COSMOS Student Profile Archive

ARI BERLIN
Saugus High School,
Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County
11th grade

UC Davis COSMOS 2004
Participated in Computer Applications in Mathematics and Engineering Mechanics Course Cluster

My name is Ari Berlin and I am currently a junior at Saugus High School in the Santa Clarita Valley. I am actively involved at my school in various clubs and organizations. I am the president of Jewish Youth Group, vice president of the Academic Club (a "jeopardy" like academic team that participates in competitions) and affiliated with Key Club, National Honor Society, and California Scholastic Federation. I think involvement in the school atmosphere is essential to a successful high school experience.

I had the opportunity to attend the UC Davis COSMOS program this past summer. It was an incredible experience both academically and socially. I was part of Cluster 3: Computer Applications in Mathematics and Engineering Mechanics, and attended two different classes daily, ironically both offering different academic approaches to the learning process. The two professors teaching the courses, Professor Kreith and Professor Hafez, represented two of the most dynamic individuals I'd ever met and created a unique atmosphere in the classroom. Besides the exceptional academic experience, the social aspect of the summer program was amazing. I have to say, there was never a time when I had nothing to do. I compliment the COSMOS program for its administration for such a balanced and focused four week program.

My favorite day out of the entire program was when my cluster got to go out to the quad area of UC Davis and launch rockets while flying planes, after learning about many of the properties that govern rocketry and flight mechanics. Also, every Saturday we took trips to various locations in the Bay Area, including San Francisco and Lake Tahoe. A native of southern California, I actually came home knowing a lot more about northern California than I ever expected. The interactions with other students sharing a passion for mathematics and science was another remarkable aspect of my experiences in Davis, something I do not get to experience at my high school. The COSMOS program helped me define my strengths and weaknesses in the sciences and mathematics while focusing my interests to better prepare me for my future studies.