ESP Biography



RAMYA AYYAGARI, ESP Teacher




Major: Computer Science

College/Employer: Stanford

Year of Graduation: 2024

Picture of Ramya Ayyagari

Brief Biographical Sketch:

Not Available.



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

X7949: Should Governments Pay for Cancer? in Splash Spring 2024 (May. 18 - 19, 2024)
In the U.S., we pay a lot for healthcare: in fact, we have the highest healthcare spending in the world, but arguably worse outcomes than our developed partners. Given resource constraints, governments must decide what sicknesses and populations to prioritize when designing their healthcare systems. In this class, we’ll dive into the mechanics of creating a healthcare system and investigate who pays for healthcare, where money is invested, and how health policy intersects with innovation in the medtech space.


S8028: Do No Harm: Why Medical Ethics Matters in Splash Spring 2024 (May. 18 - 19, 2024)
We will be discussing hard-hitting questions at the intersection of healthcare and ethics. Delving into various case studies in media, popular culture, and biomedical research, we will explore the importance of patient advocacy and autonomy in ensuring high-quality medical care. Come and learn what we owe to each other and why ethics is a key element in any discipline. Disclaimer: We will be discussing heavy topics in healthcare, including potentially terminal illness and death.


C8029: Chatting about Chat: An Exploration of AI Technology and Ethics in Splash Spring 2024 (May. 18 - 19, 2024)
What do we gain, and–perhaps more importantly–what can we lose from the use of AI in our daily lives? In this course, we will examine the technology behind popular AI tools like ChatGPT and discuss the ethical implications of their use. Through industry case studies, multimedia examples, and focused conversations and activities, you will be challenged to evaluate the role of AI in your life.


X7899: Should Governments Pay for Cancer? in Splash Fall 2023 (Dec. 02 - 03, 2023)
In the U.S., we pay a lot for healthcare: in fact, we have the highest healthcare spending in the world, but arguably worse outcomes than our developed partners. Given resource constraints, governments must decide what sicknesses and populations to prioritize when designing their healthcare systems. In this class, we’ll dive into the mechanics of creating a healthcare system and investigate who pays for healthcare, where money is invested, and how health policy intersects with innovation in the medtech space.


S7909: Do No Harm: Why Medical Ethics Matters in Splash Fall 2023 (Dec. 02 - 03, 2023)
We will be discussing hard-hitting questions at the intersection of healthcare and ethics. Delving into various case studies in media, popular culture, and biomedical research, we will explore the importance of patient advocacy and autonomy in ensuring high-quality medical care. Come and learn what we owe to each other and why ethics is a key element in any discipline. Disclaimer: We will be discussing heavy topics in healthcare, including potentially terminal illness and death.


S7851: Do No Harm: Why Medical Ethics Matters in Splash Spring 2023 (May. 20 - 21, 2023)
We will be discussing hard-hitting questions at the intersection of healthcare and ethics. Delving into various case studies in media, popular culture, and biomedical research, we will explore the importance of patient advocacy and autonomy in ensuring high-quality medical care. Come and learn what we owe to each other and why ethics is a key element in any discipline. Disclaimer: We will be discussing heavy topics in healthcare, including potentially terminal illness and death.


X7859: Should Governments Pay for Cancer? in Splash Spring 2023 (May. 20 - 21, 2023)
In the U.S., we pay a lot for healthcare: in fact, we have the highest healthcare spending in the world, but arguably worse outcomes than our developed partners. Given resource constraints, governments must decide what sicknesses and populations to prioritize when designing their healthcare systems. In this class, we’ll dive into the mechanics of creating a healthcare system and investigate who pays for healthcare, where money is invested, and how health policy intersects with innovation in the medtech space.


L7800: The Philosophy of Film: Groundhog Day in Splash Fall 2022 (Dec. 03 - 04, 2022)
[content warning: this movie is rated PG but involves sexually suggestive dialogue, suicide attempts in fantasy contexts, and mild profanity. Viewer discretion is advised.] What makes a fulfilling life? How does one escape from the routine of reality? What defines human existence? For centuries, philosophers have struggled with these basic questions. In this class, we will attempt to answer them by watching the 1993 film Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray. The class will consist of a movie screening, followed by an in-class discussion of philosophical topics in the film. Popcorn and snacks will be provided.


S7801: Do No Harm: Why Medical Ethics Matter in Splash Fall 2022 (Dec. 03 - 04, 2022)
We will be discussing hard-hitting questions at the intersection of healthcare and ethics. Delving into various case studies in media, popular culture, and biomedical research, we will explore the importance of patient advocacy and autonomy in ensuring high-quality medical care. Come and learn what we owe to each other and why ethics is a key element in any discipline. No experience required! Disclaimer: We will be discussing heavy topics in healthcare, including potentially terminal illness and death.