Ivana Coelho can’t quite say where she’s “from.”
Born in Atlanta, raised in Brazil, and having spent an exchange year in Switzerland, Ivana has lived across three continents. With a half-Colombian, half-Brazilian heritage, she embodies a truly global perspective. Now, she’s adding another chapter to her journey by studying in Asia—a step that feels like a natural continuation of her life story.
“Having lived on three continents, I always felt like a piece was missing,” she explains.
“Asia has always fascinated me, and DKU stood out as the perfect place to explore a new culture while being part of a diverse and close-knit community.”
Growing up in Brazil, the kitchen was a central space for her family to bond. This passion led her to compete in MasterChef Junior Brazil at just nine years old.
“Cooking connects people,” she says. “It’s like learning about different cultures through food without even leaving your kitchen.”
Another key part of Ivana’s life is ballet, which she has been practicing since she was two years old.
“Ballet taught me so much more than just how to dance,” Ivana reflects. “It’s where I learned discipline, perseverance, and creativity—skills that have shaped who I am today.”
Her academic interests are just as diverse. Ivana’s curiosity led her to pursue computer science, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence. In high school, she conducted research on using AI to improve Alzheimer’s diagnostics.
“I worked on creating my own AI models for this project, and it was such an exciting experience,” she shares. “It opened the door for me to see how AI can revolutionize healthcare and beyond.”
Ivana sees Duke Kunshan University (DKU) as the perfect environment to further explore her varied interests. She is eager to take advantage of research opportunities and the interdisciplinary curriculum that DKU offers.
“I want to explore not only computer science but also other fields that intrigue me,” she says.
Beyond academics, Ivana is enthusiastic about immersing herself in Chinese culture.
“I plan to make the most of my time by exploring Kunshan and nearby cities. I also want to learn the language and connect with local traditions,” she explains.
“The diversity of the DKU community is inspiring. I hope to learn from everyone’s unique experiences while contributing my own background and stories.”
Whether perfecting a traditional Brazilian dish for her dormmates or diving into her next AI project, Ivana hopes to bridge cultural gaps through every conversation, shared meal, and collaborative endeavor.
“DKU feels like the missing piece in my global puzzle,” she says.
