feature story / 17 gelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. A whole generation of CHS students has been shaped by the Science Research Program, which was the original ambition of Allan Tumolillo. Af fectionately known as “Mr. T,” he launched the program at CHS in 2014 so “kids could take learning into their own hands and discover what it is they really want to do.” Now retired, Mr. T is especially proud of the opportunities students had for college-level research before they set foot in a college dorm. The classic apprenticeship model for learning has been a tradition in science research for genera tions and a way for mentors to inspire younger gen erations. Dr. Igor Andreoni, assistant professor of physics and astronomy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, mentored Naomi Leder man and Henry Martin (Class of ‘25) in the use of pioneering techniques to discover star-consuming massive black holes. Andreoni says, “Mentoring is my way to give back. I would have not had many incredible opportunities without the guidance and support from my own mentors.” Andreoni tries to develop future-thinking sci ence leaders. “I want to help students feel engaged in their projects and help them develop skills to wards their long-term goals, either in academia or in industry. I believe that when students work on proj ects that they feel to be their own, they can enjoy research thoroughly while developing leadership.” Although some CHS students discover their passion during the course of the program, others bring what began as a childhood fascination and meaningfully deepen it. As a child, Jacob “Jake” Kalodner (Class of ‘17) became captivated by ar chaeology through books. He participated in an archaeological dig at age 10 while on vacation with his family. The Science Research Program present ed the perfect opportunity to pursue his interest in archaeology, a subject not commonly taught in schools. Mentored by an archeology professor at Yale University, Kalodner worked to analyze a collection of more than 5,000 pieces of ancient Mongolian pottery. “I went up to Yale and collected these ma terials. The majority of my high school research ca reer was looking at pieces of pottery and recording information.” Now travelling worldwide as part of his PhD studies in anthropology at Harvard University, Kalodner reflects years later on his time in the pro gram. “A lot of research ideas happen through seren dipity. They happen through luck. People who you meet unexpectedly at a conference. People who you had no intention to talk to. Ideas come to you from reading things you weren’t necessarily interested in reading. A lot of it is allowing yourself to be in situ ations that are con ducive to that kind of luck.” Kalod ner learned from his time in Sci ence Re search that “being persistent and working hard opens up that door for lucky things to happen. But you also have to work hard. It’s not just luck.” Kalodner’s hard work was recognized by his research mentor, who supported his application to Yale University, continuing on to University of Cambridge and now Harvard. Alumni from the program’s early years are al ready making an impact in the workforce. Sam Forman (Class of ‘18) researched the intersection of cryptography and artificial intelligence, well be fore these topics were mainstream. He says that the Science Research Program validated his work and Jake Kalodner excavating a test unit site. Maggie Axelrod-Calister Sales Associate c 973.271.6951 Francine Lichtman Broker Associate c 646.734.3718 Randy Rabney Sales Associate c 646.734.9077 © 2026. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. The Sotheby’s International Realty network fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty 6 Sloan Street, South Orange, NJ 07079 o 973.846.9220 | prominentproperties.com Office culture takes time to grow. That time is now. Grow with us. Proud to Welcome Rodney Fontil Sales Associate c 914.473.7493 Jacqueline Hunter Sales Associate c 973.634.1357 David Vaughn Sales Associate c 646.526.1116
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