New app automatically tags photos

02 Jul 2011, Posted by Melissa Dalis in News, 0 Comments

Your muploads album just got ten times better.

With a new mobile application called TagSense developed at Duke and University of South Carolina, smartphone users will be able to automatically tag people, location, surroundings and actions occurring in a photograph.

TagSense is much more sophisticated than basic facial recognition in the ways that it incorporates many more details. The application recognizes human behavior with an accelerometer based on motion signatures, complementary compass directions and identifying moving subjects who are running, dancing or playing a game.

When someone takes a picture of his friends, his phone will quickly and wirelessly connect to his friend’s phones and instruct them to activate their sensors, explained Xuan Bao, a Ph.D. student in computer science at Duke and developer of this application.

“The sensors sense the ‘moment,’ summarize the measured data and communicate them back to [his] phone,” Bao wrote in an email. “[His] phone processes this data to identify which of the individuals are in the picture, their activities and other contextual tags about the occasion. These tags are systematically organized into a ‘when-where-who-what’ format, ultimately creating an automatic description for the picture.”

Bao envisions users who like to take photos on their smartphones as the target market segment for this application, which will make it easier for them to search and share pictures.

Rather than searching an entire photo library for a specific picture of a friend running in a race, for example, the smartphone user could search for photos that tag his friend, someone running and a race. TagSense makes this process much quicker and provides a more intuitive and comprehensive way of organizing the photos.

TagSense was unveiled at the ninth Association for Computing Machinery’s International Conference on Mobile Systems, Applications and Services (MobiSys) held in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday. The application will probably not hit the App Store for another few years, however—they are currently still working on the prototype, Bao said.

“The big vision is to fully utilize the rich sensor set available on advanced mobile phones to enable a new generation of context-free applications,” Bao said. “Imagine an array of exciting applications [that] can be supported when the information of activities, participants and environment can be learned by the applications themselves.”

NC ranked 3rd best state for business

28 Jun 2011, Posted by Melissa Dalis in News, 0 Comments

Unemployed graduates can no longer blame the state of North Carolina for their lack of job offers.

North Carolina is the third best state for business, according to CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business published today. Virginia was ranked first, followed by Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Utah, Iowa and Nebraska in the top 10.

North Carolina’s rankings in each of the 10 subcategories were: cost of business (9), workforce (3), quality of life (33), economy (41), infrastructure and transportation (3), technology and innovation (12), education (18), business friendliness (11), access to capital (11) and cost of living (22).

Notable changes from last year’s rankings for North Carolina include a significant improvement in cost of business, transportation and education and a minor drop in economy.

After falling to number 10 in the overall rankings in 2009, North Carolina now seems to be rising, ranking fourth last year and third this year.

North Carolina also seems to score highly in other business rankings. In March, the state was also ranked second by Chief Executive Magazine, which based its rankings on slightly different criteria—taxation and regulation, workforce quality and living environment.

Perhaps these high rankings are due in part to the Research Triangle of Duke, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University. Fifteen Fortune 500 companies are also based in the state—Bank of America Corporation, Lowe’s, Nucor, Duke Energy, BB&T Corporation, Progress Energy, Reynolds American, Family Dollar Stores, VF, Goodrich, Sonic Automotive, Pantry, Laboratory Corporation of America, SPX and Ruddick.

An acoustic invisibility cloak for muggles

27 Jun 2011, Posted by Melissa Dalis in News, 0 Comments

Who said that invisibility cloaks are just for wizards?

Just as an invisibility cloak in the world of Harry Potter prevents others from seeing a cloaked individual by blocking light waves, a new acoustic invisibility cloak created at Duke shields objects from sound waves. Applications of such a cloak range from building soundproof walls to protecting ships from sonar.

“When you try and make something invisible, what you’re trying to do is control how either light or sound reflects off an object,” said Steven Cummer, Jeffery N. Vinik associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, the leading engineer who built the cloak. “If you’re trying to make something invisible in empty space, you have to make sure that it looks like you can see through it and that there’s nothing there so there can’t be any reflections of the object, and the object can’t cast a shadow.”

The design is incredibly simple and can be created using perforated plastic plates, according to the study published in Physical Review Letters. Therefore, companies who are interested in the cloak could easily, and affordably, replicate it.

The cloak, however, is not quite ready to be used outside of the laboratory. Rather than cloaking objects in empty space, the current cloak can only make objects invisible while they are resting on the sound equivalence of a mirror—a flat metal sheet that reflects all of the sounds that hit it. This mirror method is much easier to build, and it requires much simpler materials, Cummer said.

Similar work has been done with invisibility cloaks that block light waves, though those projects are currently only compatible with nanoscale materials and microscopes.

“Everyone has in mind a really great experiment where you can hide a foot-long hot dog sitting on a mirror, but nobody’s there yet,” Cummer said.

Future work on this project will deal with testing the capabilities of these kinds of material in water, he added said.

Although a romantic idea, J.K. Rowling’s invisibility cloaks were not this research tem’s inspiration for creating an inaudibility cloak of their own. Instead, Cummer’s research team built this project off of theoretical work from about five years ago that used mathematics to determine the possible appropriate materials, Cummer noted.

“Harry Potter was not a driving motivation here, but it certainly helps us describe the research we’re doing, the fact that everyone has some sense—either from Star Trek or Harry Potter—of how to make things invisible,” he said.

Q&A with the Class of 2015: becoming Dukies

26 Jun 2011, Posted by Melissa Dalis in News, 1 Comments

Meet more of the Class of 2015—they will be flooding campus in less than two months. The Chronicle’s Melissa Dalis asked 15 incoming freshmen about what they are most and least excited for at Duke, which clubs and organizations they plan to join and what they are doing this summer. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Q&A with the Class of 2015: Who are they?, 16 different students discussed their lives before Duke.

Rob Bruce (Atlanta, GA) is a prospective electrical and computer engineering and computer science double major who describes himself as amiable, sociable and a climber.

The Chronicle: What are you most excited for at Duke?
Rob Bruce: Making new friends.

TC: What are you least excited for?
RB: Homework.

TC: What clubs and organizations do you plan to join?
RB: Duke Outing Club [and] frisbee team.

TC: What are you doing this summer?
RB: Working a job at the climbing gym, taking climbing trips, hanging out with friends, and playing summer league ultimate frisbee.

Anna Cheng (Tampa, FL) is a prospective biology major who describes herself as quirky, sociable and outgoing.

The Chronicle: What are you most excited for at Duke?
Anna Cheng: I am most excited to meet new people and have some newfound freedom!

TC: What are you least excited for?
AC: I am least excited for having to share bathrooms with a bunch of other people—but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do.

TC: What clubs and organizations do you plan to join?
AC: I’m hoping to join The Chronicle, specifically the Recess section. I hope to carry on my skills from being Features Editor for my high school newspaper to Duke’s very own—and rather awesome—publication.

TC: What are you doing this summer?
AC: I am interning at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center [and] also going to visit China (oh, the motherland…) for three weeks.

Danielle Colson (Pines, FL) is a prospective mechanical engineering major who describes herself as kind, hardworking and friendly.

The Chronicle: What are you most excited for at Duke?
Danielle Colson: Tenting, basketball season, Shooters [and] making friends.

TC: What are you least excited for?
DC: The food—I’m going to miss my dad’s amazing cooking every night.

TC: Which clubs and organizations do you plan to join?
DC: Engineers Without Borders, Relay for Life [and] club volleyball.

TC: What are you doing this summer?
DC: Working too much to help pay for Duke.

Lia Cromwell (Scarsdale, NY) is a prospective economics and Spanish double major who describes herself as outgoing, active and short.

The Chronicle: What are you most excited for at Duke?
Lia Cromwell: New acquaintances to ask if I: a) am related to Oliver Cromwell; or b) know the Cromwells from “Halloweentown.” (The answer is yes to both).

TC: What are you least excited for?
LC: New acquaintances to ask if I: a) am related to Oliver Cromwell; or b) know the Cromwells from “Halloweentown.” (People are not clever in asking).

TC: Which clubs and organizations do you plan to join?
LC: Mock trial or debate and possibly club field hockey.

TC: What are you doing this summer?
LC: I’m interning for my county’s Board of Legislators.

Sierra Crowe (Anchorage, AK) is a prospective environmental science major who describes herself as young, wild and free.

The Chronicle: What are you most excited for at Duke?
Sierra Crowe: Opportunity.

TC: What are you least excited for?
SC: Lack of air conditioning.

TC: Which clubs and organizations do you plan to join?
SC: Outing club, environmental alliance [and] soccer.

TC: What are you doing this summer?
SC: Getting a private pilot’s license, scuba and paragliding certificates, working at a medical clinic and having a good time.

Matt Darlow (Houston, TX) is a prospective neuroscience major who describes himself as debonair, scholarly and a swag[ger].

The Chronicle: What are you most excited for at Duke?
Matt Darlow: I’m most excited [to be] absorbed in the complete Duke culture—the clothing, traditions and hating UNC.

TC: What are you least excited for?
MD: I’m least excited for colder weather because North Carolina, although in the South, is still [further] north than Texas.

TC: Which clubs and organizations do you plan to join?
MD: I’ll definitely join several intramural teams [and] maybe some TV clubs if there are any—hopefully Family Guy!

TC: What are you doing this summer?
MD: Besides relaxing for the majority of the summer, I’m going to be interning with a neurosurgeon.

Christine Delp (Fuquay-Varina, NC) is a prospective public policy major who describes herself as determined, inquisitive and creative.

The Chronicle: What are you most excited for at Duke?
Christine Delp: I am most excited for the interesting dialogue and overall learning experiences that come with meeting fascinating people at Duke. I am also really excited about the Focus program—I am in the Ethics, Leadership and Global Citizenship cluster.

TC: What are you least excited for?
CD: I am least excited for the stress of college, though I think I am well prepared for it.

TC: Which clubs and organizations do you plan to join?
CD: I am interested in volunteer programs, particularly DukeEngage and tutoring in Durham public schools, and I am also interested in some sort of Christian fellowship group.

TC: What are you doing this summer?
CD: Over the summer I am spending a week in the Tennessee mountains to rock climb and white-water raft, and I am spending a week in the North Carolina mountains at a Christian camp.

Daniel Ding (Charlotte, NC) is a prospective mathematics and economics double major who describes himself as full of fun.

The Chronicle: What are you most excited for at Duke?
Daniel Ding: The social events, the academic freedom [and] college life in general.

TC: Which clubs and organizations do you plan to join?
DD: Probably some clubs that pertain to my majors like the Math Union or Investment Club, as well as a club or intramural sport.

TC: What are you doing this summer?
DD: Starcraft.

Nali Gillespie (Ramona, CA) is a prospective biology and dance double major who describes herself as passionate, eccentric and a ballet die-hard.

The Chronicle: What are you most excited for at Duke?
Nali Gillespie: Meeting inspiring, amazing people, the lemur center and snow (symptom of living in southern California).

TC: What are you least excited about?
NG: 8:30 a.m. classes and 12 meals per week.

TC: Which clubs and organizations do you plan to join?
NG: Dance clubs, pre-health club, Duke Democrats and a community service organization (not sure which organization yet, though I’ve volunteered with the March of Dimes in the past).

TC: What are you doing this summer?
NG: I will be raising animals as part of my local 4-H chapter for the Ramona Jr. Fair….I’ve helped deliver close to 100 baby goats over my lifetime.

Christina Lee (Hillsborough, NC) is a prospective economics and statistics double major who describes herself as bubbly, empathetic and dedicated.

The Chronicle: What are you most excited for at Duke?
Christina Lee: Meeting everyone and the sunny weather.

TC: What are you least excited for?
CL: Scheduling classes and college exams. My biggest fear about college is cutthroat competition, though I don’t think Duke will really be like that.

TC: Which clubs and organizations do you plan to join?
CL: I figure that they’ll probably be recruiting frosh with fairs and what-not, so I’ll check that stuff out once I’m actually on campus.

TC: What are you doing this summer?
CL: I’m working as a temporary customer service associate and hanging out with my friends.

Jennifer Margono (Palatine, IL) is a prospective biology and dance double major who describes herself as sensitive, smiley and wonkey.

The Chronicle: What are you most excited for at Duke?
Jennifer Margono: The people. I’ve already met some of the most amazing individuals in my class, and I haven’t even stepped on campus. I’ve met kids from Alaska to Pennsylvia, Ethiopia to London, and each has a unique perspective on life. Our love for Duke brings us all together in one place, and I can already tell that the Class of 2015 is going to be really close.

TC: What are you least excited for?
JM: Learn[ing] time management. Between pursuing interests in the sciences and the arts, while struggling in pre-med courses, going to dance classes, hanging out with friends, volunteering, etc., I hope I’ll be intelligent enough to schedule some sleep once in a while. I might bring a special mini-pillow for those fabled cram sessions in the library.

TC: Which clubs and organizations do you plan to join?
JM: I’ll be a part of the dance program, hopefully doing performances such as ChoreoLab and November Dances. Although I don’t have much hip hop experience, I’d use the little swag I have to try out for defMo. Other organizations I’d be interested in would be AAA, student government, AMSA [American Medical Student Organization] pre-med and clubs involving service activities either in the Durham area or abroad.

TC: What are you doing this summer?
JM: This summer I decided to kick back, relax and get ready for Duke.

Vijay Menon (Saratoga, CA) is a prospective economics major who describes himself as articulate, jocular and unathletic.

The Chronicle: What are you most excited for at Duke?
Vijay Menon: I’m looking forward to my first semester Global Health class with Professor Dan Ariely. I’m reading Predictably Irrational, and it is pretty neat that my introduction to Duke will be with the author of that book.

TC: What are you least excited for?
VM: As a Bay Area kid, I’m not looking forward to the snow in the winter. I thought the South was supposed to be warm!

TC: What clubs and organizations do you plan to join?
VM: I did mock trial, debate, quiz bowl and newspaper in high school, so I’d like to continue in at least one of those at Duke.

TC: What are you doing this summer?
VM: This is probably the last free summer of life, so I’m doing absolutely nothing—just enjoying a California summer.

Bradley Skyes (Tampa, FL) is a prospective economics major who describes himself as sincere, motivated and personable.

The Chronicle: What are you most excited for at Duke?
Bradley Skyes: Entering a new stage of life, one in which I have greater independence and responsibility.

TC: What are you least excited for?
BS: The possibility of an overwhelmingly difficult course load.

TC: Which clubs and organizations do you think you’ll join?
BS: Some intramural leagues (basketball, tennis, baseball, etc.), some Christian fellowship organizations and possibly political organizations.

TC: What are you doing over the summer?
BS: Not much—spending time with my closest friends before we all leave for our own schools and reading mostly.

Kelsey Sturman (Wesley Chapel, FL) is a prospective biology major who describes herself as outspoken, eccentric and energetic.

The Chronicle: What are you most excited for at Duke?
Kelsey Sturman: I’m most excited to meet new people and expand my interests. I’m also looking forward to studying abroad, and I hope to participate in DukeEngage.

TC: What are you least excited for?
KS: I’m least excited for the workload because I know it will be far more rigorous than high school.

TC: Which clubs and organizations do you plan to join?
KS: I want to join a club sport, but I haven’t decided which one, and I’m also interested in student government, which I was really active in in high school.

TC: What are you doing over the summer?
KS: I’m planning to work a lot and save up money for the school year. I’m also going on a weeklong camping trip at the end of July with my entire family. Other than that, I just plan on going to the beach and catching up on some summer reading.

Dan Sykora (Hinsdale, IL) is a prospective mathematics and chemistry double major who describes himself as down to earth.

The Chronicle: What are you most excited for at Duke?
Dan Sykora: Becoming a Cameron Crazie, meeting everyone I’ve been Facebook stalking since December, engulfing myself in enriching academic pursuits, killing brain cells and sweating.

TC: Which clubs and organizations do you think you’ll join?
DS: Club basketball—something that keeps me out of the dorm.

TC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
DS: Owning a company and making fat stacks to support my ostentatious lifestyle.

Q&A with the Class of 2015: Who are they?

24 Jun 2011, Posted by Melissa Dalis in News, 0 Comments

Meet the Class of 2015—they will be flooding campus in less than two months. The Chronicle’s Melissa Dalis asked 16 incoming freshmen about the kind of people they were in high school, what no one knows about themselves and where they see themselves in 10 years. In Part 2, Q&A with the Class of 2015: becoming Dukies, 15 different freshmen will discuss their plans for their time at Duke.

Ibe Alozie (Houstin, TX) is a prospective economics major who describes himself as affable, spontaneous and diligent.

The Chronicle: What kind of person were you in high school?
Ibe Alozie: I was everybody’s friend—the guy [who] was active in so many clubs [that] he had no real clique.

TC: Tell me something that no one knows about you.
IA: According to Netflix, my favorite movies are “sentimental war dramas.”

TC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
IA: I see myself as a lawyer for the National Labor Relations Board or the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Aly Breuer (Santa Barbara, CA) is a prospective political science major who describes herself as passionate, crazy and fun-loving.

The Chronicle: What kind of person were you in high school?
Aly Breuer: I was a very involved, well-known and loud person that wasn’t afraid to make myself heard or to try new things. I wanted to do it all and I think I pretty much did!

TC: Tell me something that no one knows about you.
AB: Sometimes I can act like I know it all, but I secretly love it when someone can prove me wrong.

TC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
AB: On track toward success with the beginning of a happy family.

Katie Brock (Philadelphia, PA) is a prospective civil engineering major who describes herself as dedicated, organized and excited.

The Chronicle: What kind of person were you in high school?
Katie Brock: I tried to do a little bit of everything—I played softball, was the editor of the yearbook and participated in band, chorus and an acappella group. I was very hardworking, and sometimes I wish I had spent a little more time relaxing!

TC: Tell me something that no one knows about you.
KB: I’ve never gotten a cavity—knock on wood!

TC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
KB: Hopefully I will have settled down after some traveling, and I will be an engineer [who] has my own family…I [also] can’t imagine living somewhere where I’m not surrounded by Phillies fans!

Marcus Cain (Winston Salem, NC) is a prospective electrical and a computer engineering and computer science double major who describes himself as conservative, athletic and energetic.

The Chronicle: What kind of person were you in high school?
Marcus Cain: I am an outspoken conservative in an extremely liberal prep school.

TC: Tell me something that no one knows about you.
MC: I am related to Herman Cain, the Republican candidate [running] for President.

TC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
MC: Either training for the Olympics (I’m a Varsity Wrestling recruit) or in an engineering firm.

Tony Cao (Nanjing, China) is a prospective biomedical engineering and mathematics double major who describes himself as happy, outgoing and smart.

The Chronicle: What kind of person were you in high school?
Tony Cao: In the nerd community, I was considered relatively “popular.”

TC: Tell me something that no one knows about you.
TC: I won first place at the 2006 New Mexico Piano Teacher’s Association piano competition.

TC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
TC: Second year of residency, and relying on coffee everyday.

Renita Daniels (Tuscaloosa, AL) is a prospective biology major who describes herself as driven, enthusiastic and inquisitive.

The Chronicle: What kind of person were you in high school?
Renita Daniels: I was basically the “uber teen.” I loved Disney Channel, pop music and Seventeen Magazine, and the walls of my room were plastered in posters of teen icons like Zac Efron, Shia LaBeouf and Taylor Lautner. I am a huge Justin Bieber fan—Belieber, if you will.

TC: Tell me something that no one knows about you.
RD: My singing in the shower is worthy of American Idol.

TC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
RD: Finishing up medical school and one step closer to becoming a pediatric surgeon!

Sophie Durand (Paris, France) is a prospective history and political science double major who describes herself as ambitious, laid back and helpful.

The Chronicle: What kind of person were you in high school?
Sophia Durand: I went to an international school, so I hung out with people from everywhere.

TC: Tell me something no one knows about you.
SD: I love rugby…Be prepared for Rugby 101—World Cup’s coming up!

TC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
SD: I would love to be doign field work for the UN in South America, either for UNESC [U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization], or UNICEF [U.N. Children's Fund].

Zac Elder (Lexington, KY) is an undecided major who describes himself as friendly, motivated and sociable.

The Chronicle: What kind of person were you in high school?
Zac Elder: I was very outgoing and interested in trying everything my school had to offer, and I felt very connected with different groups of people on campus….I just did what I thought sounded like fun, tried to make friends while I was doing it and enjoyed my four years.

TC: Tell me something that no one knows about you.
ZE: I like to wear dress socks inside-out.

TC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
ZE: Either teaching history or working on Wall Street.

Brett Fox (Clearwater, FL) is a prospective biomedical engineering major who describes himself as easygoing, athletic and studious.

The Chronicle: What kind of person were you in high school?
Brett Fox: The quiet kid that played soccer and football after school with a group of friends.

TC: Tell me something that no one knows about you.
BF: I’m a Tampa sports fan (Rays, Lightning [and] Buccaneers). We do exist, and I will represent my Tampa pride from Durham.

TC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
BF: I’m going to see where Duke takes me over the next four years first.

Aisha Golaub (Wayne, NJ) is a prospective neuroscience major who describes herself as driven, passionate and caring.

The Chronicle: What kind of person were you in high school?
Aisha Golaub: I was the girl everyone thought was smart and quiet until they have a conversation with me and realize I don’t shut up and half the things I say don’t make any sense…I [also] lack any type of coordination whatsoever and I will most definitely walk into everything I try to avoid walking into.

TC: Tell me something no one knows about you.
AG: I’m extremely afraid of the dark. It’s a scary place and you can’t see anything…no me gusta. I’d [also] love to be a Victoria’s Secret model.

TC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
AG: In a residency program at some hospital learning to be a surgeon, which means I’ll probably be super tired but loving my job. I’d probably like to be engaged too—I think 28′s a good age for that

Jonathan Hill-Rorie (High Point, NC) is a prospective biology major who describes himself as nerdy, sarcastic and superexcitedtobegoingtoDukethisfall.

The Chronicle: What kind of person were you in high school?
Jonathan Hill-Rorie: The coolest nerd in the halls.

TC: Tell me something that no one knows about you.
JH: Everything about me is known by someone, whether I know it or not. Nothing comes to mind, so I will say: how many hairs are on my head.

TC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
JH: Unless the world ends, I will hopefully be about to start practicing medicine.

Mila Liakhovitser (Bronx, NY) is a prospective mathematics and economics double major who describes herself as loud, outgoing and stubborn.

The Chronicle: What kind of person were you in high school?
Mila Liakhovitser: I was and still am a boisterous, crazy girl who loves nothing more than friends and a good time and refuses to shut up even when it is common sense to do so. I was trouble.

TC: Tell me something that no one knows about you.
ML: I sing Taylor Swift—or shall I say T-Swizzle—in the shower loudly. Get ready Duke.

TC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
ML: Stopping for a cup of coffee right outside of the Wall Street subway station as I prepare myself for another day of high competition and tensions.

Michael Marion (Cary, NC) is a prospective computer science major who describes himself as enthusiastic, outgoing and a leader.

The Chronicle: What kind of person were you in high school?
Michael Marion: I was really involved and was actually kind of crazily enthusiastic. I was student body president and…played lacrosse for four years. Being the youngest child in my family, I liked taking on leadership roles and being looked up to by the younger kids.

TC: Tell me something that no one knows about you.
MM: I was a ball-boy for the Duke men’s basketball team in 2000-2001. I was crowd-surfed around by the Cameron Crazies after playing one-on-one with Chris Duhon before the game! From then on, it was either Duke or bust.

TC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
MM: I’d like to move out to California after college and maybe get a job working for a Hollywood production studio or a big web company.

Kevin Nikolaus (Colorado Springs, CO) is a prospective mechanical engineering major who describes himself as adventurous, cheerful and hardworking.

The Chronicle: What kind of person were you in high school?
Kevin Nikolaus: I suppose I was a studious and athletic individual in high school.

TC: Tell me something that no one knows about you.
KN: No one knows that I have a pair of obese thirteen-year-old tiger salamanders as pets.

TC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
KN: Working with research or living somewhere in the wilderness.

Mansoor Safi (Hanover Park, IL) is a prospective biology major who describes himself as ambitious, unique and open-minded.

The Chronicle: What kind of person were you in high school?
Mansoor Safi: I was a hardworking person who was also involved in many clubs and teams….My friends would always count and rely on me to help out, whether it was tutoring or helping with a prom date. Many people knew me as the tennis guy, and they would also mess with me when I did well on tests or messed up a curve.

TC: Tell me something no one knows about you.
MS: I want to learn how to hip hop Dance. I love dancing and expressing myself, but I’m a bit embarrassed to do it in public because I’m not very good.

TC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
MS: In residency for whatever type of medicine I choose to go into. I doubt I will be married, but I plan to have a relationship at the time.

Tre’Ellis Scott (Jacksonville, FL) is a prospective economics and international comparative studies double major who describes himself as funny, wild and polyphloisboian.

The Chronicle: What kind of person were you in high school?
Tre’Ellis Scott: I was both the class clown and class president—the best of both worlds. I always kept my grades and classes in mind, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t have fun on the way. I attended a performing arts high school [and] major[ed] in theatre, so acting and directing were a part of my everyday life.

TC: Tell me something that no one knows about you.
TS: Due to being a major military brat, I’ve been flying on airplanes alone since I was three years old. I’ve [also] gone into the swamps of Louisiana to find wild alligators, and refuse to leave until I pet a wild one—yet I am deathly afraid of frogs.

TC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
TS: Beginning my career as an economic analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency, fresh out of grad school, happy and the proudest Duke alumni.