Sometimes, wishes and desires do come true, as is the case for high school student Ray Tang. A senior, Ray had a desire to experience the field of higher-level science research at a university and was granted the opportunity this past summer during his acceptance and participation in the prestigious Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University.  

 Supported by the Simons Foundation, the Simons Summer Research Program affords academically talented and motivated students like Ray the opportunity to engage in hands-on research in science, math or engineering as they work with distinguished faculty mentors, learn laboratory techniques and tools, and become part of active research teams on the university level.   

Ray worked alongside a Ph.D. student and under the direction of faculty mentor Dr. Anurag Purwar, where he created code to generate and stimulate different types of special mechanisms. This was of particular interest to Ray who has a strong background in robotics and who leads the school’s robotics team.  

“The work was very challenging and taught me that there is no answer key in research,” Ray said. He also noted that research at this level “creates new knowledge” and is a “team effort.” 

Ray explained that he has the option of continuing to work with his mentor and would like to have a project to submit for competition. He is planning on pursuing a career in mechanical engineering or the STEM field with a minor in the arts, as he is an avid and talented pianist.  

The district congratulates Ray on this outstanding accomplishment and extends best wishes for success in his future plans as a scientist.