Laika Patel

Laika is a student in Stiles College, originally from Austin. She is majoring in Statistics and Data science, with a certificate in French. Her interest lies in the intersection of AI and international development. She is the founder of 501(c)(3) The Imagination Project, which works to reduce digital literacy gaps in countries lacking advanced technology. Her quantitative studies allow her to compare raw data with long-term, qualitative studies on the growing divide across the globe.

During the 2026 summer, Laika interned at a notable contemporary art gallery in Austin, where she worked alongside, and studied, artists of European backgrounds. Her art history background, paired with French language study, has guided her interests in preserving European contributions to society. As a member of the Directed Studies program, she studies the Western canon and remains passionate on European Studies. In the future, Laika hopes to pursue international study and technology development work.

Department: Statistics & Data Science