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Eleanor Elkus

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Bio

I am a current sophomore at Tufts University studying computer science in the School of Engineering. Outside of computer science related interests, I also am very passionate about the environment, LGBTQIA+ issues, pottery, and rock climbing!

Education

Tufts University

Bachelor's degree program
2022 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Mathematics and Computer Science

Mountain Brook High School

High School
2019 - 2022

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Computer Science
    • Mathematics
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Computer Software

    • Dream career goals:

    • Barista

      Tamper Cafe
      2023 – Present1 year
    • Barista and Bread Salesperson

      Continental Bakery
      2022 – Present2 years

    Sports

    Climbing

    Club
    2022 – Present2 years

    Lacrosse

    Varsity
    2014 – 20228 years

    Awards

    • Alabama State Champions 2022
    • National Academic All American 2023
    • Coach's Award for Offensive Player 2023
    • Alabama State Champions 2021
    • Most Goals Scored 2018

    Arts

    • Tufts University

      Ceramics
      I have pictures of each piece made over the course of the semester
      2022 – 2022

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Collat Jewish Family Services of Birmingham — Volunteer
      2019 – 2022
    • Volunteering

      Greater Birmingham Humane Society — Help walk, bathe, and care for dogs of all breeds and behavioral status.
      2020 – 2022
    • Advocacy

      Alabama Environmental Youth Council — Educational Outreach Committee Leader and Sustainable Waste Committee Leader
      2020 – 2022

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Jacob Daniel Dumas Memorial Jewish Scholarship
    Ever since the start of my college application process, I have struggled to answer the never-ending questions of “What are you going to study? What are you going to do with your life?”. I have always thought of myself as being a very multifaceted student. Yes, I love math and science, but I also love to read and – perhaps more than anything – make ceramics and pottery. For a while, it felt wrong to say that one of these interests should hold more weight and importance in my life than the others. And it felt even more wrong to completely let go of something I love in favor of traditional education and career paths. So, I would dodge the questions, instead answering that “Oh, I’m looking at a couple different paths, but haven’t decided on a final one yet.” This continued for a couple of months but came to an abrupt end as soon as I took my first computer science class. To open the lecture, my professor showed us four pictures: the analytical engine, the very first VR headset, a new robot being used to assist in neurosurgeries, and a hypnotic drawing that was created using nothing but code. It was then that the incredible, unbounded applications of computer science hit me. I could use computer science to combine so many, if not all, of my other interests and hobbies. I can use it to detect changes in air pollution in response to increased road development in my town, and then use my findings to lobby for change. I can combine my love of art with my love of computer science by creating tactile, interactive paintings or sculptures that respond to touch and react in an endless number of ways. I can even apply computer science to my most devoted hobby, rock climbing! I could create an app that, when shown a climbing route, will explain the best beta (solution to complete the route) for varying heights of climbers. For the very first time, I never felt the dread of knowing my eventual career choice would place immovable bounds on what my life could be. Computer science was the first area of study that truly excited me from the start. And, a year into studying it full-time, has yet to stop bringing me that same excitement. Yes, I still love the satisfaction of solving a complex math problem or the enrichment that comes from reading a great novel. However, I can’t seem to top the exhilaration of knowing that the boundaries of what I can accomplish with computer science lie only in the limits of my thinking and my willingness to keep learning.