My name is Elyse Kelly and I am a rising third year architecture student at the University of Virginia. That’s third year, not junior. UVA has a lot of zany traditions that have developed over the years which enhance the unique character of the University. The title given to designate the students happens to be one of the many (I won’t even begin to explain the point of wearing a sundress to a football game...). This past year was my first experience in a true studio architecture class, and suffice it to say that I was tested to my very limits. Regardless, I am gaining numerous tools and perspectives that will aid in future endeavors, whatever they may be. Although I am studying architecture, my true interest lies in pursuing a career in computer animation. I have grown up with Disney by my side so to speak and as a result it has had a very influential effect on how I have developed as a person. As a result, I wish to work on projects that have the potential to positively affect others as I have been.

In order to pursue my passion for animation, I have been drawn towards the field of computer graphics in general- which is where the benefits of participating in the DMP CRA-W mentorship come into play. I am currently working in the motion capture lab of the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. This will be my second year participating in the program and I am yet again working under Professor Jessica Hodgins. In addition to continuing to develop skills that I acquired last summer, I hope to gain more knowledge about the computer graphics field and motion capture in addition to the development and process of creating short animated films.

I have lived in Pittsburgh, PA for the majority of my life so I know the area surrounding Carnegie Mellon relatively well. As a result of living so close, I also have the ability to live at home while still being able to take advantage of the mentorship program. In my spare time I love spending time with my family, whether it be exploring parts of the city with my sister, golfing, attempting to learn how to cook…or just bumming around having movie marathons with the whole family.