Eighteen-year-old April Tretton, a native of San Juan County, embarked on an extraordinary academic journey that began at San Juan College and took her all the way to Harvard University.
April Tretton’s Path from San Juan College to Harvard University
Thanks to an incredible opportunity through SJC, Tretton was able to expand her horizons beyond the Four Corners region, gaining invaluable experience in the world of research and higher education.
Selected for Harvard's Prestigious Summer Research Program
Tretton was one of only two students from New Mexico selected for a coveted summer research internship at Harvard. This fully funded opportunity included a paid internship, travel expenses, housing, and meals. The internship was made possible by the encouragement and guidance of San Juan College West Campus Director Telletha Valenski and Associate Professor of Engineering Mark Johnson, who saw Tretton's potential and encouraged her to apply.
After graduating from San Juan College High School with both a high school diploma and an Associate’s degree in General Engineering from SJC, Tretton was on her way to Harvard. By June 15, she found herself immersed in a completely different environment, living on the Harvard campus in Boston.
Hands-On Research in Cutting-Edge Fields
During her internship, Tretton worked on research in neutrino physics, particle physics, and quantum computing. She also honed skills in coding and data analysis, collaborating closely with Harvard graduate students and gaining insight into their specialized research projects.
Reflecting on her time at Harvard, Tretton shared how supportive and inspiring the graduate students were, particularly her mentor, Pavel Zhelnin. "He made my work fun and exciting, and he was one of the most inspiring people I have ever met,” Tretton said. The internship not only broadened her academic horizons but also inspired her to consider pursuing further education in graduate school.
Exploring Boston and Beyond
When not focused on research, Tretton took the opportunity to explore her new surroundings. She attended a professional baseball game, hiked in New Hampshire, and discovered the local cuisine, with fresh seafood ranking as a highlight.
Encouraging Future SJC Students
Tretton encourages other SJC students to actively seek out internships and research opportunities, emphasizing the invaluable experience she gained. "The best part was the people I met and how welcoming everyone was,” she noted, encouraging others to take advantage of similar opportunities.
A Bright Future at Texas Tech University
April Tretton is now pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. With her sights set on future possibilities, her journey from San Juan College to Harvard, and now to Texas, reflects the power of ambition, education, and seizing opportunities.
