Student Snapshot: Elly Do '22

Elly Do '22, a double major in computer science and mathematics at Dickinson College.

Elly Do ’22 is a double major in computer science and mathematics who hails from Vietnam. She’s the 2021 recipient of the Howard Lane Rubendall Senior Scholarship, a prestigious award bestowed annually to a rising senior who has demonstrated “the highest distinction in the areas of leadership, scholarship and service” at Dickinson. 

Hometown:  

Hanoi, Vietnam. 

Majors:  

Computer science and mathematics. 

Clubs and organizations:   

Department of Resident Life & Housing (RA), Inclusivity in STEM Committee and Computer Science and Mathematics Major Committee. 

Honors/scholarships/awards:  

American Mathematical Society Student Membership Award, David Long Memorial Scholarship for Music Performance Studies, Forrest E. Craver Memorial Prize in Mathematics and 2021 Howard Lane Rubendall Senior Scholarship. 

Favorite book:  

Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg.  

Favorite movie:  

Parasite. 

Best thing about my Dickinson experience:  

At Dickinson, I am fortunate to have good friends and supportive professors. I have learned a lot from them, and they have helped me become a better version of myself.  

Favorite place on campus:  

Adams Hall.   

Favorite Dining Hall food:  

Chocolate flourless cake.  

Best thing about my major:  

Both the computer science and mathematics introductory courses include lab work, where students are usually paired up and work together. I think doing the lab assignment is a good way for us to truly understand the theoretical concepts. Besides, through the lab, classmates can get to know each other more. My lab partners and I have become good friends.  

As I kid, I wanted to be … 

… a scientist.  

Post-Dickinson plans:  

I plan to enroll in a mathematics Ph.D. program to continue my mathematical study. I am intrigued by the fascinating application and the beauty of the logic behind mathematical proofs. Because of this, I would like to spend more time exploring mathematics and delve into my mathematical field of interest.  

Little-known hobby/talent:  

I do digital arts. I like the arts, especially drawing and painting digitally. With a portable tablet, I can easily do arts in different places.  

Proudest accomplishment so far:  

At the beginning of the fall 2021 semester I received the 2021 Howard Lane Rubendall Senior Scholarship. It is the most prestigious honor awarded annually by the president of the college to a rising senior who has demonstrated the highest distinction in the areas of leadership, scholarship and service at Dickinson. 

On studying abroad:  

Because of the pandemic, I was not able to have a chance to travel internationally to study abroad in a different country during my junior year, but I did participate in the online Budapest Semesters in Mathematics (BSM) program, which is designed for North American undergraduates. I took that course concurrently with my full-time study at Dickinson. The coursework was challenging, and it gave me an opportunity to practice my mathematical problem-solving and proof-writing skills.  

Most important thing I’ve learned so far:  

Mental health is as important as physical health. Over the summer between my junior and senior year, I learned to understand that and to build more productive habits that help nurture my mental well-being. I also learned the importance of maintaining good habits. Doing a set of good habits consistently can increase our chances of achieving our goals and help us to improve the quality of our lives.

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Published December 15, 2021