Many students in the College of Arts and Sciences can join a professor’s research team as early as their first year. But is it possible before their senior year of high school? Incoming physics major Andrew Rittenberg ’27 did just that when he worked with Associate Professor of Physics Brian Wells on a research project to measure and calculate the refractive properties of standard 3D printing filament, so it can be used to 3D print various flat lenses for microwave measuring equipment.
While in high school, Andrew was part of the New Rochelle Science Research program which enables students who are interested in a particular field of study to conduct research with a real scientist. Participants help write research papers and present posters and slide presentations at regional, national, and international science fairs and symposiums.
“During my college search process, I was lucky to meet Dr. Wells and get a tour of his lab,” says Andrew. “I became interested in his project and decided to email him and ask to work with him on his research.” Andrew came to campus in the summer and early fall to conduct hands-on experiments and he performed computer simulations at home to collect most of the data.
Wells says working with Andrew was a pleasure. “Due to geographical distance, he did most of the work computationally through VPN using one of our lab computers with COMSOL Multiphysics,” says Wells. “The software and mathematics are complicated, but Andrew completed the presented tasks, showing creativity and ingenuity.” Wells says Andrew was able to alongside UHart research students when he came to campus last fall.
Andrew’s research was entered into a New York and a national science competition and won a BASF Expanding Knowledge in Science Award for his enthusiasm for discovery in physics and astronomy. Wells says the preliminary work Andrew did last summer laid the foundation for another student's UHart Honors thesis and that part of his work is being submitted to the International Material Research Society conference this December.
Andrew says he decided to attend UHart after visiting campus and talking with faculty. “I grew to love the atmosphere,” he says. “Besides academic and research opportunities, I wanted to make sure that I would be in an academically and culturally diverse community where I had room to grow. I felt welcomed by current and incoming students, and faculty and advisors.” Andrew says he also liked the small class that would allow him to be seen and heard.
This fall, Andrew says he is looking forward to doing more research with Wells and getting involved in some of the intramural sports teams and the Hillel student organization. He is also exploring the idea of adding a second major in mathematics. Beyond UHart, Andrew says he will continue to pursue physics and math and hopes to attend graduate school where he can continue to contribute to the scientific community by conducting novel research and teaching the next generation of scientists.
Andrew Rittenberg ’27, College of Arts and SciencesBesides academic and research opportunities, I wanted to make sure that I would be in an academically and culturally diverse community where I had room to grow. I felt welcomed by current and incoming students, and faculty and advisors.