From Space X's Falcon 9 to IBM's Watson, computers are changing the face of health, travel and work. Shaping the future of humanity and how we interact with the world around us.
IBM's Watson for instance can now diagnose some cancers better than experts; the possibility that, in the near future, computers will diagnose and treat ailments effectively is a testament to the possibilities of computing. I am fascinated by their rate of progress; fundamentals in mathematical reasoning and logic; and potential to solve many of the world's most difficult problems.
My passion for computing originated at a young age, whilst experimenting with HTML. Finding coding empowering I found myself learning Python through online tutorials, and using these skills to develop a multiplication learning program for children, and a GUI encrypting decrypting program, alongside other smaller programs. I enjoyed coding and creating software, and this along with many other experiences sparked my passion for computer science. My flare for computing grew further through Harvard's CS50 course which introduced me to the fundamental logic behind computers and artificial intelligence which I found interesting due to the scope of their future applications. This fascination coupled with the recent developments in Google Deep Mind has further solidified my interest in computing as I find it phenomenal that computers can mimic human learning, reasoning and creativity. This was the catalyst for my EPQ on the controversial issue of whether A.I. is a force of good or bad. My initial hypothesis was that A.I will be a force of good, provided that it is used conservatively, and my research into the deeper social and economic impacts has proved this hypothesis correct.
During the summer of 2015 I attended the Imperial College Summer School for computing. The course allowed me to strengthen my enthusiasm for computing, by exposing me to Haskell, fundamental cryptography and recent developments in the field, to name a few. For instance we learnt about the use of computer vision in the Dyson 360 Eye and machine learning in robotics, which I look forward to studying further. The course allowed me to gain a deeper appreciation for the field and its impact on our lives. My A-Level subjects, Maths, Further Maths and Physics have allowed me to develop my problem-solving skills, allowing me to tackle problems more logically and abstractly. In my free time I enjoy solving mathematical and logic based puzzles, which has led me to attend the Kings Factor Maths Club. The program has allowed me to explore maths above the A-Level specification, allowing me to develop my mathematical reasoning and problem solving skills.
At my secondary school, I was the Head Boy and was a senior prefect at my sixth form. As Head Boy, I often had to give speeches and presentations to students and parents, whilst organising fellow students and events. This experience alongside the NCS program has helped me to develop my communication and team working skills which will be beneficial in the various group projects throughout the course. Outside of academia, I enjoy swimming and playing badminton, alongside solving puzzles and learning about the world.
During my gap year I look forward to travelling to different countries and exploring the world around me, as well as volunteering at local charities and working as a sales assistant. I have also begun learning java and expanding my understanding of the fundamentals of computer science and hope to apply my skills to create my first android app, which will allow me to me communicate with my friends by text and recorded speech. I hope to learn more advanced topics such as databases and protocols by completing this project.
I hope that my experience and interests outline above, have demonstrated my flair and dedication for the course; I am a hardworking, motivated student who will thrive in a computer science degree and all other aspects of university life.