Applicant's name *
Manocha, Aninda
Applicant's email address *
manocha15a@ncssm.edu
AREA OF RESEARCH INTEREST: Describe, as specifically as you can, the
area or areas in which you would like to have a mentor and what you would
hope to be doing at the mentorship site. *
I am interested in mathematics (both pure and applied mathematics),
computer science, computational sciences and chemistry. There are research areas
that combine one or more of these subjects. For example, many applications in
computer science use L-systems from mathematical complex systems to simulate
natural phenomena, such as generating visual images of plants or trees. I hope to
work with an expert or experienced individual in one or more of these fields to
learn from them, enhance my knowledge of the field(s) and create a research
project that demonstrates the knowledge I’ve gained. My goal would be to publish
a paper on my research project.
RELEVANT COURSE WORK IN YOUR AREA OF RESEARCH
INTEREST: List those courses you have taken in high school which you
think best support the area(s) in which you would like a Mentorship. *
I have taken many relevant courses, including AP Calculus BC
(Advanced Precalculus before this), AP Statistics, Discrete Mathematics,
Multivariable Calculus, Differential Equations, Honors Chemistry, Honors
Biology, AP Computer Science, and Data Structures I. I am currently taking
Introduction to Complex Systems, AP Chemistry with Advanced Topics, and
Data Structures II.
BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE/LEVEL OF INTEREST IN RESEARCH
TOPIC: Describe what you know about your area of study and why you're
passionate about doing work in this area. Please include what you have done
to support your interest in this area - in addition to the course work
described above (i.e., summer programs, personal reading, etc)? *
Computer Science: I am an experienced programmer and am fluent in the
programming languages Java and JavaScript. I am currently learning Python as a
third language. I am passionate about Computer Science because computers have
become ubiquitous and are used in all aspects of life. For example, computer
science is used to simulate objects or create animations that are often used in
games, animated movies, user interfaces, or media application. Being skilled in
Computer Science also enhances one’s problem solving abilities and logic. Last
summer, I worked with a professor at UNC-Chapel Hill in Computer Science to
develop a game for children with literacy disabilities. I learned how to code in
JavaScript as well as how to work with a game engine called ImpactJS and
generated appropriate user-interfaces. This experience expanded my knowledge
of programming and game development, as well as exploring new applications of
technologies.
Math: I have taken several different courses in Mathematics, such as Calculus,
Statistics, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus, Discrete Mathematics,
and currently, Introduction to Complex Systems. Math has always been my
strength and I have developed a passion for it. I therefore want to dive deeper into
Mathematics and be able to apply my knowledge. Mathematics can also be
combined with Computer Science as the two often go hand in hand. Coding often
involves logic that comes from Discrete Mathematics, and Complex Systems can
be used to simulate many natural phenomena or generate visual images for
computer graphics. I took both Multivariable Calculus and Discrete Mathematics
at UNC-Chapel Hill with other college students when I was not required to, in
order to pursue my interests in math.
Chemistry: I am knowledgeable in various topics in chemistry that come from
both Honors and AP Chemistry. I am interested in chemistry because of its
applications in the real world. Chemistry can explain why bodies sometimes act
the way they do (for example, why an upset stomach occurs). Foods contain
different types of molecules and compounds and chemistry can explain why
certain foods do or do not mix well. As a member of Science Olympiad, I have
also used knowledge from chemistry to participate in various events. For
example, I have participated in Forensics, where I had to identify certain powders
based off their behaviors with other compounds.
OTHER RELEVANT SKILLS/INTERESTS/ABILITIES: List any special
skills, interests or abilities you have that might be useful in a Mentorship,
such as programming languages, proficiency in a foreign language, statistics,
competence with a special lab technique or piece of equipment,
communication skills, etc. *
I have taken AP Statistics and therefore am knowledgeable of statistics
(various significance tests and probability). I am experienced in programming and
know Java, JavaScript, and am currently learning Python. I have always been
good with computers and am very familiar with software packages such as Word,
Powerpoint, Excel, and Publisher. I use these software often for classes and
presentations. I am additionally familiar with various pieces of lab equipment,
such as pipettes, analytical balances, hot plates, and other measuring devices since
I’ve worked in the lab several times for AP Chemistry and Physics.
List your extracurricular activities and how you plan to balance Mentorship
and your other commitments at NCSSM. *
I play sports and participate in Varsity Tennis, Indoor and Outdoor Track.
While I am a member of an athletic team each trimester, I participate for health
and fitness reasons, and I also enjoy the sports I play. However, I will always
place academics before athletics by missing practices whenever necessary
because I strongly value education and joined NCSSM for a better education and
research experiences. I am also a member of the Science Olympiad team, but the
meetings for this club do not conflict with mentorship since they are held on
Thursday nights. However, I will do all work required for mentorship before
attending to this club.
Describe a significant learning endeavor you have experienced and how you
have benefited.*
This past summer, I worked with a professor at UNC-Chapel Hill and was
challenged to develop a game using a new game engine and programming
language that I knew hardly anything about. The goal of the game is to benefit
children with literacy disabilities. My goal was to write a Pacman-style game
where Pacman would eat letters in order to spell out a given word instead of
eating pills. With increasing levels of difficulty, Pacman could start off only
having to eat the letters, but then eventually have to eat them in a particular order.
I dedicated tens of hours to learn about the game engine as well as learning how
to program in JavaScript. In the end, I learned a new programming language,
expanded my knowledge of computer science, became familiar with a new game
engine, and better understood game development. I can now expand my game in
different aspects, where not only children with disabilities can use it, but also
teachers can use it to improve the spelling abilities of their students.
Explain your reasons for wanting to participate in the NCSSM Mentorship
Program. What are your goals for yourself if you are selected for
mentorship?
I want to participate in the NCSSM Mentorship Program because I would
like to have the opportunity to work with an expert in a field or fields that I am
interested in and be able to explore that field (or fields) more deeply. Ultimately, I
would like to do research and create a research project accompanied by a research
paper.
If accepted into the Mentorship Program, do you commit to making
Mentorship a priority by putting athletics and other extracurricular
activities AFTER REQUIRED ATTENDANCE FOR MENTORSHIP. *
o
Yes
o
No
o
Provide the name of a teacher at NCSSM that I can contact to discuss your
ability to work independently and your potential to be successful in
Mentorship. *
Teacher's Last name, First name
Teague, Dan (Math) or Boyarsky, Sam (Computer Science)
List any questions you have regarding the Mentorship Program.