I’m Andrea “Andy” Silva, a student, founder, researcher and writer
I work at the intersection of neuroscience, technology, storytelling, and education; studying how humans think, adapt, and stay human in a rapidly accelerating world.
Designing technology responsibly begins with understanding the human mind
Selected Projects
Selected work across research, writing, and education
I have allowed myself to explore during my undergraduate career. All of the different disciplines I’ve learned have taught me something essential for my research, and have guided me one step closer to the kind of questions I want to answer in my work. It happened not with a complete switch from one area to the other, but by recognizing the gaps in my knowledge, and stacking each discipline on top of each other, building a tower of knowledge where each area I have explored is constantly interacting with rest. I believe this synergy between disciplines is precisely where innovation happens.
Commencement Address: Distinguished Graduate (Valencia College)
I was selected as Distinguished Graduate at Valencia College, my transfer institution, and invited to deliver the commencement address. In this speech, I reflect on ambition, resilience, and the responsibility that comes with education, especially for students building futures bigger than what they were originally given.
Selected Awards and Honors
HACU Ford Fund Scholarship ($5,500)
National scholarship recognizing academic excellence and strong co-curricular involvement.
Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund (HHSF) Scholarship ($5,000)
Scholarship recognizing academic excellence and leadership. View Bio
MIT Summer Research Program Fall Extension Award ($2,000)
Selected for an extended research appointment at MIT beyond the summer term. View MIT Profile
Valencia College Distinguished Graduate ($2,000)
Highest institutional honor; selected to deliver the commencement address. View Press Release
Women’s Executive Council of Orlando Scholarship
Scholarship supporting high-achieving women in Central Florida. View Recipient Announcement
Best in Show — UCF Amy Zeh High-Impact Practice Student Showcase
Top recognition for undergraduate research presentation.
Seneff Honors College Leadership Award
Awarded for exceptional leadership and academic excellence.
Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program
Selected for federally funded doctoral preparation program with intensive research training.