Tal is a senior in SEAS studying Computer Science, Applied Math, and Political Science. During his time at Columbia, he has conducted research in topics ranging from computational hydrology to multi-messenger astrophysics, ultimately landing on operating systems and software systems as his primary focus. He currently works on using eBPF to speed up the Linux kernel’s storage stack for data center workflows. Since 2020, Tal has served as a teaching assistant in the Computer Science department a total of ten times (including several as a Head TA) for four different classes, and has taught over 2300 students in that span. In particular, he redesigned COMS 3157 Advanced Programming’s grading and teaching infrastructure, facilitating its growth into one of the largest classes on campus. Additionally, Tal was Vice President of Columbia Political Union (CPU) for two years, helping to usher in a new age for CPU as it returned to its rightful place as the center of politics on campus. In his free time, he can be found somewhere in the vicinity of Mudd (where he is probably holding office hours) or watching an ungodly amount of basketball. Following graduation, Tal plans to pursue a PhD in Computer Science as an NSF Graduate Research Fellow (during which he will probably hold some more office hours).