Alex Christoforatos: A Lost Soul Finds a Home
Alex had always felt like an outsider in the world of technology. With a background in journalism and a stint in sales at Yelp, she never imagined herself diving into the world of engineering, robotics, or space exploration. But life has a funny way of leading you to where you’re meant to be. For Alex, that place was ARCS, a hub of innovation where even non-tech majors like her could come together to solve real-world problems.
When Alex first joined ARCS, she was a self-proclaimed “lost soul.” She had left her job at Yelp to travel the world, searching for something more meaningful. But it wasn’t until she stumbled upon industrial and organizational psychology that she found her calling. She realized she didn’t need to be an engineer or a coder to make an impact in the tech world. Her ability to understand people, to bridge the gap between humans and technology, was just as valuable.
Diving into the Unknown
At ARCS, Alex found herself working on projects she never thought she’d touch. One of her first assignments was a waste management project, where she had to literally sort through trash to understand the human element of engineering solutions. It was messy, it was challenging, but it was also exhilarating. She worked alongside engineers to develop technologies that not only improved efficiency but also prioritized worker safety and mental health. It was here that Alex realized her unique perspective as a non-tech major was her superpower.
Her mentor, Sean, encouraged her to embrace the unknown. “Trust the process,” he would say, and Alex did. She dove headfirst into every project, from designing safer work environments for waste management employees to studying team dynamics in high-stakes engineering projects. ARCS became her playground, a place where she could explore her interests and contribute in ways she never thought possible.
From ARCS to NASA
Alex’s work at ARCS didn’t go unnoticed. Her ability to blend psychology with technology caught the attention of collaborators at NASA JPL. Soon, she found herself interning there, working on augmented reality simulations for moon rovers. Her role was to ensure that the AI-powered systems being developed didn’t just advance scientific goals but also supported the well-being of the scientists and engineers using them.
It was a surreal experience for Alex, who had never imagined herself working on space exploration projects. But her time at ARCS had prepared her well. She knew how to ask the right questions, how to advocate for the human element in technology, and how to bridge the gap between different disciplines. Her internship at JPL was a confirmation of the power of interdisciplinary collaboration—and proof that non-tech majors could thrive in even the most technical fields.
The PhD Dream
With the support of her mentor Sean, and the skills she honed at ARCS, Alex set her sights on a PhD program in industrial and organizational psychology. Despite her non-traditional background, her experience at ARCS and JPL set her apart. She was accepted into a top program, where she plans to continue her research on the human side of technology.
Looking back, Alex realized that ARCS had been the turning point in her life. It was a place where she, a non-tech major, could thrive and contribute meaningfully to cutting-edge projects. It taught her that you don’t need to be an engineer to make a difference in the tech world. Sometimes, all you need is a fresh perspective, a willingness to dive into the unknown, and a team that believes in you.
Epilogue: Lighting the Way for Others
As she packed her bags for her PhD program, Alex felt a sense of gratitude for the opportunities ARCS gave her. She had gone from a lost soul to a trailblazer, proving that the path to a PhD—and to making an impact—isn’t always linear. Sometimes, it’s about finding the right space to grow, and for Alex, that space was ARCS.
Her journey was evidence of the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the importance of embracing the human element in technology. And as she looked to the future, Alex knew that her work was just beginning. She had found her way, and now, she was ready to light the path for others.