Rusak

Tal Rusak, a senior majoring in computer science, is the 2009 winner of the Computing Research Association's (CRA) Outstanding Undergraduate Award. The award includes $1,000 and a plaque. He also will receive financial assistance to attend a major computing research conference.

Rusak has been involved in research since freshman year, resulting in seven first-authored publications and presentations, covering such topics as the simulation of wireless networks and the development of nanoscale sensors to detect nerve gas and other toxins.

He has served as a teaching assistant and peer tutor for undergraduates and serves on the Student Library Advisory Council. He volunteers at an after-school program for elementary school students. He also has a deep interest in history and has published a paper comparing the biblical account of the clash between the prophet Elijah and the worshippers of Ba'al with historical and archaeological records.

CRA is an association of more than 200 North American organizations active in computing research in industry, government and academia, and affiliated professional societies. The Outstanding Undergraduate Awards are given to one male and one female undergraduate in North American universities who show outstanding potential in an area of computing research.