Lomash Sharma
Informatics
Q: Please share any additional academic plans (dual degree, research focus, minor, specialization, etc.) you may be pursuing.
A: I am majoring in Informatics with departmental honors and focus areas of Biomedical & Health Informatics and Information Management.
Q: Please tell us about your background and why you decided to come to the iSchool.
A: I grew up in India, navigating the complexities of technology access, multilingual communication and rapidly evolving digital infrastructures. The Informatics program at the iSchool felt like a natural fit, offering a blend of technical skill-building and social impact. I came here to explore how information and technology can be used to solve real-world problems, especially in underserved and global contexts.
Q: What excites you about the information field?
A: I’m excited by the sheer versatility and relevance of the information field. Whether it’s technology, health, education, governance or climate, information plays a central role. I’m particularly drawn to how this field empowers us to meet people’s evolving information needs while also shaping policies, systems and technologies that drive meaningful, positive change. It’s a space where innovation meets impact.
Q: What about your iSchool journey thus far are you most proud of?
A: I’m most proud of my leadership with iSchool student groups like iQueeries, where I’ve worked to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for students at the iSchool. Being part of community-driven efforts to make our school more welcoming and equitable has been deeply rewarding and has helped me grow as both a leader and a collaborator.
Q: What’s been your favorite iSchool course or learning experience (e.g., directed fieldwork, research project, etc.)?
A: One of my most impactful academic experiences has been completing my departmental honors project through INFO 478: Population Health Informatics. I analyzed U.S. flu vaccination data from 2019-2023 to identify demographic factors influencing vaccine uptake and disparities. This project combined my interests in data analysis, health equity and policy, and it gave me first-hand experience using information to address real-world public health challenges.