Sushant is the grand prize winner of Summer 2016’s #UMBCintern contest! To see his entries and all of the other wonderful submissions, check out the hashtag on Twitter.
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Name: Sushant Athley
Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Videology Group Inc.
Position Title: Software Developer Intern
Major(s)/Minor(s): Computer Science Master’s
Expected Graduation Year: June 2017
Briefly describe your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.
I joined the team at Videology as a Software Developer Intern. Videology is a converged advertising technology company. My daily activities involved working in a geographically distributed team, consisting of engineers in Minsk (Belarus), Baltimore, Reston, and Austin to build new features into their core advertising platform. My team had around 7-8 developers.
Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.
I first heard about Videology from a friend of a friend who had interned there last summer. I got excited after hearing about the people and culture and the work that was being done at Videology. I immediately looked up the recruiting HR person on LinkedIn and shot them a personalized email describing how I would make a good fit at the organization. They promptly agreed to schedule a telephonic screening but I insisted that I would prefer to come down in person to their offices and meet the team in person. I underwent around 4-5 rounds of interviews which were primarily technical. After a few days I got a call back that they would be extending an offer.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?
As an intern I enjoyed the flexibility that Videology afforded me to work on various different teams and projects during my internship. Everyone was very helpful and forthcoming in aiding me understand the nuances of the business and answer any and all of my questions.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I brought in a fresh perspective on how software development was being done in the Engineering division at Videology. After having worked in a handful of smaller teams in the past, I could offer a unique perspective around how we could move faster without compromising on quality or cutting corners.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
My advice would be to utilize your alumni contacts when it comes to applying for any kind of job. Also before applying, you should be sure that the work being done there aligns with your strengths and future roadmap.
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]]>Name: Jaelyn Bos
Internship, Co-op or Research Site: National Park Service
Position Title: Hemlock Monitoring Intern
Major(s)/Minor(s): Environmental Science (BS); Biology (BA)
Expected Graduation Year: Spring 2017
Briefly describe your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.
Last summer, I worked for the National Park Service's Inventory and Monitoring program in the National Capital Region. The role of this program is to routinely assess the state of natural resources in the region's parks. Two other interns from UMBC and I spent the summer studying the ecologic role of Eastern Hemlock trees, which are dying out due to an invasive pest. For the first half of the summer, we used a GPS to map the locations of patches of hemlock trees in all the region's parks. During the second half of the summer, we randomly selected points within the hemlock patches and monitored vegetation at these points by looking for invasive plant species, assessing ground cover, and measuring trees. Nearly all my days were spent out in the field.
Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.
I found my position through the Geography and Environmental Systems Department at UMBC. One of the professors in our department, Dr. Swan, sent out an email with information on the available positions and how to apply. After submitting my cover letter and résumé (which was previously reviewed by the Career Center), I interviewed with my now-supervisor over the phone.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?
I loved the opportunity to work outdoors every day, and to learn about forestry. I also appreciated the chance to do something small improve our understanding natural resource conservation in the Washington, DC region.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
By researching the interactions of an imperiled tree species with the rest of the botanic community, we enabled natural resource managers of all types to make informed decisions on how to deal with infested hemlock trees. While I would love to save all the hemlocks, understanding the effects that their loss has on the ecosystem as a whole helps those in power balance the cost of saving trees with the benefits to biodiversity.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
UMBC has connections to a huge variety of fascinating workplaces. When searching for internships, try to tap these connections by working with your department or the Career Center. Don't be afraid to try something new!
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]]>Name: Frank Monney
Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Uconn Health
Position Title: Research Intern
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences
Expected Graduation Year: August 2016
Briefly describe your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.
As part of my research position at Uconn health, we had 4 days of research and a day of medical shadowing. I was working in the department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics in Dr. Korzhnev lab and my mentor was a second year graduate student Alex Rizzo. Briefly, my project consisted of finding the interaction between TLS DNA Polymerases and PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen) which is a DNA-sliding clamp very involved in DNA replication processes. We used Rev1 as TLS polymerase and finding that interaction with PCNA would be a great target for drug design purposes because the majority of mutations in cells is caused by TLS polymerases. Every day, I would go my lab and grow bacteria tagged with our proteins of interest, then isolate and purify the proteins for NMR sampling.Adjusting the conditions in which the proteins were being grown, gave us a great deal of flexibility in order to determine the the true conditions that would allow that protein interaction.
Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.
To obtain my research, I attended a seminar at UMBC "How to get started in research". After that, they had a follow up meeting to talk about how to navigate the research page and how to find useful links. After that, I did my personal research and applied to a couple of research sites. I later went to the Career center to polish my resume, and get it approved for UMBCworks. I had also started contacting professors early in the process for recommendation letters which I received in a timely manner.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?
I really enjoyed the connections. Besides the amazing research experience and the eye-opening shadowing opportunities, I really enjoyed the connections both professional and casual. Through my experience at UConn Health, I shadowed Dr. Zempsky a doctor specialized in sickle cell anemia and pain management. At the end of the program, he said he would connect me with one of his colleague at John Hopkins University for possible research/shadowing opportunities. I also made some friends in Connecticut. In the lab I worked with, I met a first year medical student (Ted). He introduced me to his friends, we got to learn about one another and they were all willing to give me counsel.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
The bigger picture of my project is hoping to being able to design better cancer therapies via cells that avoid chemoresistance. At the end of the summer rotation, we presented our projects at a poster presentation and I received some great feedback. Looking at the interaction between Rev1 and PCNA, we found the results that we expected. At Ph 7 and at different mole ratios we noticed that there is change in chemical environment around peaks of the proteins using NMR spectroscopy. Although I won't be able to work on my project this fall, I am incredibly proud of what I accomplished with the help of my amazing mentor, (Alex Rizzo), my PI, Dr Korzhnev. Moving forward in finding the true interaction site of the proteins, I know that I contributed something to this project and helped take one small yet significant step towards containing cancer/tumor growths.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
For anyone looking to do something similar, I would say first and foremost, go with an open mind. It is amazing how much you can absorb when you leave your mind to be attracted to different things. As far of the research goes, attending the seminar at UMBC was of great help. Further down the application process, I would recommend contacting professors for recommendation letters very early. Through the whole process, be very thorough and persistent, don't take no for an answer and do not be discouraged. There is always someone that can provide guidance you at UMBC.
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]]>Name: Jenette Phillips
Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Future Renewable Electric Energy Delivery and Management (FREEDM) Systems Center
Position Title: Undergraduate Research Scholar
Major(s)/Minor(s): Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation Year: May 2017
Briefly describe your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.
The FREEDM Systems center is located at NC State but has partner universities that will are also participants of the same program. I was the only member of the FREEDM REU to be researching out of MS&T. Because I was the only member of my REU at this location I was paired up with a sister program through MS&T. Since I was with the sister program I would also participate and complete their requirements while doing my required tasks for FREEDM. So on Monday's and Wednesday's I would go on an online meeting and video conference the FREEDM center and other partnering universities and businesses. Friday's would alternate between a meeting with the MS&T student researchers and faculty and a field trip to various renewable energy related sites.
The best visit was when the sister program took a visit to the Anheiser-Busch Beer facility in St. Louis. After touring the grounds, looking at the horses and Dalmatian, and smelling beer waft through the air, we then went to their water treatment facility. If I recall correctly they take the waste water from the factory (from cleaning out beer tanks and such) and use bacteria to eat the particles left inside. They can produce energy at a high efficiency , treat the water to be reused by the facility, and produce about 7% percent of the energy needed to make the beer during the brewing process. Almost every week I wrote a reflective essay for FREEDM. I had to create an elevator pitch to be presented for FREEDM. I had to create a poster which I presented twice, once for FREEDM and the next for a poster symposium at MS&T.
My assignment was to develop a simulink model of an internal combustion engine. MS&T currently house an electric vehicle simulation that compromises essentially of 4 motors, 2 capacitors, and a GUI for the user to "drive " the vehicle with. Developing a simulation of an internal combustion engine, it could be integrated in the original electric vehicle model in varying different ways and could test which power train configuration would be the most efficient and environmentally sensitive model. Before going into this program I knew nothing about cars; the first three weeks were dedicated to nothing but trying to understand them! After reading over 100 papers and watching countless YouTube videos I realized how difficult my task would be. It's not because there aren't current models for the public to see, it's because of how much effort is needed to create one that actually makes sense.
Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.
I found this REU program through NSF's website. I knew that I wanted to do something mechanical and related to renewable energy, so I was sifting through all types of options : materials engineering, solar, wind, vehicular and animal safety, simulation, ect. This program caught my eye due to how long it has been running and how impressive the previous students' research projects were. I'm not very good at electrical engineering concepts, and that's what the program mainly focuses on, but I felt that I could utilize my strengths in mechanical engineering and love for thermodynamics to help me if I were to be accepted for the position. (Shout out to Dr. Sanchez for being so clutch at teaching thermodynamics, a seriously great professor!)
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?
First of all, I am one of three UMBC undergraduates that were accepted into this program, and that's awesome! Just from that alone I felt confident from the beginning. I've gained a lot of insight that can help guide me to my future career. Like that I hate sitting behind a computer all day, so simulation engineering won't be for me, but that I love combustion. I also love teaching others about cars (and I'm really proud of myself for learning so much on my own) and am now seriously considering going to Graduate's school in order to become a professor. At first I was really nervous about being in Rolla, MO. It's a huge culture shock, coming from the DC metropolitan area, but it really opened my eyes to the shear impressiveness that other universities have to offer. I definitely think that students should take the opportunity to leave their hometowns to learn through research or industry experience.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
What I am working on right now has seldom done before. Car companies produce their own engines (I mean , it is the heart of the car. They wouldn't be able to survive if they didn't) and because of that, highly protect their products. The information that can be accessed by the public is readily used by researchers, but used without understanding what the information is actually providing. Basically, it's like if someone tried using an engine from a Honda Hybrid in a big pick up truck. It wouldn't drive the way it was mean to. Most of my work has been focused on the lack of attention given to these models and finding an easier, accessible and more accurate solution.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Do something different every summer, but at least do something. This a chance for you to discover what you're passionate about. Last summer I taught literature and engineering to kindergarten through fourth grade students at the Lakeland Elementary-Middle School. Lessons learned: I love teaching, but I do not love the public school system. This summer I did research. The next I plan on becoming a company's intern. That way I have a multitude of varying experiences to reflect upon while deciding what to do post-graduation.
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]]>Name: Linda Wiratan
Internship, Co-op or Research Site: UMBC Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Position Title: Research Assistant
Major(s)/Minor(s): B.S. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Expected Graduation Year: May 2019
Briefly describe your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.
I am a member of Dr. Ptaszek's organic chemistry research group (at the UMBC Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry), whose focus is on the development of hydroporphyrins (chlorins and bacteriochlorins) for a wide variety of optical and photochemical applications, particularly photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT is a prospective cancer therapy that involves the use of a photosensitizer (light-activated probe) to localize within and kill cancer cells through the formation of toxic species. Hydroporphyrins are relatives of the familiar compounds heme and chlorophyll, and their properties can be tuned to give them potential to become PDT probes.
My daily responsibilities are carrying out experiments pertaining to my specific research project, which examines the dependence of specific hydroporphyrin properties on solvent polarity. I typically measure absorbance and emission scans for a variety of hydroporphyrins in different solvents, analyzing the data using Excel and Kaleidagraph. I look for correlations between solvent polarity and quantum yields of singlet oxygen and fluorescence.
The greater goal of my research is to help identify characteristics of hydroporphyrins that may contribute to the development of PDT probes that are more selective and sensitive in cellular environments. While measuring and graphing data may not seem like much in terms of demanding lab work, it can be very time consuming and requires meticulous tracking of volumes and careful protection of solutions from ambient light. I'm happy that my hard work paid off, though; I am an author in a paper being submitted for publishing right now, and I'm waiting on the acceptance of an abstract I submitted in order to present in the ACS National Meeting this fall!
Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.
I was actually a senior in Centennial High School when I obtained this research position. I was a student in Biotechnology Academy, a two-year G/T biotechnology career preparation program offered by the HCPSS Applications and Research Laboratory. Through this program I learned fundamental biological/chemical research and laboratory skills that allowed me, in my second year, the opportunity to find a position in a real scientific research lab. Among the options I had, I was most interested in Dr. Ptaszek's lab because I had no real knowledge of organic chemistry research and it sounded interesting. Dr. Ptaszek accepted me in October 2014 and I have been a lab member ever since.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?
I enjoy the challenge! As a freshman with almost no background in organic chemistry or quantum mechanics, it has been an intense journey to bring myself up to speed on the fundamentals of these topics, along with familiarity of the past few decades of hydroporphyrin research. It is immensely satisfying when I am able to explain to myself in minute detail why certain observations are the way they are, and it is even more rewarding when I am able to discuss my research with professionals in organic chemistry fields. There is still a great deal of information that I have not yet been able to understand, so it is also a humbling experience to admit that this challenge will be one I cannot master anytime soon.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I hope that the greatest contribution of my work will be to the improvement of photodynamic therapy and related "light-utilizing" cancer therapies, which have the potential to be minimally-invasive and non-toxic treatment options. One way to improve PDT probe specificity is to develop ones with behaviors sensitive to certain intra-cellular regions; this is what I am trying to address with solvent polarity dependence, as a cell has regions of differing polarities. The international interest in the advancement of PDT probes has grown steadily over time, so research in this field really has an impact on prospects for tightly regulated therapies in the future.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
To a student (shout out to all the freshmen doing research!) interested in doing research but with little background knowledge of the topic the research lab focuses on: it can be done! There is a lot of implicit personal accountability for being able to understand what the research is, how and why it is being done, but it is far less of a burden if you are genuinely interested in the research instead of just adding a "professional experience" to a resume. Have confidence in yourself and know that you can only go so far as you are willing to try.
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]]>Name: Emily Kranking
Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Port Discovery Children's Museum
Position Title: Education & Community Enrichment Intern
Major(s)/Minor(s): Media & Communications Studies, Creative Writing (minor)
Expected Graduation Year: May 2016
Briefly describe your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.
What is great about my job is that I'm working with children, but still doing real-life projects that apply to my career. For example, in the morning, I do fun activities with the kids, such as making bookmarks or jewelry with them. Then afterwards, I would be writing a script for an exhibit, thinking of new ideas for activities, designing new signage, or researching facts for an exhibit.
Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.
I went on the Port Discovery website and downloaded an application. I heard back 2 months later for an interview and got the job a couple of weeks later!
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?
The flexibility of the work. I love kids and I have wanted a job that involves working with them. But, at the same time, I wanted a creative job that can put brand new works in my portfolio. With this internship, I can do everything that I love. I can send in professional scripts & copy written stories and designs when I apply for jobs and internships for post-college while I build up my relationship and leadership skills while entertaining kids.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
Definitely by working with the kids. Kids get excited about everything that comes to them. When you give them something, they get so focused on it and they love to show off their creations or say how fun they are having with big smiles on their faces. You can just tell how happy they are.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Be patient when you are waiting to hear back. The hiring director might email you in an hour or even in a few months. Just breathe.
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]]>Name: Emily Schultheis
Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Position Title: Researcher
Major(s)/Minor(s): Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation Year: May 2016
Briefly describe your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.
The best part of this experience has been learning how to use a plethora of equipment around the UMBC campus. Initially, I was introduced to an acousto-optical tunable filter (AOTF) set-up. Troubleshooting this apparatus required me to become familiar with optical table equipment, light filters, and signal generators. I also interacted with a local company in Hunt Valley, called Brimrose, that manufactures AOTF devices. Eventually, I visited their headquarters in person during which I became acquainted with the CEO and toured the facility. I then spent several weeks performing typical chemistry tasks; these included the safe handling of caustic and/or carcinogenic chemicals, use of high-heat furnaces, centrifuging, and various ways of grinding things into fine powders.
I learned how to perform physical vapor transport (PVT), a mechanism by which I placed heavy metals into an extreme vacuum until they sublimated. The pressure in the chamber was raised again, so that the material deposited in a film on the substrate. I was excited to discover that I could apply my chemical engineering theory to this apparatus. Immediately upon learning about the process, I pulled out my Fluid Dynamics and Heat & Mass Transport textbooks in order to reduce the Navier Stokes equation and reference mass transport theory. This derivation resulted in the Poiseuille equation, which we had learned only briefly in class in a previous semester. It was incredibly satisfying to realize that all the hard work we've invested into learning abstract concepts in class is actually worth learning. Those abstract concepts become shockingly practical in the face of research.
Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.
While taking the required physical chemistry lab, CHEM 311L, one of my TAs gave me my mentor's contact information and told me that my mentor was looking for an undergraduate intern. My TA recommended that I might be a good fit, and I'm glad it's worked out so well thus far. I had not heard of my mentor before this, but was pleasantly surprised to find that his research specialized in material science: particularly crystal growth, which seemed intriguing.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?
There was one instance during which my lab-mates and I transported a scanning electron microscope (SEM) into its new home in the TRC. This piece of equipment appeared to weigh several hundred pounds. Moreover, due to the absence of a permanent ramp anywhere on the exterior of the TRC, we soon realized that it needed to be lifted up several small flights of stairs, all at right angles to one another. Several of these stairs were loose and the severity of the sun was no help either. However, we employed our collective knowledge of mechanical engineering to fashion a makeshift ramp out of plywood (which broke during the process), and were successful in transporting this surprisingly dense and precariously connected piece of equipment inside the TRC laboratory. After this experience, my lab mates and I developed a renewed sense of cohesion that only hard physical effort and free Subway sandwiches could have catalyzed.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I hope that my research will contribute to my mentor finding a lead-selenide based material that will be used in high operating temperature (HOT) infrared detectors for mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) sensors. These would have potential military applications. This advancement would reduce the need for cryogenic cooling, presently required in mercury-cadmium-telluride based systems. Eliminating cryogenic cooling would reduce expenses. Furthermore, lead-selenide materials would be much easier to grow.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Whenever there is a dull moment, it is always a good idea to observe peers' projects and see if you can help them. In moments that I could have otherwise spent wasting time, I tried to talk to other people in the lab about their research. On occasion, they invited me to assist in their various experiments. Through active networking with my peers, I learned how to perform chemical vapor deposition (CVD), which can be used to make diamonds (though not in our lab at the moment). I also learned about the Bridgeman Method, used to synthesize crystals. Finally, I learned about a brain-manipulation device that uses induction to adjust neuron firing.
The quality of internship experiences is primarily dependent on what you choose to do with your free time. There will always be lulls in work, but choosing to use these lulls to find more work is always the most satisfying. If this free time is wasted, it's easy to get trapped in a cycle of never having enough to do. Having free time seems nice, until it becomes a habit. Then, it merely results in boredom and a nagging sense that there are better uses of your time. If you don't actively seek out tasks, then it's likely you won't get the opportunity to learn anything new. Thus, when you're on the clock, it's most important that you always continue doing something - even if this something is a task as humble as scrubbing dishware, transporting gas tanks, asking a professor/graduate student in a different department for a tour of their labs, or chatting with a colleague in the hall about the current status of their research with the intent to give them a hand. Internships are always what you make of them.
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]]>Name: Marissa Colella
Internship, Co-op or Research Site: The Coordinating Center
Position Title: Communications Specialist
Major(s)/Minor(s): Media and Communication Studies
Expected Graduation Year: Fall 2016
Briefly describe your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.
The Coordinating Center is a nonprofit organization that works with people of all ages and abilities and those who support them to promote health, happiness, and meaningful community life. As a Communications Intern, I maintain and routinely update the organization's intranet site, write and maintain content for internal communication materials, conduct research when necessary, and craft various informational and promotional videos for both internal and external use. A typical day consists of checking the site for relevant updates, adding or removing online content as necessary, and working on the video projects at hand. Specific tasks and materials vary, so no two days are exactly the same!
Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.
The first thing I had to do to get ready was meet with someone from the Career Center. I had a resume to show, but it definitely needed to be updated and re-worked! Once my resume was suitable for the job search, I attended a few workshops and fairs on campus to gain experience and exposure. The workshop that I attended offered tips and tricks to use when networking, and the internship fair gave me a good sense of what was available and interesting to me. The fair was not only a chance to meet recruiters, but an opportunity to experience and get comfortable with introductions and interviews!
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?
Working at The Coordinating Center has been a great experience, and one that I am thankful to be continuing. The Coordinating Center operates under an outstanding mission and everyone there is so compassionate and dedicated. I really enjoy the environment and the morale at the office. It’s been wonderful--I’m quite lucky!
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
Particularly with fundraising videos, my task is to help raise awareness of The Center's work so that clients of the organization may benefit from furthered donations. Money raised helps families and individuals with complex medical needs receive equipment and services necessary for their health and quality of life, so it’s great that I can work with The Coordinating Center in their mission to make a difference.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
My advice would be to start the search early and keep on top of it to the best of your ability. If you find that you're interested in something but need more information or have specific questions, don't be afraid to send an introductory e-mail to the organization's HR department. Once you’ve landed an interview appointment, be sure to collect as much organizational knowledge as possible so that you’re ready to impress!
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]]>Name: Chris-Anne Correa
Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Mindgrub Technologies
Position Title: Associate User Experience Designer/Information Architect
Major(s)/Minor(s): Human Centered Computing Master's
Expected Graduation Year: May 2016
Briefly describe your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.
This summer I will be completing two years of interning with Mindgrub Technologies as a User Experience Designer/Information Architect. During the course of this internship, I have worked with clients on a variety of projects which has given me the opportunity to wireframe for websites, iPad, mobile and even smart watch applications. My responsibilities include:
Sketching with my teammates as well as independently
Deep dive brainstorming sessions with my teammates
Research on the product, users, and competitors
Creation of sitemaps and functional requirements
Determination of Level of Effort (LOE) for the project
Wireframing the product in iterations (typically 3 iterations which are then presented to clients)
Internal presentation of my work to the team
Ping Pong tournaments (Mindgrub loves Ping Pong)
To sum it up, I work with clients to define the problem, conduct research on the user’s needs and create a vision of the product.
Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.
In the first semester of my Masters program in Human Centered Computing, I heard about Mindgrub through one of my class project mentors - Cassie Thompson from Student Support Services. I researched the company and found the type of work they do very appealing. I also liked their work environment and noticed that they had a User Experience team. I was excited about the prospect of working with them, so I sent them an email inquiring if they would consider hiring me as an intern on their User Experience Team. Human Resources at Mindgrub responded saying that they are always looking for interns and that they would get back to me about any potential opportunities that may arise. A few weeks later they emailed me saying that they now have an internship available on the User Experience Team and were interviewing candidates. I interviewed with them towards the end of my first semester as a grad student and started working with them during the summer of 2014.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?
I have enjoyed the company’s fun and enthusiastic work environment the most - many ping pong tournaments, monthly meetings with catered lunches, and plenty of team building outings. My favorite part is that interns are given hands on work with clients which has given me the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects. This has enabled me to develop the skills and experience I need early on in my career.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
One of my favorite mobile application projects that I worked on was a social project that helped prevent newly released prisoners from recidivism. I was able to design an experience that best suited their needs and helped connect them with resources like jobs, health care, food, and housing in their neighborhood. It made me happy knowing that my work was going to make a social impact by helping the users of this application to get back on their feet.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
My advice is that it is very important to gain experience in your field while in school. It helps you define your career path and gives you a sense of direction. If you like your internship experience, it helps you understand what you want to do after you graduate. On the other hand, if you dislike your internship experience, it helps you narrow down your career choices. I feel both outcomes are a win-win situation and any experience you gain whether good or bad, you learn something from it. If you come across a company or an organization that you would like to work with and you don’t see any open intern positions, don’t hesitate to contact them expressing your interest. That’s what landed me my internship.
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]]>Name: Gabrielle Salib
Internship, Co-op or Research Site: The Prototyping and Design Lab
Position Title:Undergraduate Research Assistant
Major(s)/Minor(s):Interdisciplinary Studies
Expected Graduation Year:May 2017
Briefly describe your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.
In the PAD lab, we’re all about making people’s lives better or easier through the use of 3D printing and modeling. My research assistantship involves working with a team of graduate students from the lab, conducting a weekly 3D modeling and printing workshop for elementary school students. As an added challenge, the students we are working with are struggling in more than one area including behavior, academics, attendance, and/or social and emotional well-being.
We are currently doing observations of their perceptions of the 3D environment and their experiences interacting with the technology in collaborative ways, in order to assess potential purposes in improving the collaborative, elementary classroom experience
Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.
I obtained my research assistantship by first contacting Dr. Amy Hurst about being involved in the lab. She then invited me to attend the PAD lab’s weekly meeting to find a project that I would be most interested in working on and I got started with one of her graduate students Erin Buehler right away!
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?
What I've enjoyed most about my position is the exposure to the inevitable intersection of technology and how it affects the people using it! I find it amazing that through research and proven methods we could improve that interaction to be more effective, yet just as natural as the interactions that we have always had through time.
I’ve enjoyed my work on research very much, but I’ve also really enjoyed the community that the lab has created. It’s a place where you can always find someone to talk about a problem with or to learn about opportunities to further your interests. The people in the PAD are the best.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I believe I've made an impact with my team by interacting with the local community to encourage utilizing new technology to better the classroom experience and exploring the possibilities of customizing their own classroom materials.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Advice I would give another student who is seeking a research experience is to keep a keen eye for opportunities and to allow his or herself to be in the position to be involved in activities that he or she is truly passionate in their academic and social lives.
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Want to be the next Intern of the Week? Make sure to fill out this form and stay tuned. New interns are announced every Friday!
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