Yeonghyeon Kim

Impact Award winner Yeonghyeon Kim blends creativity with programming to develop practical solutions that create meaningful change.

Her decision to study computer science in the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at ASU, was solidified when she became enamored with the engineering process.

“Engineering is fun because it combines creativity with problem-solving, allowing me to bring ideas to life and make a tangible impact,” Kim says. “The process of designing, building and testing projects is both challenging and rewarding.”

She had her “aha” moment in the CSE 335 Principles of Mobile Application Development class when she completed her first project.

“Witnessing my code transform into a functional application made me realize the power of programming to solve real-world problems,” she says. “This experience solidified my passion for computer science and confirmed that I was on the right engineering path.”

Kim has been an active member of Women in Computer Science, or WICS, where she served as vice president of external affairs and vice president of industry affairs. During her terms, she coordinated scholarships and secured more than $20,000 in sponsorships to support the
organization’s events.

“As a woman in computer science, it can sometimes be frustrating to see how few women there are in this field,” Kim says. “But through WICS, I’ve had the chance to meet many like-minded students who have given me a strong sense of community and motivation to continue pursuing my path in this field.”

Kim expresses her gratitude to Fulton Schools Professor Farideh Tadayon for being instrumental in her growth as a student.

“As an advisor for WICS, she provided invaluable guidance and support, encouraging me to pursue opportunities for leadership and collaboration,” Kim says. “Her mentorship has fostered my confidence and sense of belonging within the field.”

After graduation, Kim will work as a software engineer at Wells Fargo. She aims to leverage data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making and drive organizational innovation.

“Ultimately, I hope to be part of transformative engineering projects that enhance operational efficiency and create value for businesses,” Kim says.

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ fall 2024 class here.