
Hobbies and interests
Dance
Research
Public Policy
Coding And Computer Science
Community Service And Volunteering
Artificial Intelligence
Coffee
Reading
Academic
Fantasy
Science Fiction
Realistic Fiction
I read books multiple times per week
Elisa Zhang
1,535
Bold Points1x
Finalist
Elisa Zhang
1,535
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
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 SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Majors of interest:
- Computer Science
- Mathematics and Computer Science
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 University2024 – 2024
Sports
Dancing
Intramural2012 – 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 intern2024 – PresentComputer Science
George Mason University — Research intern2022 – 2023
Arts
Tri Valley Dance Academy
Dance12 solos, 30+ group dances2012 – Present
Public services
Public Service (Politics)
House of Delegates — Individual Research Intern; Intern Team Leader2024 – 2024Volunteering
Promoting Leadership in Aspiring Youth Math Subgroup — Teacher ('22-present); Co-president ('24-present); Subgroup Leader ('23-'24)2022 – PresentVolunteering
Promoting Leadership in Aspiring Youth — External Vice President ('24-'25); Chief of Marketing ('23-'24); Youth Leader ('22-'23)2022 – Present