Madhu Sivaraj

academics

Studying at Olde Queens since 2008.

Rutgers University

Junior pursuing a BS in Computer Science and BA in Cognitive Science; graduating in May 2021

Honors & Awards

A listed of accolades received during my time at Rutgers

Graduate Work

Taking courses in the Graduate Department of Computer Science to enrich learning and take advantage of courses offered at Rutgers

Summers @ RU

Fell in love with books at age 7 via Rutgers' Reading Skills program; enrolled in an undergrad course during Summer'15

Undergrad Research

Currently researching ways to quantify different emotions at the Deep Data Lab; Previously at RUCCS Lab of Vision Rearch with Dr. Aks

RLC Peer Tutor

Tutoring peers in various topics including computer science, mathematics, and French at the Rutgers Learning Center

leadership

Select community involvements.

Women in CS

President and ex-Treasurer, of Rutgers Women in Computer Science

Blueprint

Founder and President of Rutgers' first design club, where art and code unite

% Project

Campus Director of Philly-based non-profit, striving to achieve tech equity

RUSA

Incoming Chairman of RUSA Allocations Board (2020-2021); currently Secretary

HackRU

Director of HackRU, the 2nd oldest student-run hackathon in the nation

HackHERS

Director of Rutgers' women-centric hackathon, currently in its 6th year

RUMAD

Executive Board and Backend Mentor of Mobile App Development Club

SASHP

Ambassador and Student Advisory Board Member of Rutgers Honors Program

ABCS

Co-founder of Advisory Board of Computer Scientists, working to unite clubs

service

Give where you live.

Omega Phi Alpha

National Board/Chapter Tech Officer/ Sister of National Service Sorority since Spring 2018. Helping RU, NB, and Earth.

RUniteCS

Ambassador in the inaugural cohort of RUniteCS, a K12 outreach program to spark interest in CS in middle school students.

Rutgers SDOS

Site leader and volunteer for RUPA's Scarlet Day of Service, the largest bi-annual service event in New Jersey.

FIRST Robotics

Some personal service initiatives I led before starting college which *may* involve Rutgers.

character

Sum of all the qualities that make you who you are.

Family

I am who I am because of the people I surround myself with. This includes my family and best friends - some I found at Rutgers, whether it be in the communal bathrooms of Brett Hall, classes, clubs, social events, or even the CAVE.

Truth

I'm known by many as one who sticks to her word and never lies. This is true as whenever I set my mind to something, I try my very best to accomplish it. In addition, I always seek to do the right thing and while this may be my fatal flaw, I never stop until I find it.

Animals

Fun fact: I was named after my dad's lucky dog, Madhu. I love animals, although I am ironically terribly afraid of them. I hope that I can one day get over my irrational fear, but in the meantime, I advocate for animal welfare. I've been a vegetarian for the past 6 years (vegan for 2 of them) and donate to PETA every month to help support animal (I just got my Monthly Member card). Once I graduate college and get over my fear, I want to rescue a dog.

Spectemur Agendo

Let us be judged by our acts

Douglass College for Women

History

Description

My journey to Rutgers started at age 8 when I would spend summers reading on Douglass campus. I joined the Douglass College for Women in its 100th year and am so greatful for all the opportunities the college has given me, including scholarships and networking opportunities. Since 1918, this institution has focused entirely on the success and advancement of college women and I am honored to be a part of it.

As President of Women in Computer Science, I work with the Douglass Project to host HackHERS, Rutgers' annual women-centric hackathon which hosts 500+ people over 24hrs. Working with my team to throw this event has been one of the highlights of my college experience. HackHERS turns 6 on February 22nd.

Site

douglass.rutgers.edu and ruhackhers.org

The CAVE (CS Club HQ)

Spirit

Description

My Rutgers spirit and pride comes from the family I found in Hill 252, affectionately known as the CAVE. I was introduced to the community as a freshman and by regularly going to the CAVE to study and work on projects, I found my project partners, mentors, and best friends.

For the past three years, I have been working with my CS orgs to build a strong, inclusive, non-toxic tech community with a vast alumni network, to allow future students to find their home at Rutgers. By working with the CS Department and SAS Executive Dean's office, I try to improve retention rates in tech by building a sense of spirit, pride, and community at our home, the CAVE.

Site/Socials

hackru.org | rutgerswics.org | rumad.club | instagram.com/rutgersblueprint

Rutgers University Student Assembly

Tradition

Description

My favorite tradition has been giving back to my alma mater and improving our Rutgers community through my invovement with student governement. As Secretary of RUSA Allocations, I help promote and support diversity of programming made available to all Rutgers Students through the fair and efficient use of the student activity fee. RUSA Allocations provides over a $1.5 million dollars worth of program funding to over 450 different organizations at Rutgers University New Brunswick campus.

My involvement with RUSA has been the biggest highlight of my journey at Rutgers. Most of my college experiences have been tech-related but my work with RUSA has allowed me to branch out and connect with students involved in various cultures, pre-professional fields, and interests. I enjoy combining my passions for finance and policy to develop a more transparent allocations process and working with organizations to ensure they can host events that benefit and educate the Rutgers community. I am excited to get back to school and continue serving the 450+ organizations on-campus and support even more events.

Site

rusaallocations.com