Lila Chen

What’ve you enjoyed most about your area of study? Was there a particular discovery, new skill or way of thinking, or insight that you found especially valuable? Please share an example from your favorite class or experience.

STS has reshaped how I see the relationship between science and society. One of my favorite STS classes, Technology and Culture, helped me understand that technologies are never developed in a vacuum—they are not an inevitable force of human progress, but are rather shaped by—and shaping—human choices and social contexts.

How does the knowledge from this field, or your interest in it, combine with your other major or minor studies at MIT?

STS complements my 6-3 studies by providing a broader context for my technical work. While taking and TAing for computer security and cryptography classes, I’ve learned to think beyond the technical concepts of security to consider real-world issues like privacy and surveillance. This interdisciplinary perspective helps me approach system design with both technical rigor and social responsibility.

An MIT education includes study in the scientific, technical, social science, arts, and humanities fields. How do you think that wide range of knowledge and perspectives will be valuable to you – for your career success and for your enjoyment of life?

MIT’s blend of science and humanities has given me a more holistic perspective. Bridging technical expertise with social awareness enables more thoughtful decision-making, whether in research, policy, or everyday life. STS at MIT has made me more aware of my responsibility as a technologist. Because of it, I understand how to better design systems that are not just technically sound but also socially responsible.

What are your plans for the future?

After graduation, I plan to work in computer security in the Bay Area, continuing to apply both technical and STS insights to build more equitable and effective systems.