HPU Senior Hanna Zelis will pursue her M.S. in Artificial Intelligence after graduating from HPU’s Webb School of Engineering in May.
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Hanna Zelis, Class of 2024, made her way to High Point University based on a family friend’s recommendation.
“Our close friend is a college counselor, and she mentioned the university to me when I was in high school, suggesting that HPU seemed like a perfect fit,” says Zelis. “She couldn’t have been more right. It’s been incredible.”
“I chose HPU because of its strong emphasis on its STEM programs and the access it provides to new technologies. At larger universities, I may have had to compete for the opportunity to use these technologies. HPU’s smaller school size ensured me the access to these resources, which ultimately led me to decide on attending HPU.”
Graduating from HPU in May with dual degrees in computer science (cybersecurity concentration) and exercise science, Zelis had graduate school offers from institutions like Duke University, Johns Hopkins and Carnegie Mellon, and she ultimately chose Northwestern University for a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence.
Not just any university offers one-on-one mentorship from faculty and staff, class sizes small enough for productive conversations, advanced technology that gives students a competitive edge. But HPU offers all of these things, and Hanna Zelis took advantage.
“Last summer, I explored master’s programs and became fascinated with artificial intelligence, particularly in the medical field. At Northwestern, I’ll be focusing on detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases.”
Extraordinary by Design
Zelis never shied away from a challenge while at HPU, and this trait extended far beyond classroom walls; during her time on campus, Zelis applied her intelligence, curiosity and drive to causes that continue to benefit others.
Zelis ascended to the presidency of HPU Minds, a student-led project in collaboration with Steve Wozniak—Apple Cofounder and HPU’s Innovator in Residence.
“As president of HPU Minds, she has spearheaded the development of biofeedback-mediated virtual reality experiences designed to help individuals confront their phobias,” says HPU computer science professor Lloyd Williams. “Moreover, Hanna has distinguished herself as a paragon of female excellence within the upper echelons of computer science, a field where the underrepresentation of women is a well-recognized issue.”
Zelis also played a pivotal role in assisting the North Carolina Department of Public Safety in addressing drug and alcohol abuse among the state’s youth. Zelis worked alongside Williams to develop VR training modules, which are aimed at equipping North Carolina parents with the necessary tools to address drug and alcohol abuse in their children.
“This just further showcases her commitment to meaningful leadership and social responsibility,” says Williams. “Her outstanding performance, coupled with her commitment, has paved the way for her acceptance into several of the world’s most elite graduate programs in artificial intelligence. Given the current high demand and widespread interest in artificial intelligence, Hanna’s achievements are all the more impressive and noteworthy.”
Mentorship Matters
Clearly, Williams considers it a privilege to teach students like Zelis. But the HPU scholar insists that her success is directly linked to her circle of influence—especially when it comes to mentors like Williams.
“Dr. Willliams has been instrumental in my professional and personal growth, providing me with exceptional opportunities that distinguished me from peers both within and outside the university,” says Zelis.
“His mentorship enabled me to do the unexpected during my four years at HPU: present a virtual reality project on phobia exposure therapy to Steve Wozniak; develop VR applications for significant, life-saving causes; and pursue research that could potentially reduce risk of injury in athletes.”
Williams’ availability, expertise and commitment to students is something truly special, and these are the traits HPU looks for in its selective process of handpicking remarkable faculty members.
Williams had a significant impact on the trajectory of Hanna’s personal, academic and professional life, but she also recognizes that HPU provided the opportunity to be holistically excellent.
“In addition to receiving unparalleled mentorship from professors like Dr. Williams and experts like Steve Wozniak—which ultimately allowed me to pursue my passions of both healthcare and technology by earning my dual degree throughout my four years of undergraduate studies—HPU provided the perfect blend of opportunities and resources to pursue other interests. I engaged in various campus activities, including local and national philanthropic events and volunteering through Kappa Delta Sorority and Omicron Delta Kappa fraternity.”
Capitalizing on the HPU Difference
HPU encouraged Zelis to be well-rounded by consistently demonstrating the importance of Life Skills, personal responsibility and a growth mindset.
Though HPU had all the resources and opportunities that Zelis needed to succeed, these extraordinary benefits are nothing if not utilized, she says. HPU rewards those who seek out all that it has to offer–students like Zelis.
“I advise future students to seize every opportunity presented to them,” she says. “Reflecting on my time at HPU, I recognize the abundance of opportunities provided by professors and the institution itself—experiences that some overlook. Even if I lacked experience or expertise in a particular area, I made it a point to embrace any chance that aligned with my passions. I was always willing to take the more challenging path, eager to learn and gain new experiences from each opportunity I grasped.”