Systems theory, sometimes referred to as systems science, is the study of interacting, discrete parts (elements), influenced by their properties (variables), that coalesce into distinct wholes (systems).
These systems are the product of emergence — seen in distinct phenomena that do not appear in individual elements, but only on a systems scale.
Systems may be identified transdisciplinarily, ranging from social to biological, economic to artistic.
They may arise spontaneously or through planning.
Presently, uncountable quantities of variables govern today’s complex systems.
It is my sincere belief that by studying systems theory, we can pursue a post-scarcity end-state. In a world of insurmountable problems, many of them emergent phenomena themselves, I believe that the study of elements and their associated variables in a given system provides an opportunity to create a truly values-aligned society.
Legend
🟦 = complete 🟩 = in progress 🟪 = for the future
🛠 Toolkit
🟦 📐 ENGR002: Graphical Communication
A course in AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
Focused on orthographic/auxiliary/section views, pictorials & dimensioning, and graphics/charts.
Taught me valuable 3D modeling skills to help conceptualize and propagate my design style.
🟦 🗣️ HCOL085C – Engaging the Public w/ Scientific Communication
First-year Honors College seminar on communicating complex scientific research to the public.
Useful in sharpening brevity and organization in writing.
👉 Here’s an example post I wrote for 9th graders.
🟦 ⚙️ CEMS050 – CEMS First Year Seminar
A STEM seminar introducing the engineering design process and equitable team organization.
Trained me in Gantt Charts and Design Thinking.
Final project: Deploying Snowbot to replace de-icing salts.
🟦 🧘 PEAC 199 – Dream Yoga
A self-led course on understanding and interacting with dreams to achieve self-awareness.
🌍 Natural Sciences
🟦 🧪 CHEM021: General Chemistry I (w/ Lab)
Review of matter, stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, quantum theory, bonding, and more.
I had AP Chemistry credit but chose to take this for a solid foundation.
🟦 🏔️ CE132: Environmental Systems
“Systems thinking applied to environmental science: sustainability, mass/energy balances, ecosystem health, green engineering, water treatment, and waste management.”
🧮 Formal Sciences
🔢 Mathematics
- 🟦 🦐 MATH021: Calculus I Intro to differentiation & integration of functions. Included Wolfram Mathematica.
- 🟦 🦀 MATH022: Calculus II Techniques of integration, polar coordinates, sequences/series, Taylor series, and vectors.
- 🟦 🦞 MATH121: Calculus III Vector functions, arc length, multiple integrals, Stokes’ Theorem, Divergence Theorem.
- 🟦 🐙 MATH124: Linear Algebra Introduction to matrices, vector spaces, and transformations.
- 🦑 MATH266: Chaos, Fractals, and Dynamical Systems 🟪
Studied the Mandelbrot set, phase plane analysis, and Lorenz equations.
💻 Computer Science
- 🟦 🐍 CS021 – Computer Programming 1: Python
Problem-solving via Python: variables, loops, data structures.
Final project: Project Zenith. - 🟦 📈 CS087 – Introduction to Data Science Analyzing & modeling data sets using R.
- 🟦 ☕ CS110 – Intermediate Programming (Java)
Algorithms, recursion, object-oriented programming. - 🟪 🔗 CS254 – Machine Learning Covered support vector machines, neural networks, deep learning.
🧩 Logic & Statistics
- 🟦 🧱 PHIL013 – First-Order Logic 🟦
Studied sentential & predicate logic, analyzing argument validity. - 🟪 🎯 STAT151 – Applied Probability Explored probability theory, statistical modeling, and randomness in decision-making.
🏘️ Social Sciences
🟦 🏛️ POLS041: Introduction to Political Theory
Examined morality & law, punishment, freedom, equality, and political obligation.
🟦 🎥 HCOL086O: Oppositional Cinemas
Analyzed global cinema movements that challenged Hollywood ideology.
🟦 ✊ HCOL185: Community Organizing & Civic Engagement
Explored mobilization, policy impact, and grassroots activism.
🟪 ♻️ POLS195: U.S. Environmental Politics
Investigated historical & modern environmental policies and their limitations.
🟪 🌿 SOC155: Culture, Health, and Healing
Introduction to medical anthropology, doctor-patient interactions, and health equity.