PURSUING ACADEMIC PASSIONS

The end of the 2022–23 school year marked a historic milestone as the first-ever recipients of our Certificates of Distinction program triumphantly concluded their projects. The program gives our Upper School students the opportunity to pursue their academic passions, allowing them greater agency over their learning through independent inquiry.

By Jeremy Katz ’04 Director of Communications

WASHIEU ANAN ENINEERING, DATA SCIENCE

Integrated AI into medical imaging for swift cancer detection and built a mathematically precise autonomous vehicle with dynamic trajectory control.

JOSHUA METZ-KING VISUAL ARTS

Crafted a jewelry line, Haus of King, that fuses ancient goldsmithing and contemporary designs.

Visual Arts

Humanities

Science

Data Science

Visual Arts

Visual Arts

Yushi Liu

Humanities

Wrote a darkly humorous novella that explores nihilistic absurdism and societal critique.

Humanities

Humanities

To gain a better understanding of how this program enhances our students’ education, cultivates meaningful connections, and equips them for life beyond Browning, we talked to the faculty advisors representing each discipline within the program. Aaron Grill (Engineering), Anna LaSala-Goettler (Humanities), Melodie Ting (Data Science), and Kate Bancroft (Visual Arts) shared their perspectives on the program’s intrinsic values and its impact on students’ personal and academic growth.

For this generation of students, as teenagers are often perceived as less independent than before, how is Browning harnessing their inherent drive to be scholars?

LaSala-Goettler: Agency is a huge part of what every teacher at Browning encourages in student work. We are constantly creating pathways for our students to dig into their own learning journeys and get

Nate Long Engineering

a sense of what skills are needed to help them succeed on that path. What makes our Distinction program different is that it’s a place for students to pursue a specific passion of interest with purpose, and with independence.

The seniors engage in a collaborative process with other scholars or professionals in the field, wherein they conceive, design, and develop a comprehensive proposal for the project, ultimately defending it. They come up with that entirely by themselves from two or so years of reflective work and conversation with their advisor. I can’t think of a better embodiment of independency and agency of learning.

Grill: We want to acknowledge and celebrate students who consistently surpass expectations and demonstrate unwavering passion for their work.

We have students who showcase exceptional creativity in their written assignments for humanities classes.

During my tenure in Browning’s Rock Band, one issue that consistently plagued our performances was the woeful quality of the sound system in the school gym. It was disorganized, erratic, and uncontrollable. Determined to rectify this situation, I aimed to create a fully functional and outstanding sound system. The initial phase involved the inventory of available materials and assessing the required work. Based on that, I recommended necessary equipment for Browning to acquire. After achieving mastery of the soundboard through persistent effort, I successfully implemented a durable channel system to effectively manage the sound. I then strategically positioned the sound gear, fine-tuning the layouts to perfection. The culmination of my efforts resulted in the creation of an impeccable sound system that resonated flawlessly during numerous coffeehouses and other performances. I also took the initiative to document a comprehensive set of instructions, enabling future generations to experience exceptional sound quality and ensuring that the artistry and passion of performers can always be amplified to its fullest potential.

Additionally, there are those who exhibit a keen interest in robotics and rocketry, taking the initiative to establish and lead their own clubs. Furthermore, we have a senior, Nate Long, who is driven by a passion for sound system creation but having lacked a suitable club to join, dedicated his Distinctions Program to enhancing the school’s sound system. In all these endeavors, the faculty advisors serve as invaluable partners, supporting these students in their pursuit of scholarship and mastery in their respective fields.

What distinguishes the work done in our program from a typical senior-year capstone project?

Ting: Our approach follows the model of a graduate school thesis and defense, characterized by its multiyear commitment and pursuit. Capstone projects typically involve students exploring subjects they are genuinely curious about, but what I ask my students to think about when they start is if their project aligns with our core values, which are honesty, curiosity, dignity, and purpose. So there is curiosity not only on the topic, but as to what purpose it serves and how it can be used to benefit society at large.

Bancroft: What truly sets this program apart is the exceptional level of student involvement and autonomy it offers. Students have complete control over every aspect of their projects, from finding time to work on them to determining the project’s very nature. This program not only provides flexibility but also recognizes and empowers students to achieve a nearly professional level of creation. By granting them full ownership of their projects, it fosters a sense of responsibility and ownership that is truly remarkable.

I have a passion for goldsmithing, foraging, mycology, botany, marine biology, and gemology. The oldest known jewelry, found in a South African cave around 100,000 years ago, consists of small shell beads. Gold has held religious and aesthetic significance across cultures, representing divine connection and wealth, from the royal tombs of Ur to Mayan temples. I describe jewelry as the union of wonder and creativity, and I find a profound sense of sacredness in the process, from alloying gold to setting gemstones. It is humbling to realize that my passion is part of a practice that has spanned 100,000 years. The practice of goldsmithing is my art. The allure of handmade gold jewelry lies in the artist’s ability to overcome the challenges and uncertainties of working with molten gold at extreme temperatures. Embracing the inherent chaos, each of my pieces becomes a distinctive creation with hand-alloyed gold accents and unique gemstones. This is why I assign a name to each of my pieces, honoring their individuality. My choice also stems from watching the queer ballroom scene in Harlem, wherein a “house” represents a community or family that offers support and belonging to individuals who are often considered misfits in the wider world. Paying tribute to this important aspect of LGBTQ+ history, I have named my brand Haus of King, where each piece represents a member of my house. Through the fusion of ancient goldsmithing techniques and contemporary designs, each of my pieces is a precious and sacred object to treasure.

How does the program prepare students for higher education?

LaSala-Goettler: College- and university-level learning requires students to do more with increasingly less hand-holding. Our program prepares a student to not be intimidated by that process, whereby they know the professor or the faculty advisor is available for questions, but that the onus is still on the student’s. That’s where the joy is and it doesn’t happen unless it’s coming from the student.

Ting: Many of the skills we utilize when embarking on a research project closely mirror those taught in higher education. In our Distinction program, we delve into the art of formulating research questions. This particular skill proves invaluable for college students as they confront the task of crafting their own theses. Furthermore, they receive instruction on effectively communicating research to nonexperts. We emphasize making complex information accessible and readily available to diverse audiences.

Tell me about the relationships the boys form in these intellectual pursuits. How does Browning do it differently?

Grill: One of the advantages of our smaller environment is that students feel more at ease approaching others to ask questions. This extends beyond relationships with adults; even their interactions with peers foster a culture of peer learning and mutual growth. For instance, we currently have several juniors taking the lead in the rocketry club, collaborating with younger students. Through this teamwork, they not only share knowledge but also gain valuable insights as they work together to launch these devices.

Ting: The boys value their independence in their projects but also recognize when they need additional support. They form partnerships with experts in their respective fields who can assist them on their journey, combining their own autonomy with the guidance and help of others. What I find truly enjoyable is the opportunity to delve into their passions and immerse myself in their world. The students have

SCHOOL

the chance to share something they are genuinely enthusiastic about, which is not a typical occurrence in other school settings.

LaSala-Goettler: A key pillar of this program is that it transcends the traditional grading system. There are no pass/fail assessments or letter grades. Instead, the focus lies in demonstrating proficiency and showcasing exceptional understanding. The student-teacher relationship goes beyond pursuing the highest grades or merely completing assignments. It revolves around fostering a deep passion for learning within a specific field, where joy and intense focus coexist.

When my student Yushi Liu, who will be Browning’s inaugural humanities Distinction recipient, engages in discussions with me about the essence of being a humanities scholar, our shared quest is to continually uncover more meaning,

Engineering

I chose my topic out of a profound passion for integrating artificial intelligence into the realm of medicine. The driving question that consistently fuels my curiosity is, “How can we enhance and expedite patient diagnoses on a global scale?” The question has many answers, and I’ve found mine in medical imaging. In my project, I build intricate mathematical models designed to accurately and swiftly detect and diagnose cancerous growths or tumors in MRI/CT scans. In certain instances, it has successfully detected tumors that doctors would have otherwise not seen.

This project entailed building an autonomous driving vehicle, akin to Tesla’s technology, whereby a mathematical model guides it from one location to another using various sensors. The rise in popularity of self-driving cars corresponds to the expansion of datasets required for accurate predictions and the continuous advancements in sophisticated software. Consequently, it becomes crucial to develop systems that can be readily deployed across various platforms and methodologies. My project primarily focuses on the mathematical aspects involved in guiding a vehicle along a generated trajectory, allowing for dynamic updates as it moves from one point to another.

understanding, and excitement within the study of the field.

Bancroft: Another unique aspect of our program is the emphasis on publicly sharing the knowledge acquired. We expect our distinguished scholars to engage in open conversations and discussions about their projects with the greater community. This not only showcases their expertise but also demonstrates the advanced level of learning taking place. It can be likened to a dissertation defense, where the student

Data Science

My dissertation delves into a short novel that comprises letters and diary entries penned by the fictional protagonist and unreliable narrator named P. Within these pages, P unwittingly chronicles his gradual descent into insanity as he seeks to navigate both the fictional society around him and, more importantly, his own restless mind. A sardonic parody of 21st-century humanity, I seek to pull no punches in the dark and grisly humor of P’s letters, mounting a multidimensional critique of modern society in the process. As the novel progresses, a greater divide begins to grow between P’s letters and his diary entries, then between his society and his ego, and eventually, between his physical and his metaphysical. An incredible source of information throughout, he reveals very little about his physical world yet more than makes up for it in explaining the mental. Reading between the lines of his racing thoughts, the reader will process a close-up view of the societal catalyst behind P’s devolution into the various stages of nihilistic absurdism and abusive self-destruction, all of which are thematic elements that I took great inspiration from for the conceptualization of the novella.

is well-prepared, knowledgeable, and presents their work to a committee.

The ongoing conversation continues with more questions and a genuine interest in understanding the origins of this situation. What are your current thoughts? Where does the next revision stand? How can we enhance this further, not just to achieve a higher grade, but because it holds significance? This aspect of the program holds particular importance, especially as our seniors approach its conclusion.

Visual Arts

Inaugural Graduating Recipients of Browning’s Certificates of Distinction Program

VISUAL ARTS

Andrew BatesZoullas

Sasha Maslennikov

Joshua Metz-King

HUMANITIES

Yushi Liu

ENGINEERING

Washieu Anan

Nate Long

DATA SCIENCE

Washieu Anan

Johir Hossain

Varun Seth

Jonathan Wallace

Browning boys share a common aspiration to improve the world around them. About a quarter of the Middle School boys proudly belong to the Green Team, demonstrating their commitment to raising awareness among their peers. With an unwavering dedication to their mission, these young individuals actively seek solutions to environmental issues and advocate for meaningful action. They embody the essence of changemakers.