As Fourth year Maths and CompSci student Miranda Conn nears the end of a stellar degree, she joins us to share her passion for her entrepreneurship and her thoughts on captaining Oxford’s Competition Dance team to Varsity victory.
Miranda Conn
You’ve done exceptionally well throughout your CompSci degree. What drives your passion for the subject and where did that passion originate?
Originally, my passion for Computer Science stemmed from simple intrigue – what was going on when I clicked my mouse to make Google suddenly appear? Now, my passion has shifted to application. I feel very excited to be graduating just as AI has hit such an inflection point; it’s like graduating when the internet took off. We have seen the incredible ways technology can transform the world, and I want to play a part in building the next wave of technology which makes our lives easier, safer and happier.
You are part of the Student Investment Team at Creator Fund, a venture capital fund dedicated to backing university founders across Europe. Can you share some of the highlights of exploring the landscape of entrepreneurship at Oxford?
I have loved being part of Creator Fund and getting involved with their mission to back university founders. Oxford is a hub of innovation which could fuel many of the next world-changing companies, and I have gained so much energy from talking to ambitious founders here and at other European universities. Exploring entrepreneurship has given me optimism about what is possible, and inspired me to spend time on side-projects exploring what I can build myself.
You’re currently wrapping up the Master’s component of your degree. What have you been working on and has it influenced your ideas about the kind of project you want to work on when you leave Oxford?
My Master’s thesis has focused on applying Machine Learning and Computer Graphics to surgical pre-operative planning. I have found it fascinating, and will be continuing in Medical Computer Science over the summer, working for the Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering. I am not sure yet if I will continue exactly on that path, but know that I am motivated by applying innovative technology to critical national services more widely (for example, in health, defence and energy provision).
Miranda dancing with the OUCD
When did you start dancing and how central has it been to your experience at Somerville?
I started dancing when I was about three. It has always been a large part of my life, and OUCD (Oxford University Competition Dance) has been the single biggest factor shaping my time at Oxford. Most weeks I spend 6-11 hours dancing, and help to run the club on Committee. I think there is no better bonding experience than working towards a goal with a group of people who share a common interest, which is why dance has brought me such close friends. OUCD is at the centre of many of my funniest memories, proudest achievements, and most memorable experiences.
What was it like representing Oxford in Competition Dance at the Varsity?
Amazing – I’ve competed in four Varsities, and each one was a fierce competition. When I was President of the team in my 2nd year, Oxford won Varsity for the first time ever, and that has since been imprinted on my brain as my best moment at Oxford. The team train extremely hard, as dance is an especially time-consuming sport; not only do you need to prepare athletically, you also have to choreograph, learn and perfect more than seven large group routines. Getting the win after a long history of defeat is the most proud I have felt during my time here.
What is it that appeals to you about dance choreography, the art or the science, or both?
I choreographed our Jazz dance in 2nd year, and after the team watched it the first comment was “you can tell she does Maths & Computer Science”. So my answer would be that I enjoy it for the creativity, but my scientific side strongly influences my expression. I like designing formations which are geometrically clever, and enjoy the mathematics of a complex rhythm. Though my favourite part is actually just coming up with a vision that I am excited about, and then choreographing anything that makes it come to life.
A permanent addition? Miranda enjoying the ferris wheel at the Somerville Ball
How important has Somerville been to your time at Oxford?
Somerville has been a great home for me while I have been at Oxford. I was particularly grateful for the side-gate straight to the Maths department in my first few years…allowing me to achieve a 2 minute bed-to-lecture commute. I have met such close friends here, and feel very grateful for the education I have received; I have never met anyone with more passion for teaching and learning than my Somerville Computer Science tutor, Quentin.
What are some of your favourite memories from your time at Somerville?
The Ferris wheel at the Somerville ball (which should be a permanent fixture) & and having to leave the library on numerous occasions because I’ve been laughing uncontrollably.
Miranda captaining the OUDC to Varsity glory