About

Thomas Gilchrist is an undergraduate student at Northwestern University, currently pursuing an interdisciplinary degree in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Economics, and the Integrated Science Program in the McCormick School of Engineering. With foundations in the hard sciences and fine arts, Thomas applies both analytical thinking and creative vision to his work, embodying Northwestern's tenet of whole-brain engineering. Thanks to his affiliations in mathematics, film, and music, Thomas boasts an Erdős-Bacon-Sabbath number of 12.

Thomas currently conducts research at Northwestern's Mathematical Modeling of Complex Systems Lab under the direction of Professor Danny Abrams (director of Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems, NICO). His research focuses on collaboration networks among scientific researchers using network theory approaches to Python-based analysis. His previous independent research on water conservation in solar cell sanitation was presented at the American Chemical Society Colloids and Surface Science Symposium and was submitted to the Langmuir Journal. 

Beyond academic pursuits, Thomas is a classically trained musician (piano, cello, and composition) and multimedia creator. He worked with the NeuroSalon initiative to blend scientific communication with creative outreach, composing for large-scale community neuroscience exhibits, and conducted similar outreach work as a media and marketing intern through the Lehigh University Mountaintop Summer Experience. He has also worked for the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, both performing piano and mixing audio. Thomas is an active member of Northwestern's Quiz Bowl team and University Christian Ministry, leads a small group bible study, and enjoys tennis, skiing, origami, and curling up with a good book. 

EDUCATION

Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

Expected Graduation: June 2028

McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Majors: Applied Mathematics, Economics, Physics, and the Integrated Science Program

GPA: 3.8

Relevant Coursework: Differential Equations, Applied Linear Algebra, Stochastics, Classical Mechanics,

Microeconomics & Decision Theory, Macroeconomics, Complexity Economics

Parkland High School, Allentown, PA

Graduated June 2024

Coursework: 22 AP Classes including Physics C, Chemistry, Computer Science A, Multivariable Calculus

Honors Societies: National, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish Honors Societies

National Merit Finalist

Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA

High School Scholar (2023-2024) – Linear Algebra & Differential Equations

Moravian University, Bethlehem, PA

Dean’s Scholar (2020-2021) – Orchestration, 20th Century Music 1945-Present

Varsity Boys Tennis, Parkland High School, Captain | 2021-2024

·       Eastern PA Conference Champions 2021, 2023

·       Pennsylvania District 11 Champions 2021

·       All-District Doubles Team, 2023, 2024

·       All-District Singles Team 2024

Parkland High School Literary Magazine, Founder and Editor-in-Chief | 2022-2024

·       Oversaw a team of 40+ primary staff editors

·       Published prose, poetry, and art works from 250+ Parkland High School students

The No Repeats Project, Guest Instructor | 2021-2024

·       Taught incarcerated youths piano, cello and compositional techniques

WDIY Culture Conversations, Interviewee for Arts Awareness | 2022

·   Interviewee during All Things Considered hour on local NPR station

Hannah Young Play-a-thon, Volunteer | 2010-2024

·       Volunteer fundraiser for music education in the Lehigh Valley

WORK EXPERIENCE

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, On the Green Performer, Center Valley, PA | 2022-2024

·       Directed pre-show piano and cello performances specializing in late-Renaissance music

·       Implemented sound mixing and audio engineering for live shows

Lehigh University Mountaintop Summer Experience, Media and Marketing Intern, Bethlehem, PA | 2022

·       Interviewed and filmed Lehigh University mountaintop projects under Vice Provost Bill Whitney

·       Edited videos for marketing and outreach

FILMMAKING

Our Silent Volcano | 2023

·       Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, American Visions Award

·       Student Los Angeles Film Awards, Semi-Finalist

·       Visionaries Film Festival, Official Selection

·       Allentown Film Festival, Shorts Competition Finalist

·       Bifocal Film Festival, University of Pennsylvania, Honorable Mention

·       1 World Student Film Festival, Special Mention

·       The Film Collective Short Film Festival, Official Selection

·       Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, Gold Key Recipient

Cowboys and Gentlemen: How Thermodynamics Made the Modern Cowboy | 2023

·       1st Place, National History Day PA

Money Talks: Fighting Financial Influence in Politics | 2022

·       Political Film Festival, Best Student Film

·       Student World Impact Film Festival, Honorable Mention

·       Apple Podcast, WILDsound: The Film Podcast

The Associated Press: The First Centralization of Fact-Based News | 2021

·       WHYY (Philadelphia PBS Station), Aired August 12th , 2021 

·        (https://whyy.org/episodes/for-your-information/)

·       National History Day National Competition, Finalist, University of Maryland

·       National History Day Pennsylvania State Competition, 1st Place Winner

·       4-H Film Fest, National Winner

·       United Kingdom International Student Film Festival, Honorable Mention

·       Student World Impact Film Festival, Honorable Mention

·       Allentown Film Festival, Documentary Shorts Competition Finalist

·       Bifocal Film Festival, University of Pennsylvania, Honorable Mention

Jazz: The Music that Fueled a Revolution | 2020

·       National History Day Pennsylvania State Competition 3rd place Winner

Oppression and Genocide: Indonesia’s Price of Democracy | 2019

·       National History Day National Competition, Finalist, University of Maryland

·       National History Day Pennsylvania State Competition, 1st Place Winner

·       Student World Impact Film Festival, Honorable Mention

Summer Film Programs

·       Northwestern National High School Institute 2023

o   Directed, edited, and produced multiple short films

o   Studied production lab and theory

·       Interlochen Arts Camp, Film Scoring Intensive 2023

o   Composed original music for multiple short films

o   Studied composition lab and theory

·       Mill Valley Film Festival, Student Curator 2021

o   Curated two 90-minute programs for Mill Valley Film Festival