ABOUT

Cathy Ly is a Program Assistant with GoSTEM, where she supports nonprofit operations, grant management, and STEM education initiatives in the Chicago area. She holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Northern Arizona University and is currently pursuing her M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction at DePaul University.

Cathy’s work bridges technology, education, and accessibility. She has conducted research on autism accessibility and software-based interventions, developing therapeutic video games and health technology tools that support occupational and physical therapy. Through her roles as a research assistant and game developer, she has collaborated with healthcare specialists, educators, and technologists to design inclusive solutions for diverse learners.

Beyond research, Cathy has extensive experience in program coordination and curriculum design. She has created computer science lesson plans, led educator professional development, and organized Game Jam events to engage students in coding and game design. Her nonprofit expertise includes grant writing, financial administration, and event planning to ensure program impact and sustainability.

Passionate about human-centered design, Cathy aims to leverage her background in accessibility, game development, and educational technology to expand opportunities for underrepresented communities in STEM.