Four SCS Students Named ACS Scholars

Monday, October 17, 2016 - by Susie Cribbs

Four School of Computer Science seniors have been named ACS Scholars by Carnegie Mellon University's Andrew Carnegie Society. Kimberly Kleiven, Ananya Kumar, Benjamin Lichtman and Ariana Weinstock join 36 students from across the university honored for embodying CMU's high standards of academic excellence, volunteerism, leadership and involvement in student organizations, athletics or the arts.

Kleiven, from Whippany, NJ, is pursuing a double major in computer science and robotics. She served as a freshman dorm mentor for two years, and as a teaching assistant for 15-112 — the school's large introductory programming course. She's interned at Google, Microsoft and AT&T.

In addition to his work in the classroom, Singapore native Kumar has performed undergraduate research with SCS Professor and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs Guy Blelloch. He's a well-respected teaching assistant, has consulted with Associate Professor of Mathematics Po-Shen Lo on his Expii startup, and represented CMU in hackathons and programming contests. He has also served on the Proud to be Plaid committee.

Lichtman, who hails from Merion Station, Pa., has passions that extend from computing to music. He's begun collaborating with Assistant Professor of Computer Science Jan Hoffman on research in programming languages, and is pursuing a senior thesis this year. In addition to his academic work, he's also been named All-Greek Community Role Model.

Weinstock, from Brookline, Mass., has spent multiple semesters as a teaching assistant for 15-150: Functional Programming, and has completed internships at TripAdvisor. She spent this past summer working in Israel.

Founded in 1975, the ACS Scholars Program has recognized more than 1,000 students to date. Each scholar receives a monetary award to support their academic and personal growth, and the group also works together to present a gift back to the university community — giving them firsthand experience with the sense of satisfaction philanthropy can contribute to their lives.

The Andrew Carnegie Society recognizes alumni and friends who donate more than $1,000 annually to the university, and has more than 3,000 members. For more information on that society and its scholars, visit the ACS website.

For more information, Contact:
Byron Spice | 412-268-9068 | bspice@cs.cmu.edu