new cultures, and gain fresh perspectives before diving into the next chapter of my journey.