For DonorsFor Applicants
user profile avatar

Erika Hamilton

1,425

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

Triple STEM major. Quite passionate about the universe, and the language it chooses to speak in. I would love to build software enabling a modern, tangible approach to STEM teaching. An approach that bridges tenacious types with the genius type. It is exciting to think about what space and nature may have to teach us with new enthusiasm and precise, but modern, formalism in conceptualizing STEM topics.

Education

College of Charleston

Bachelor's degree program
2016 - 2022
  • Majors:
    • Computational Science
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics

College of Charleston

Bachelor's degree program
2016 - 2021
  • Majors:
    • Computer Science

College of Charleston

Bachelor's degree program
2016 - 2022
  • Majors:
    • Physics

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Computational Astrophysics

    • Dream career goals:

      Software Engineer, Computer Software

    • Math Tutor

      Trident Technical College
      2017 – Present7 years
    • Cafe Concerige

      Mercantile and Mash
      2021 – Present3 years
    • Shift Lead

      Mellow Mushroom
      2015 – 20205 years

    Research

    • Astronomy and Astrophysics

      College of Charleston — Assistant
      2019 – 2019

    Arts

    • York Cougar Band

      Performance Art
      2012 – 2016
    SkipSchool Scholarship
    The universe speaks a beautifully intricate way, mathematics. Geometry and the arts are so deeply intertwined, it often goes unnoticed. I believe the world of art and math are often in miscommunication, and when applied together in a tangible way-I believe that is the true masterpiece to unlocking our full potential.
    Learner Education Women in Mathematics Scholarship
    Logical and creative thinking have long been dichotomized. Left-side thinkers are considered to process interactions logically; right-side thinkers process conceptually with creative flair. It wasn't until halfway through my pre-calculus math requirement for my digital art degree, that I realized this was a giant myth. That day, I abandoned my dream of being an artist and became a triple STEM major, diving head-first into a language completely foreign to me. I declared a Physics, Astronomy, and Computer Science BA. I won't lie, mathematics has historically been a rough subject for me. Growing up, I was always fascinated with the stars, but found more practical interest within art. In high school, I took pre-calculus, but had undiagnosed ADHD at the time, and could hardly bring myself to study. Mathematics is a language, and it takes thorough practice, set routine, and countless hours to actually begin to understand. I found comfort in doing what I knew, and web programming was quite easy for me to pick up. Being a first-generation student, I was just happy to settle on a degree rather than thoroughly explore my interests. Upon arriving at college, I quickly understood the minimal-study habits I had been able to excel within my high school level curriculum were not going to cut it. Pre-calculus was the first class I'd ever been failing, and I was panicking. I found myself studying heavily, meeting with tutors, attending office hours, and within this panic and desire to understand, I finally understood. I had never actually attempted to learn mathematics as a language, but only as memorizing formulas and applying brute-force logic. It is all about the effort, not the pre-existing 'genius', or lack thereof. In this discovery, I have been able to rekindle my eternal curiosity for the world that surrounds us, by finally accepting, 'listening', and comprehending the language in which the universe speaks. It is unfathomable what may come as technology continues to grow. It is my hope that I may be able to create modern educational software enabling public STEM understanding to no longer be strictly tied to the "genius", but those who work hard. To those who do not practice until they get it right, but the ones who continue to practice until they can't get it wrong.