In the latest episode of the freeCodeCamp podcast, host Quincy Larson interviews Rachel An Fernandez, a computer science student at Stanford University who holds the distinction of being the youngest instructor on campus. Fernandez recently played a key role in organizing TreeHacks, Stanford's annual hackathon, which saw over 15,000 applicants vying for just 1,000 spots. Participants built innovative projects over a single weekend, competing for a million dollars in prizes.
Fernandez shares insights on information security, artificial intelligence, and the methods used to catch cheaters in academic settings. She also discusses her journey from student to instructor and the challenges of balancing rigorous coursework with teaching responsibilities. The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of tech education and the importance of hands-on experience in fields like cybersecurity and AI.