Think Like a Rocket Scientist!

Jan 25, 2022 | Our Community of Learners

This fall, Head of School Dr. Rodney De Jarnett hosted a special Zoom assembly presentation for Middle and Upper School students with the best-selling author Ozan Varol (Think Like a Rocket Scientist).
All parents/guardians of D-E students were also invited and encouraged to attend.
On the right are excerpts from a letter sent by Dr. De Jarnett to introduce Varol to our community prior to this memorable virtual gathering.

To learn more about Ozan Varol and his book, Think Like a Rocket Scientist, visit www.ozanvarol.com

An Excerpt of a Letter from Head of School Dr. De Jarnett introducing Ozan Varol

An Excerpt of a Letter from Head of School Dr. De Jarnett introducing Ozan Varol

“… always looking for inspiration and new ideas when life and work are especially challenging, I have found Ozan Varol’s book to be one of the best books I have read of late.

So who is this author Ozan Varol? Borrowing from various online resources including his website page (ozanvarol.com/about), he IS (actually) “a rocket scientist, award-winning law professor, and author of non-fiction books. A native of Istanbul, Turkey, Ozan grew up in a family of no English speakers. He moved to the US by himself at 17 to attend Cornell University and major in planetary sciences. While there, he served on the operations team for the 2003 Mars Exploration Rovers project that sent two rovers to Mars. He later became a law professor to influence others to make interplanetary leaps on this planet. Varol has written numerous award-winning articles that are taught in colleges and graduate schools. His work has been featured in domestic and foreign media, including BBC, Time, CNN, Washington Post, Slate, and Foreign Policy.”

It’s worth pointing out too that reviewers and fellow authors of note — including Dan Pink (A Whole New Mind) , Adam Grant (Think Again) and Malcolm Gladwell (The Tipping Point) — all have also raved about Varol’s book. “

US Assembly on the History of Englewood

US Assembly on the History of Englewood

D-E’s first Upper School Assembly of the year—which tapped into our “shared history” living in Englewood and the surrounding areas—was presented this week in Schenck Auditorium by Mr. Joel Lee ’17, Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging....

First Day of School Highlights: 2025-2026

First Day of School Highlights: 2025-2026

Happy First Day of School! After stepping back onto the D-E campus this beautiful morning, students in every division greeted their new teachers, posed for pictures, and were warmly welcomed by their respective principals and deans, faculty/staff, and our new Head of...

Bulldog Bash 2026
Philosophy & Ethics Spotlight: Tapping Into Our Shared Humanity
A Conversation with Petra van’t Slot on Empowering Students With Data
Spring Is in the Air With D-E 360° ACE Programming!
7th Grade ‘Anatomy of a Human’ Exhibit Highlights
D-E 360° After Care and Enrichment
Athletics Schedule
Admissions
D-E.org
D-E Today - News and Editorial Content

LS Students Find Their Voice During Spring Sing-Along

Singing it loud and proud! The first Lower School (LS) Assembly following the break was a spirited Spring Sing-Along, featuring tunes LS teachers and students have enjoyed so far this year. To kick off the event, the Parents’ Association generously arranged for the...

Read More

Philosophy & Ethics Department Spotlight

“Ethical thinking is something that all of us as human beings need desperately,” declared Philosophy and Ethics Department Chair Mr. Joseph Murphy, who has spent the past 31 years at D-E. The department he leads is the focus of our next community “Spotlight.” ...

Read More

Spring Is in the Air With D-E 360° ACE Programming!

D-E 360° Aftercare & Enrichment (ACE) programs are springing forward into a new season full of creativity, movement, discovery, and fun! From budding builders to future chefs, artists, athletes, coders, and chess masters—there’s something for every child to...

Read More

D-E 360° Chess Team Is Making the Right Moves!

The D-E 360° Chess Team, which is open to students from every division, has had an exciting season competing with players of all skill levels at D-E and across New Jersey! During the most recent tournament, hosted in the D-E Stem Center, there were almost 70...

Read More

6th Grade “Rome Day” Recap

When in Rome, do as the Romans do! This week Mr. Wallman’s 6th Grade History classes participated in their Rome Cultural Research Showcase in Hajjar Auditorium, attended by D-E families. The event, the culmination of intense Rome-related research, took the form of...

Read More

Critical Mass Varsity Robotics Qualifies for Worlds!

Congrats to our Bulldog Bots, who are heading to the World Finals! Over the weekend, our Upper School Robotics Team, Team #207 Critical Mass, qualified to compete in the FIRST World Championship, which will take place Wednesday, April 29, through Saturday, May 2,...

Read More

Loading...