Senior Excels in Astrophysics Program

The Summer Science Program was founded in 1959, run in cooperation with affiliates Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology, and Harvey Mudd College, as well as the three host campuses: Purdue University, New Mexico Institute of Technology, and the University of Colorado Boulder. Sreekanth’s 39-day stay involved interesting and intense college classes in astronomy, computer science, calculus-based physics, and even quantum mechanics. He and his two other team members, in addition to the college classes, conducted research on near-Earth asteroid 1627 Ivar. Using a research-grade telescope, Sreekanth and his group took frequent long exposure images of the asteroid; they used their observations and images, as well as algorithms and computer programs they wrote, to determine 1627 Ivar’s orbit and its potential to have a direct impact on the Earth. Cooperating with the Southwest Research Institute, they concluded that because of its eccentricity and gradual orbital change, 1627 Ivar would most likely crash into the Sun.

Sreekanth and his group co-authored an article about their experiments and findings, “Determination of Orbital Elements of 1627 Ivar (1929 SH) via the Method of Gauss.” Their data was published by the Minor Planet Center, which is operated by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Upper School Physics Instructor Jamy Haughey, who recommended Sreekanth for the program, shared: “I knew that Rishi would take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the SSP, and I know that he worked very hard this summer while in New Mexico. To have co-authored a scientific paper while still in high school is an impressive accomplishment.”

Sreekanth was one of 108 students worldwide admitted to SSP from a pool of 1,157 applicants. Everyone who was chosen to participate had to demonstrate an extraordinarily high aptitude and interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Of his experience Sreekanth stated: “Through these intense six weeks I had the opportunity to collaborate with outstanding high school students from across the world, as well as college and PhD students and professors. I felt so excited every single day, immersing myself in astrophysics and learning so much. I felt awe each night when we went observing, as I saw the vast New Mexican desert stretch out in each direction and the stars, millions, right above my head. I am so grateful to Mrs. Haughey for writing me the recommendation and encouraging me to participate in one of the greatest experiences I have ever had.”

Richard Bowdon, Executive Director of SSP, explained: “Each participant in our program comes to understand the joys, hard work, frustrations, and ambiguity of authentic scientific research, while engaged in more than 300 hours of research-related activities. This intense experience rewards academically gifted teenagers...and prepares them to excel at the most selective universities, and to become leaders in their chosen professions.”

Congratulations to Rishi for his successful participation in SSP and for using his summer to further develop his interest in and talent for astrophysics. Stargazing has taken on a whole new meaning for him.