Buzz Aldrin nominates Rancho Bernardo teen for science program

Rancho Bernardo High senior Nicholas Rui attended a three-day conference for future scientists due to a recommendation from astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

Aldrin, the second person to walk on the moon after being the lunar module pilot on Apollo 11 in July 1969, nominated Rui for the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders, held June 28 to 30 in Boston.

It is an honors-only program for high school students passionate about science, technology, engineering or mathematics, according to officials. Its purpose “is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country who aspire to be scientists and technologists, to stay true to their dream and, after the event, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal.”

Rui said he was surprised to receive the letter saying Aldrin nominated him to attend, adding he has yet to find out how Aldrin learned about him. “Everyone at the event was surprised (at the recommendation),” he said.

According to a press release, Aldrin — science director of the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists — nominated Rui to represent California based on his academic achievement, leadership potential and passion for science and technology.

The aspiring astrophysicist said he was sceptical at first, but after looking into the program and seeing the speakers would include Nobel laureates and National Medal of Science winners, decided to attend.

“They were all very insightful,” Rui said, adding among his favorites were Jacob Barnett, a child physics prodigy, and John Mather, a NASA scientist and Nobel Prize laureate. One of the things they emphasized is how many times they failed in endeavors before finding success, he said.

“(They) spoke about the lessons they learned through life as to how to be successful,” Rui said. “There was a pervasive, accepting atmosphere as many people country-wide were able to spend three days with thousands of people with whom they shared a wonder to learn more about the world and create something amazing.”

Rui said the trip to Boston turned into a family vacation, as his parents, Rancho Bernardo residents Lucy Zhao and Eugene Rui, accompanied him on the trip and did some sightseeing while there.

Rui said he is interested in pursuing a career in astrophysics, saying he finds the field humbling since it reminds humanity that it is just a tiny dot in a much larger world. “It is interesting to know the world is so much bigger than ourselves,” the 17-year-old said.

“This is a crucial time in America when we need more nimble-minded and creative scientists and technologists who are even better prepared for a future that is changing exponentially,” said Richard Rossi, NAFST’s executive director. “Focused, bright and determined students like Nicholas Rui are our future and he deserves all the mentoring and guidance we can give him.”

According to officials, going forward participants will have access to free services and programs, including online social networks for future scientists and technologists to communicate, opportunities for them to be guided and mentored by tech and science leaders, and communications for students and their parents on college acceptance and finances, skills acquisition, internships and career guidance.