Elizabeth Sun, our founder of Illumony, is currently attending MIT after graduating from TJHSST’s (TJ) Class of 2021. Her passion for STEM began after joining an afterschool club in third grade, and was welcomed into the exciting world of math and science. Starting in fifth grade, she began participating in math competitions such as MathCounts, the AMC/AIME series and Math Kangaroo, as well as science events such as Science Olympiad and the science fair. She previously served as the finance officer of TJ’s Varsity Math Team (VMT) and conducted her own research in biotechnology at TJ’s Jefferson Underclassmen Multidisciplinary Project Lab. As an avid reader and writer, she was also an active staff writer of tjTODAY, TJ’s school- wide student news online and print publication. She published more than 22 articles on tjTODAY.org and in the monthly print magazine. In her final year at TJ, she proudly led the Social Media Team during. In her free time, she enjoys writing poetry, listening to music, and baking. “I think the amount of exposure to STEM at a young age isn’t emphasized enough,” she said when she was interviewed by tjTODAY. “I was fortunate enough to grow up in an environment rich with opportunities that allowed me the freedom to explore topics I found interesting, but there are so many kids who don’t have those opportunities that I want to connect with.” As the founder of Illumony, she oversees all projects and directs the team in carrying out their ideas. She recognizes that the next generation will lead at the frontier of mathematical and scientific innovation. Through her work in the community, she hopes to see her own drive and curiosity reflected in the eyes of the future.