Last year, KFF launched a STEM scholarship program and awarded six talented Lithuanian students pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at top universities abroad.

As we approach the next scholarship application phase, we want to share the stories and experiences of the students who received the scholarship in 2024. We spoke with Ieva Bagdonaviciute, who is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in the United States. She gladly shared why she chose this field, the most memorable moments of her academic journey, and her achievements:

“From a young age, I knew which country I wanted to study in. My older brother chose to study in the United States, and as one of my greatest role models, he inspired me to pursue my own dreams at a U.S. university. In fact, he was also the first to notice my interest in physics and mathematics and encouraged me to explore STEM programs, particularly engineering. As I started researching different study programs, I became most interested in computer science. After passing the SAT and TOEFL exams, I applied to top-ranked universities in computer engineering and ultimately found myself at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), which ranks among the top ten globally in this field.

When I arrived in the U.S., I was amazed by the dedication people have to academics and career growth. Of course, imposter syndrome hit me quickly – being among the world’s top students is not easy. However, my family’s support has always helped me move forward. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to study in such an environment and to learn from professors who have made a significant impact in their fields.

U.S. universities undoubtedly offer countless opportunities. In my first week, I joined the Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering club, which not only provided technical knowledge through various projects but also helped me build confidence in a male-dominated field. For two consecutive years, I participated in the Engineering Open House event with this club: in the first year, we developed a robotic arm controlled via a mobile app, and in the second year, we built a smart solar panel that automatically rotates toward the brightest light source. In my second year, I founded and became the president of the Google Developers Student Club at UIUC. This official collaboration with Google brings together technology enthusiasts and fosters a sense of community at our university. The club has not only allowed me to organize events and develop leadership skills but has also strengthened my technical knowledge.

One of the most memorable experiences was the opportunity to meet Martin Eberhard, one of Tesla’s co-founders and an alumnus of our university. During a discussion with him and ten other students, we explored the future of electric vehicle technologies. It was an incredible experience – one I never even dreamed of before coming to the U.S.

In my second year, I interned in Switzerland at EPFL’s Computational Quantum Science lab, where I worked on applying machine learning optimization algorithms to quantum science. This experience was not only a source of scientific knowledge but also an unforgettable summer spent exploring the Swiss Alps. Upon returning to the U.S., I also presented my project at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Now, I am in my third year of studies. Alongside my coursework, I work in Professor Yoram Bresler’s lab, where we apply computer vision algorithms to medical image analysis. The projects I work on at the university span a wide range of fields – from medical research to practical engineering solutions. I can’t wait to see where the future takes me, but for now, I am making the most of every opportunity!”

Stay tuned – this April, we will be announcing the 2025 STEM scholarship selection process! Follow our updates to learn more about inspiring students like Ieva, discover new opportunities, and take the next step toward your own STEM journey.