61Oren Forgette, born on June 7, 2001, in Buffalo, New York, has distinguished himself as a dedicated student, a passionate researcher, and a community leader. His educational pursuits and extracurricular activities reveal a person who is not only academically inclined but also deeply committed to applying his knowledge to improve society.
Oren's educational journey began in earnest at City Honors High School in Buffalo, where he embraced the challenges of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and earned his NY Regents Diploma in June 2019. His role as co-captain of the rowing team there demonstrated his athletic capabilities and developed his leadership and teamwork skills, which have been instrumental in his subsequent endeavors.
Oren is furthering his education at SUNY Geneseo, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics with a minor in Mathematics. He is on track to graduate in May 2024 and maintains a 3.0 GPA. His time at Geneseo has been marked by rigorous academic work and a continuation of his commitment to community and leadership.
In the summer of 2023, Oren significantly expanded his research experience through participation in the NASA NY Space Grant at SUNY Geneseo. Under the guidance of Dr. Pellerin, he was tasked with processing images from the Hubble Space Telescope, explicitly focusing on producing RGB images of galaxies. This project was crucial in advancing the search for planetary nebulae and deepened his understanding of astrophysical phenomena.
Oren's technical prowess was further displayed in a complex project during the fall of 2023. He engineered a system using Labview to manage two-stepping motors. This system controlled the movements of a toy car and a live stream camera, highlighting his innovative approach to integrating technology with practical applications.
Oren has also shown exceptional leadership beyond the academic realm. As an Eagle Scout, he led a project to construct a deer enclosure, enhance local wildlife habitats, and demonstrate his commitment to environmental conservation. At SUNY Geneseo, he was the sports chair of the Zeta Beta Xi Fraternity, organizing sports events that promoted teamwork and healthy student competition.
His diverse work experience, from customer service at the Cheesy Chick Cafe & Food Trucks to logistics and delivery for DoorDash, has equipped him with a robust set of skills, including effective communication and time management.
In addition to his academic and professional pursuits, Oren enjoys rowing—a sport that teaches resilience and cooperation—and has cultivated an interest in stand-up comedy, reflecting his well-rounded personality and ability to connect with diverse audiences.
As Oren Forgette continues his journey at SUNY Geneseo, his blend of intellectual curiosity, community involvement, and leadership skills marks him as a young man poised to contribute significantly to his field and community.