Personal Mission
I came out as transgender in the summer of 2025; I have changed my name socially to Juniper-Marie, and plan to change my name legally soon. Living life as the most true, authentic version of myself has strengthened my will to succeed in STEM tenfold. Stepping into my truth has given me a new perspective on the platforms we hold and the barriers others face.
On the topic of privilege, the 20th-century radio host and film-maker Orson Welles said, ”But surely, my right to having more than enough is canceled if I don’t use that more to help those who have less.” This is the approach I take, not only professionally, but in my personal life as well.
In my future career as a professor and researcher, I hope to create a safe space for all students, especially members of underserved communities, by speaking out against injustices, advocating for the elimination of any systemic disadvantages that my peers or future students might face.
The best in humanity can only be found when we accept all voices, all perspectives, all thoughts; when we end discrimination and accept every human being as they are. Science is no different. I want to show every child that you can succeed in STEM regardless of your race, religion, color, creed, sexual orientation, or identity.
― My background
I'm a senior at The University of Tulsa, graduating in May 2026 with three Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science, Data Science, and Applied Mathematics, along with minors in Mathematics and Physics. I'm currently accelerating into my Master’s in Computer Science, which I plan to complete by May 2027.
My academic journey is rooted in research and teaching. I've co-authored and published three peer-reviewed research papers in computer science and have served as a Teaching Assistant for multiple upper-level courses. Over the past six months, I’ve also been involved in curriculum development for a new undergraduate Minor in Quantum Computing, where I’ve helped shape both the structure and content of the program.
Outside the classroom, I co-founded and served as the President of the Software Engineering Club at TU (co-founders pictured above, left to right: Cooper Terrill, Juniper-Marie Rahal (Me), and Noah Ruby), creating a space for students to collaborate on real-world projects and develop professional skills.