CompSci 108 - Fall 2009
Joe Levy's (Chevy Chase, MD) Page
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Nickname: Joe
Hobbies: Wrestling, Video games, Hanging out with friends, computers
Graduation Year: 2012
Other Courses: AMES 170, Italian 63, EOS 11
Favorite Webpages: IGN, GradeABase, and Youtube
Current Projects:
My Computer Science Autobiography:
I first started using a computer at the age of 5. I remember my first computer was an old Gateway PC with Windows 3.1 installed on it. I used to play games like Reader Rabbit all day before school. Now a days, I use a Dell XPS M1530 laptop with Windows Vista on it. When I'm using my computer, I usually am researching assignment (or just for fun!), playing computer games, or talking to friends on Facebook. But sometimes I also like to program in Java or create 3-D models in Animation Master or 3DS Max. I think the reason I became interested in computer science is because my Dad is an IT specialist. From an early age, he showed me all the cool things a computer could do, and I just fell in love. I think its impossible to generalize and say what a computer scientist does on a daily basis because computer science can be applied to so, so many aspects of life. Basically, a computer scientist has the skills to act as a catalyst for research, development, or business.
I would have to say my best programming experience would have to be when I and a friend entered the county science fair with a project revolving around computer science and biology. Our project was called "Applications of Evolutionary Algorithms to Non-Biological Problems." In layman's terms, our project simulated the process of evolution using a computer, but instead of evolving creatures to be most fit for an environment (it also did this) , it evolved a projectile launching system to be most efficient for a set encounter with a target. We ended up winning first place in the Computer Science category and, among other awards, the Intel Award for Excellence in Computer Science. In total, our prize money added up to $400 dollars! I think my least favorite programming projects are the ones that give you so little freedom and wiggle room. I like to be able to add my own components to the program, or to solve the problem the program is meant to solve in my own way, using my own algorithms.
In the future, I want to apply my computer science skills to the realm of business. My ideal job would be being the lead designer on some sort on information technology, working for a company like Google. I don't want to just be a basic computer programmer who sits at a desk all day and codes, debugs, and then recodes. I want something exciting. And I think Duke has what it takes to get me there.