Polaris Hayes
Trenton
Summary
Sophomore at Caltech with experience in conducting and leading scientific studies. Strengths include strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. Previous work includes impactful contributions to published research papers and meaningful advancements in field of study.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Fellow
Caltech, Dept. of Planetary Sciences
Pasadena
06.2025 - Current
- 2025 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
- 10-week research fellowship at Caltech; project titled “Tracking the Movement of the Dust Clump in the Debris Disc of Beta Pictoris.”
- Project centered on tightening the constraints on the dust clump’s dynamics by incorporating a new epoch of high-resolution observations from 2024.
- Methodology focused on astronomical data processing and mathematical modeling techniques.
- I presented my research at the SURF Seminar and am working towards publishing my findings in an astronomical journal.
Research Analyst Intern
Trivariate Research
New York
04.2024 - 05.2024
- I completed a two week Horizon internship project where I used public and company data for equity research into the United States public oil industry.
- Was mentored by CEO and Founder, Adam Parker, as well as expert company analysts.
- Conducted market research and analysis on industry trends and factors of influence
- Used statistical software to test my research hypotheses, specifically regarding seasonality of oil demand, S&P 500 Energy Sector Stock Returns, and changes in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve as they impact Crude Oil spot prices.
Researcher
NJ Governor's School in the Sciences
Madison
07.2023 - 08.2023
- I was one of 60 scholars chosen statewide to participate in a funded three-week residential program that focused on college-level research at Drew University.
- Worked with project advisor Dr. Maria Masucci and a group of scholars to produce a scientific research paper in archaeology and materials science (titled: "Formation and Origin Exploration of Ancient White-on-Red Guangalan Ceramics").
- The project required a heavy teamwork aspect across a variety of disciplines (physical sciences, anthropology, laboratory methods).
- I presented the research at a final research symposium, and the paper was used by Dr. Masucci at her later conferences.
Education
Associate of Science - Applied And Computational Mathematics
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA06-2028
High School -
The Pennington School
Pennington, NJSkills
- Computer Science
- Market research
- Mathematical modeling
- Statistical software
- Quantitative analysis
- Scientific writing
- Data Science
- Java
- Python
- Programming
Accomplishments
International Math and Computer Science Competitions
- 3-time AIME Qualifier (2022, 2023, 2024)
- 2023 AIME I, score of 6
- Honor Roll, Achievement Roll & Distinguished Honor Roll in AMC 8/10/12
- Math Kangaroo 2x National Champion
- CEMC Galois Math Contest (2022) and the CEMC Hypatia Math Contest (2023), Honor Roll (Top 5%) and Medal of Distinction.
- ACSL Computer Science Contest, 2nd place internationally in Senior Division (2024), 1st place internationally in the Intermediate Division (2023) and qualified for All-Star Contest in both years.
Coursework
- Advanced Summer Math Programs, AwesomeMath, Epsilon Camp, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, Took advanced math courses in Set theory, Combinatorics, Fractal Geometry, Number Theory, Advanced Algebra, Algebra (Levels 1 & 2), Geometry (Level 1), Combinatorics and Counting Strategies (Level 2).
- F=ma Physics Olympiad Preparatory Course, Momentum Learning, 2024, Took an intensive course to prepare for the F=ma physics olympiad (50+ hours), along with school studies in AP Physics C (Mechanics and E&M). High score of 16 on the F-ma exam.
- 2023 NJ Governor's School in the Sciences, Drew University, 2023, Took college courses in Data Science (Python-based), Molecular Orbital Theory, and Modern/Quantum Physics, and participated in a Computer Science lab.
Affiliations
- Independent Tutor for Proof-based Calculus and Competition Math
- Student-Athlete at Caltech; Plays NCAA Division III Women's Tennis.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Research Fellow
Caltech, Dept. of Planetary Sciences
06.2025 - Current
Research Analyst Intern
Trivariate Research
04.2024 - 05.2024
Researcher
NJ Governor's School in the Sciences
07.2023 - 08.2023
Associate of Science - Applied And Computational Mathematics
California Institute of Technology
High School -
The Pennington School
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