Reina Itakura: Outstanding Senior in Computer Science
Reina Itakura’s interest in computer science started as a family influence but quickly became something much more personal.
“My dad is a software engineer, so that’s initially why I chose computer science,” she said. “But what ultimately drew me in was math and joining the Davis Competitive Programming Club.”
That passion for theoretical problem-solving shaped much of Itakura’s time at UC Davis. Through competitive programming competitions, proof-based mathematics and computer science research, she found herself increasingly drawn to the challenge of tackling problems with no obvious solution.
Itakura credits much of her growth to mentors who helped guide her through both the technical and personal challenges of the field, particularly Slobodan Mitrović and Jasper Lee, both assistant professors of computer science.
Mitrović was the faculty advisor for the Davis Competitive Programming Club, which competes in the International Collegiate Programming Contest, or ICPC, and provided research mentorship that helped deepen her interest in theoretical computer science. Meanwhile, Lee helped her develop skills in writing proofs, teaching and communication.
“I wouldn’t be where I am right now without them,” she said.
Some of Itakura’s favorite memories at UC Davis came through the ICPC competitions themselves, especially the 2024 Pacific Northwest Regional Contest, where her team qualified for nationals, and the 2025 North America Championship.
She also helped organize Davis’ version of the competition, the Aggie Competitive Programming Contest, for all four years of her undergraduate education. Itakura wrote, set and tested problems for the competition and helped run the contest. The contest supported the Davis Competitive Programming Club’s goal of spreading competitive programming among fellow students, local high school students and other competitive programmers in the area.
For Itakura, the competitions represented more than technical achievement. They reflected the excitement of collaborative problem-solving and the sense of community built through shared challenges.
After graduation, Itakura plans to continue pursuing theoretical computer science research through a Ph.D. program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Generative AI tools were used to assist in organizing and drafting this Outstanding Senior Spotlight using responses from a student-submitted questionnaire. In alignment with the University of California Responsible AI Principles, human members of UC Davis College of Engineering communications staff reviewed, revised, fact-checked and approved the final story to ensure accuracy and authentically reflect the student’s experiences and achievements.