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Elisa Zhang

1,535

Bold Points

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Finalist

Bio

I am interested in the intersection between technology and public policy. Specifically, I want to use my expertise as an artificial intelligence and cybersecurity researcher to help governments develop secure and ethical technology. I was admitted to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), so I will likely pursue these goals at MIT. These past three years, I've conducted computer science research with George Mason University. I presented my research projects as the only high schooler at two top-tier international conferences in academia. Additionally, I was selected as a 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search Finalist (top 40 nationwide in the most prestigious STEM competition for high school seniors) for my research on automated code repair. I have also conducted AI policy research with a state government, and led an intern team to propose an AI training data transparency bill which has been filed in the 2025 Legislative Session. In addition, I've won numerous math awards, such as qualifying for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination 3 times and winning 6th place in the Mathleague's National Sprint Round. Due to my outstanding accomplishments, I've been chosen as a candidate for the US Presidential Scholars Program, established by the Executive Order of the President. In the future, I hope to become a professor who creates widely applicable computing systems that align with public policy and ethical principles. Ultimately, through my research, I aim to inform and advise government agencies in solving diverse challenges for technology users across the nation.

Education

Dougherty Valley High School

High School
2021 - 2025

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Majors of interest:

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

    • Dream career field:

      Computer Software

    • Dream career goals:

      I hope to become a professor who collaborates with the government to ensure cutting-edge technology is deployed in a secure and ethical way.

    • I was a paid research intern. I competed with my research lab in the AI Cyber Challenge National Semifinals and published a first author research poster at a top-ranked cybersecurity conference.

      George Mason University
      2024 – 2024

    Sports

    Dancing

    Intramural
    2012 – 202513 years

    Awards

    • 2022 Starbound National Talent Competition: 2nd Overall High Score Soloist
    • 2020 McDonalds Selznick Associates (MSA) Agency Award
    • 2024 Headliners Dance Competition: "Immersive Artist" Solo Judge's Choice Award
    • 2024 Starbound Talent Competition: 1st Overall High Score Soloist

    Research

    • Computer Science

      George Mason University — Research intern
      2024 – Present
    • Computer Science

      George Mason University — Research intern
      2022 – 2023

    Arts

    • Tri Valley Dance Academy

      Dance
      12 solos, 30+ group dances
      2012 – Present

    Public services

    • Public Service (Politics)

      House of Delegates — Individual Research Intern; Intern Team Leader
      2024 – 2024
    • Volunteering

      Promoting Leadership in Aspiring Youth Math Subgroup — Teacher ('22-present); Co-president ('24-present); Subgroup Leader ('23-'24)
      2022 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Promoting Leadership in Aspiring Youth — External Vice President ('24-'25); Chief of Marketing ('23-'24); Youth Leader ('22-'23)
      2022 – Present

    Future Interests

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Entrepreneurship

    Elisa Zhang Student Profile | Bold.org