James Nagler, a rising senior at the Garden City High School, participated in the Center For Excellence in Education’s 40th annual Research Science Institute held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from June 25-Aug. 5, 2023. RSI is the most prestigious international summer science, technology, engineering and mathematics research program in the world for 100 of the world's most accomplished high school students. It is cost-free to students, collaboratively sponsored with MIT in addition to the generosity from over 75 different corporations, sponsors and donors.
“We are incredibly proud of James!” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha said. “To be chosen among only 100 students worldwide to attend such a renowned program is an amazing achievement. James embodies everything we strive for here at Garden City Schools and we look forward to seeing many more accomplishments from him in the coming year and beyond.”
Participants experience the entire research cycle from start to finish. RSI scholars first participate in a week of intensive STEM classes with accomplished professors. The heart of RSI is the five-week research internship where students conduct individual projects under the tutelage of mentors who are experienced scientists and researchers. During the final week of RSI, students prepare written and oral presentations on their research projects. This year, the 100 students hailed from 34 states and the nations of Bulgaria, Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.
“My experience at RSI was an incredible, life-changing experience that reignited my passion for learning,” Nagler said. “My research on improving long-term ocean predictions allowed me to gain insight into a true research experience, something that is very rarely offered at the high school level. Most importantly, the people I met at RSI and the bonds we formed over the six-week program are friendships that will remain for years to come as I become a part of an expansive community of charismatic, kind and considerate people.”
