From Hackathon Organiser to AI Researcher: Medini Chopra’s Journey

When Medini Chopra first joined the RedBrick Hacks organising team in 2022, they could not have anticipated how profoundly the experience would shape their academic and professional trajectory. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in computer science at Northwestern University, Chopra reflects on how organising one of their university’s most ambitious hackathons became a cornerstone of their personal and professional development.

The Genesis of a Vision

Medini’s involvement with RedBrick Hacks began during the early conceptual discussions in 2020-2021, when the idea of hosting a university-wide hackathon was first taking shape. They subsequently assumed the role of Media and Outreach Coordinator for RedBrick Hacks 2022, playing a crucial role in bringing the event’s visual identity to life. Their contributions spanned promotional materials, lanyard design, and standees that would become iconic elements of the event.

The transition from online planning to in-person execution during the summer of 2022 presented unique challenges. Chopra recalls the intense heat and extended shifts that characterised the organising period, alongside the remarkable team spirit that emerged from these demanding conditions. “We all got really close as an organising committee,” they remember, “having to do the long shifts, wake up really early, and everyone’s kind of all over the place, tired.” Despite the exhaustion, the team found moments of joy and connection—including the FuelZone mango milkshake breaks that became a cherished tradition.

Beyond the Event: Skills That Transfer

Chopra’s contribution to the event’s broader visual and organisational framework proved to be more than a creative exercise. The experience became a masterclass in project management, communication, and rapid problem-solving under pressure.

“I learned a lot of transferable skills,” Chopra explains, “like project management, how to talk to people, how to think quickly, because there was a lot of logistical stuff that had to be figured out.” The collaborative and often informal nature of the organising team meant that everyone undertook various tasks, fostering a versatility that would prove invaluable in their future endeavours.

Perhaps most significantly, the hackathon provided Chopra with direct exposure to the innovation ecosystem they would later join as a researcher. As they note, “I’m also part of The Garage @ Northwestern, it’s their startup space.” Interacting with participants throughout the event offered inspiring glimpses into the dedication and creativity that drives technological innovation. “It was very inspiring to see everyone’s drive to build something and just kind of be up all night with their teammates trying to fix some bugs,” they recall. “The atmosphere was really fun.”

Academic Pursuits and Research Excellence

Chopra worked as a Research Assistant on several projects under the Mphasis AI & Applied Tech lab. The impact of this research extended far beyond academic circles when their findings were published in ThePrint’s premium offering, reaching a readership of over 13 million people. This publication represented a significant achievement in translating complex computational research into accessible insights for public consumption.

This foundational research experience, combining machine learning, natural language processing, and social media analysis, established Chopra as a researcher capable of tackling large-scale data problems with real-world implications. The organisational and interpersonal skills developed through RedBrick Hacks, combined with this substantial research portfolio, positioned them perfectly for their subsequent master’s program at Northwestern University.

At Northwestern, Chopra embraced the institution’s philosophy of “CS plus X”—the integration of computer science with other disciplines. Working under the Human-AI Collaboration Lab, advised by Prof. Matthew Groh, they focused on studying the creativity of humans in the landscape of generative AI. They are also part of the Design, Technology, and Research lab, which focuses on experiential computing and visualising key differences in how the same human experiences are realised across geographical locations.

They have gained comprehensive expertise across data science, natural language processing, human-computer interaction, and full-stack engineering. Additionally, they hold a bachelor’s degree in Kathak and have developed creative cross-disciplinary thinking by connecting their two passions: computer science and music.

Advice for the Next Generation

Drawing from their diverse experiences, Chopra offers valuable guidance for current computer science students. Rather than focusing solely on memorising algorithms, they advocate for developing strong problem-solving paradigms and pursuing projects that genuinely inspire passion and commitment.

“Don’t silo yourself,” Chopra advises, emphasising the importance of gaining transferable skills that extend beyond pure technical expertise. Their journey from hackathon organiser to AI researcher exemplifies this philosophy, demonstrating how experiences that might seem peripheral to one’s primary field of study can become foundational to future success.

Lasting Impact

Chopra is currently interning in the financial technology sector as an AI Analyst at Cboe Global Markets. This role represents the perfect synthesis of their academic research background and the practical application of AI technologies in real-world financial systems.

Their unique combination of computer science excellence, dance training, and hackathon organising experience exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary thinking in today’s technology landscape. As they continue their work in human-AI collaboration at the intersection of finance and technology, Chopra carries forward the collaborative spirit and innovative mindset that defined their RedBrick Hacks experience. Their journey serves as an inspiring example for current students of how embracing diverse opportunities and developing transferable skills can open pathways to meaningful and impactful careers that transcend traditional boundaries.