Alec Gerde, a senior at Harborfields High School, dedicated his summer to scientific research through Brookhaven National Laboratory’s High School Research Program. This highly competitive program allowed him to engage in six weeks of hands-on research, working closely with experienced scientists like electrical engineer Lee Flader on projects involving Beam Position Monitor validation.
Gerde’s interest in science has developed over time through coding and robotics, leading him to seek opportunities like the one at Brookhaven. During the program, he gained confidence in his abilities, reflecting on his usefulness in the lab environment.
In addition to his scientific pursuits, Gerde is an accomplished classical bassist, participating in All-State performances and his school’s jazz band. He balances his commitment to music with his passion for science, taking on independent projects such as developing a machine-learning program to predict high school dropout rates.
Despite the challenges of managing time between research and social activities, Gerde felt that his summer experience was worthwhile. As he heads into his senior year, he is turning his focus to college applications while feeling reassured about his career possibilities after a glimpse into the scientific field.
