Research, Responsibility, and Possibilities by Seehanah

Research, Responsibility, and Possibilities by Seehanah - May 2021 Scholarship Essay

Drawn to harnessing the power of computer science to solve real-world problems, I pursued a research internship with MIT Sloan’s Professor Bertsimas last summer to build predictive models for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) recurrence and survival.

I had some foundation through AP Computer Science and the online MIT Data Analytics course I had completed, but this was my first time applying any computer science to a real-world problem. This was also personally important to me given that both my dad and grandpa passed away due to cancer.

I rose to the challenge, learning to balance research with family responsibilities, music, and my studies. Professor Bertsimas’s confidence in my abilities helped me to recognize my own potential to succeed in this area, inspiring me to continue exploring my passion for CS and machine learning. Beyond learning various algorithms and predictive tools (XGBoost, Optimal Classification Trees, SHAP), I learned how to pitch ideas and communicate effectively. Alongside my growing proficiency in various machine-learning tools, data analysis, and creating predictive models, I was grateful to have the opportunity to contribute something so personally meaningful to society at large.

I hope to expand my research and apply my learnings to the prediction and prevention of Alzheimer’s. Having interned at the Cornell Genomics Lab, where I handled and sequenced DNA and RNA, and taken a Neuroscience class at the Columbia Science Honors program, I would love to explore the intersection of computer science and biomedical engineering to tackle Alzheimer’s, one of the most challenging medical conditions we face as the life expectancy of the human population rises.

These experiences have revealed the infinite possibilities for research within engineering that I have yet to explore. I am eager to continue my multidisciplinary journey at college and pursue opportunities to apply engineering to solve meaningful medical or technical problems.