LoriElle Hutchinson’s journey to her future career has been shaped by curiosity, exploration, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. Now a senior at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), she has developed a strong academic and leadership foundation while preparing for a career at the intersection of technology, policy, and environmental impact.
Hutchinson, who is originally from Motevallo, Alabama, moved to Huntsville during high school, where she graduated from New Century Technology. She's currently a senior at UAH, majoring in Computer Science with a concentration in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and minoring in Mathematical Sciences.
Outside of academics, Hutchinson leads a well-rounded, balanced, and creative life. “My name is LoriElle, but most people around campus call me Lori,” she says enthusiastically. “I love spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy creative hobbies like crocheting, knitting, and painting, and I’m an avid reader. To stay active and grounded, I practice yoga regularly,” she says. “I also enjoy stepping outside of my comfort zone and trying new things.”
That willingness to try new things recently led her to compete in the Ms. Old Gold and Black Scholarship Pageant hosted by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Rho Chi Chapter. She will be the featured student speaker at the upcoming scholarship breakfast.
Lorielle Hutchinson was recently crowned winner of the Ms. Old Gold and Black Scholarship Pageant hosted by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Rho Chi Chapter at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).
Hutchinson’s academic journey includes meaningful research experience focused on sustainability and technology. Last summer, she worked alongside Dr. Agnieszka Truszkowska in the Department of Chemical Engineering on a project titled Creating Resilient Networks of Microreactors: A Graph Theory Approach.
“I was so excited to be involved, as my goal is to use my degree to drive sustainable change and find ways to protect the environment through data analysis and more efficient technology,” she says.
Her contributions included backend development and data analysis using a variety of technical tools. Hutchinson says the experience also came with challenges, especially when converting code between programming languages.
“One of the main challenges I encountered was translating the codebase from MATLAB to Python,” she explains. “Although both languages are used for scientific computing, they handle matrix operations, indexing, data structures, and certain built-in functions differently, which requires careful debugging to ensure consistent results.”
Despite the difficulty, Hutchinson found the process rewarding and educational, strengthening her understanding of both programming and mathematical modeling.
Hutchinson’s impact at UAH extends far beyond research and academics. She has played a significant role in UAH’s Student Government Association (SGA), where she currently serves as Vice President.
Leadership has been a lifelong interest for Hutchinson. “Growing up," she explains, "I noticed many people being overlooked, and I knew I wanted to be a voice for those who didn’t feel comfortable speaking up.”
She doesn’t just sit in for her role in student government; she actively gets things done. She’s expanding access to menstrual products, strengthening the Charger Improvement Plan to fund student-led projects that enhance campus life, organizing food pantry support for students during extended breaks, and leading Donations for Citations in partnership with UAH Parking Services. As Vice President, she’s a relentless advocate for students, delivering real solutions, impactful programming, and events that make a tangible difference.
“Through these experiences," she says, "I’ve learned how to balance planning, collaboration, and leadership while ensuring student voices are heard and represented."
Hutchinson’s leadership and academic accomplishments recently earned her recognition as a 2026 Capitol Scholar, a program that offers select students an opportunity to develop skills in Washington, D.C.
She describes the opportunity as both exciting and meaningful. "I'm incredibly honored."
Hutchinson says she's excited to work with this year's co-hort. "The program offers a hands-on opportunity to experience our government up close and truly understand how policy and leadership operate in real time.”
She hopes the experience will help her explore policy and advocacy, particularly in areas related to environmental impact and technology.
Interestingly, Hutchinson didn’t initially plan to pursue a degree in Computer Science. Instead, her interest developed unexpectedly.
“I actually found my way into Computer Science by accident,” she explains. “At New Century Technology High School, I originally planned to pursue engineering, but I ended up in a cybersecurity class that I didn’t particularly enjoy. What that class did give me, though, was my first exposure to coding and I quickly fell in love with it.”
Today, her focus on Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is driven by a desire to create meaningful change.
“I believe it’s important that we use AI responsibly, as a tool to improve lives and support our environment, rather than harm it, and I want to be part of shaping that future,” she emphasizes.
Hutchinson also reflects on the growing role of artificial intelligence in education and the workforce.
“As AI continues to advance, I see it as both a challenge and an opportunity," she explains. "On one hand, I do think there’s a risk that students may rely on AI too heavily and miss out on the value of self-actualization."
"Growth often comes from working through difficulty, and that’s something technology shouldn’t replace. However, I believe AI is a powerful tool. I use it in my daily life to make me more efficient and organized, especially with a busy schedule. It helps me refine my writing, create structured study plans, generate practice problems for students I tutor, and think through complex concepts. When used intentionally, AI doesn’t replace learning, but can enhance it."
Hutchinson explains that the future of Computer Science and AI will depend on how we choose to use it. “If we treat AI as a support system rather than a shortcut, it can expand access to knowledge, increase productivity, and help solve meaningful problems. As someone studying Computer Science and Data Science, I’m excited to help shape that balance while ensuring it doesn't harm our communities and environment.”
Drawn by its opportunities and environment, Hutchinson says UAH has played a key role in shaping her academic and professional direction.
“I knew I wanted to be in an environment that encouraged ambition and innovation,” she explains. “Over time, UAH became more than just a university; it became the place where I found my direction.”
As she prepares for graduation, Hutchinson’s goals center on combining technology, policy, and environmental research.
“After graduation, I hope to work in technology, policy, and environmental research,” she says. “With my background in Computer Science and focus on Data Science and AI, I want to help develop and apply technology in ways that positively impact communities and protect our environment.”
She also plans to pursue a master’s degree and hopes to become a certified yoga teacher, blending professional ambition with personal passion.
Throughout her journey, Hutchinson credits several mentors for helping shape her experience at UAH.
"Dr. Susan Friedman has meant so much to me during my time at UAH," she says. "As my Honors English professor, she fueled my love for reading and reminded me why storytelling and critical thinking matter. Outside of class, as the advisor for the Yoga Club, she has always encouraged me to pursue new ideas and opportunities. She’s the kind of professor who will always say yes to writing a recommendation letter and wants to see her students succeed. Her support and example are a big part of why I decided to pursue the path of gaining a yoga teaching certification.
She credits Jennifer Bradley, the Director of Academic Advising for the College of Science, for helping her get to UAH. "When she came to New Century Technology High School to work with students in the Cap and Gown program, she helped guide me through the college application process and introduced me to the idea of attending UAH."
"Even now," Hutchinson says, "She continues to be someone I can reach out to for advice."
She also credits Graduate Teaching Assistant Timothy McCorry for helping her navigate earning honors credit in a Data Structures course. "[He] is one of those professors who truly cares about his students," she says. "He also gave me honest, practical advice about getting involved in research and choosing classes for my Data Science concentration, which eased so much stress when I was planning my future. His focus on projects and collaboration pushed me to grow and made me more confident in my abilities as a Computer Science student."
“I’m really grateful for each of them. They’ve supported me in different ways, but together they’ve shaped my confidence, my direction, and the person I’m becoming."
For students considering Computer Science, Hutchinson encourages them to trust their journey.
“My biggest advice would be to trust your path and go for it! You don’t have to have everything figured out on day one,” she says. “So, have faith that everything happens for a reason and know the classes that challenge you, the moments of doubt, and even the paths that don’t work out are all part of shaping you into a stronger student and professional.”
With her combination of academic excellence, leadership, and passion for meaningful change, Hutchinson is already leaving a lasting mark at UAH and is set to carry that impact far beyond campus.
