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Teen sees stars at institute's program

Few students could include studying the Milky Way at MIT in their "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" essays.

When you're a 16-year-old with an aptitude for science, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology isn't a bad place to spend summer vacation. Just ask Alec Resnick, who just returned from an intensive six-week sojourn to the Boston college.

Perhaps more interesting, however, was what he did at MIT. Alec, a self-professed computer fanatic, participated in a research project designing and engineering computer software that is being used to examine the Milky Way galaxy.

"It was a tremendous experience for me," said the Spring Hill teen who just started his senior year at Springstead High School. "I've always loved working with computers, but being able to spend six weeks around the most knowledgeable people in that field was one of the greatest things I've ever done."

Alec was one of 80 students from around the world - 54 of them from the United States - chosen to participate in a program sponsored by the Center of Excellence in Education, a nonprofit organization that provides advanced learning opportunities for academically gifted students. Students who participate in the program represent the top 1 percent of mathematics and science students worldwide.

Alec arrived at MIT June 22 to begin the intensive educational program that included lectures and workshops. But the height of the experience came when he was asked to participate in one-on-one mentorship with one of the nation's top astrophysicists, Dr. Frederick Baganoff. During the project, Alec worked alongside Baganoff to write a new computer software program that would be used to study data gained from radio telescopes around the world.

"The program I worked on was made especially for that purpose, but had never really been used much before," said Alec. "I was given the basic information I needed and I just went from there. It was really fun to see it actually work once it was finished."

Alec admits he's always been interested in science. Up until a couple of years ago, however, he envisioned his academic path would lead to a career in investment banking. Then he discovered something wonderful.

"I found out that people actually get paid pretty well to be scientists," said Alec. Not surprising, he wouldn't mind returning to MIT next fall to study physics.

"I loved the experience I had there," he said. "I loved being in Boston and being around people who are so devoted to education."

At Springstead, he's admired by teachers and classmates for his gifted abilities in math and science. He regularly tops the school's honor rolls and is a member of the school's academic team. He's also a member of the junior Air Force ROTC program, the National Honor Society and the Future Business Leaders of America.

While many of his peers may think that having an extraordinary aptitude for academics comes easy for smart kids, Alec believes otherwise.

"A lot of it comes down to how much effort and drive you put into going to school," he said. "Seeking knowledge is a conscious effort, a goal you have to set for yourself. You have to choose to want something out of it. It's a lot of work, but at some point you realize that it's worth it."

AGE/CITY: 16, Spring Hill

PARENTS: Peggy and Peter Resnick

FAVORITE SUBJECT: physics

HOBBIES: piano, flying