Jaden Coward

2026

Howell, New Jersey

Academic Interests

Electrical and Computer Engineering & Computer Science

Fun Fact

I play club volleyball

When I first took an AP Computer Science course in high school, I fell in love with the subject. I loved the idea of building algorithms and creating functions that could solve a prompt or challenge that was given to me. I also love the idea of taking software and merging it with physical hardware. Electrical and Computer Engineering was the perfect way to reach my desires. After exploring the field, I soon learned that I could merge my passions make an even larger impact.

In my first semester at Duke, I worked on a research project to develop combat robots. Through this, I was able to learn more about circuitry and electronics, and better my skills with Electrical and Computer Engineering.

In high school, I was the president of my class, vice president of the National Honors Society, and co-founder and president of a club named Culture Club. Culture club focused on intercultural learning and understanding and provided a safe space for members to share their experiences through meetings and events. Through these extracurriculars, I was able to learn more about the disparities between people of different communities. I learned through listening that the imbalance is larger than I expected.

Within these experiences in high school and my first semester, I developed found an interest in developing technology for communities that have limited access and may be low income. I believe that the disparities between communities can be changed, and I want to do so through STEM. My first goal with Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science at Duke is to develop the skill set and deepen my creativity so that I can be able to solve design challenges and innovate technology. Then, I ideally would modify this technology so that it is accessible to a broader community.

Inherently, technology is used to solve problems; it is in its definition. However, it has been expanded in ways that has limited access for many. I want to break that boundary and be able to solve problems for all people.

What do you like about being a SPIRE Fellow?

My favorite thing about being a SPIRE Fellow is the culture of community and opportunity. I love being surrounded by like-minded people who have similar goals. Being uplifted by the SPIRE community has been a core experience. To include, the number of opportunities the program offers feels endless. I truly appreciate how the program shares information on various programs and conferences that allows us to stay updated with what is going on around us.

Jaden Coward
Jaden Coward