We’ve all heard a great deal about algorithms in recent years, but few of us understand them much, if at all. Tessy, whereas most students in artificial intelligence simply read about the algorithm, and perhaps another very small select few implement the algorithm in a meaningful project, you took extra steps to find an elegant way to show how the algorithm changes, converges, and reaches a fixed point solution in a finite number of steps. Your nominator said, “It was truly a work of aesthetic and mathematical beauty.”
But you also connected the aesthetics of your computer science major to being an inaugural member of Denison’s varsity fencing team, including sabre squad captain, and simply as a fantastic role model for the team. Likewise, as the president of the Women in Mathematics and Computer Science group, you have been a role model not just for women, but for all the students in the department, one of six Computer Science Department Fellows as a sign of your academic ability and overall contributions to the department. Your careful and thoughtful deliberations on the University Honor Committee are an example for all Denisonians, as you have been a leader in the quiet work of upholding academic integrity on our campus.
In athletics, you have been recognized as a Top 50 Scholar Athlete every year of your college career, including receiving the Ted Barclay Top 5 award in your first year, which was also the first year for varsity fencing. Your professors, coaches, and teammates all agree your impact will be felt for many years to come. You’ve built foundations on which others will build, and for that we honor you as a President’s Medalist.