Oren Forgette, born on June 7, 2001, in Buffalo, New York, epitomizes the blend of intellectual curiosity and community spirit. From his early days at City Honors High School to his current studies at SUNY Geneseo, his trajectory is marked by continuous achievement and active involvement in both academic and extracurricular spheres.
While at City Honors High School, Oren was deeply involved in the International Baccalaureate program, successfully obtaining his NY Regents Diploma in June 2019. His academic commitments were balanced with significant athletic involvement, notably as a co-captain of the rowing team, which competed nationally. This early exposure to leadership and teamwork laid a strong foundation for his subsequent endeavors.
Oren's passion for science led him to SUNY Geneseo, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics with a minor in Mathematics, slated for completion in May 2024. Despite the rigorous demands of his studies, he has maintained a steady 3.0 GPA, demonstrating his ability to manage challenging coursework effectively.
The summer of 2023 was a highlight in Oren's academic career when he participated in the prestigious NASA NY Space Grant. Under the mentorship of Dr. Pellerin, he worked on processing images from the Hubble Space Telescope. This experience enhanced his skills in data analysis and contributed to necessary research on planetary nebulae.
Oren's technical understanding is also evident in his projects, including a sophisticated task he undertook in the fall of 2023 using Labview software. He designed a control system for stepping motors that managed the movements of a toy car and a live stream camera, illustrating his innovative approach and problem-solving capabilities.
Leadership has always been intrinsic to Oren's character. As an Eagle Scout, he led a significant conservation project, constructing a deer enclosure that benefited local wildlife and the community. His leadership continued to shine at SUNY Geneseo, where he served as the Sports Chair for the Zeta Beta Xi Fraternity, organizing sports events that bolstered camaraderie among members.
Oren's work experience includes positions at the Cheesy Chick Cafe & Food Trucks and as a Dasher for DoorDash, where he demonstrated reliability and excellent customer service skills. His commitment to community service and leadership was further displayed in his roles as a camp counselor and ski coach, where he mentored young individuals in character and skill development.
In addition to his scholarly and leadership pursuits, he enjoys rowing and has a growing interest in stand-up comedy, showcasing his versatile interests and dynamic personality. As Oren continues his academic and personal growth at SUNY Geneseo, his journey remains a testament to the power of dedication, leadership, and community engagement.