Om Chatterjee

My academic focus is on challenging myself through advanced mathematics, science, and English while developing a strong foundation in STEM.

I first became interested in coding in sixth grade while using Python to build small robotics projects. What began as a way to control and experiment with hardware grew into a broader interest in algorithms, problem solving, and AI/ML. I have developed projects including TankFlare, an AI-powered web application, and a personalized allergy prediction system that uses a trained neural network. I later began competing in USACO, using C++ to work through increasingly challenging programming problems and advancing from Bronze to Silver. My interest in competitive programming also led me to Codeforces, where I currently compete at the Pupil level as overflux.

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My interest in robotics began in seventh grade and has grown into one of my strongest areas of curiosity and independent learning. Through designing and building projects such as my Autonomous Car and Whispering Hat, I have gained hands-on experience with CAD design, soldering, electronics, sensors, hardware integration, and programming. Working with Python libraries and hardware interfaces taught me how software can interact with sensors, cameras, motors, and other electronic components to create complete working systems. These projects have encouraged me to explore robotics more deeply, troubleshoot real engineering problems, and pursue my next goal of exploring swarm robotics, inspired by the idea of many small robots working together as a coordinated system.

Chess has become one of my strongest interests and one of the main ways I challenge myself outside the classroom. I have competed in and won multiple tournaments, reached a USCF rating above 1800 and a Lichess rating above 2000, and continue to study the game through regular competition and analysis.

Giving back has become an important way for me to share my interests with others, especially through chess. I introduced and teach chess at a school in Tanzania, work with children from a refugee camp in Uganda, and volunteer with children and families at Ronald McDonald House in Columbus. These experiences have shown me that meaningful service can begin by sharing a skill or passion in a way that creates opportunity, confidence, and connection for others.