Name:  Iverson Scarlett

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site: The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Position Title: Data Analyst Intern

Major or Program: Information Systems

Current Class Level: Junior

Work Term: Summer 2022

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities.

This summer I was a Data Analysis Intern for a project called COVIDOPS. This project consisted of a team that specialized in analytic activities such as data collection, data integration, modeling, forecasting, prioritization, visualization and report generation, in order to provide analytic support to decision-makers, informing critical public health decisions. During my time on the project I worked on issues focused on infrastructure, data processing and product updates within the projects repository. Some of my work produced visual data that is delivered to numerous government agencies. 

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I initially heard about this position through my iS advisor. I received an email during my fall 2022 semester about a trailblazing opportunity for undergraduate students that didn't require prior experience. Providing students with an opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research while building skills to make significant contributions to science. I applied the same day I got the email and submitted my application through their website.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization?

I met many people who had immense amounts of knowledge and information to share about APL’s culture and diversity. I learned so much about the projects and research that is conducted there everyday. I had the chance to create connections with other undergraduate students with similar career paths, as well as meeting APL staff that gave me insight about the different career pathways I could explore from APLs different Sectors and branches.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

I have always wanted to work on something meaningful, and impactful. The project I worked on over the summer allowed me to learn more about the depth of our current pandemic. I was able to contribute to different elements of the databases and infrastructure within my team. The information I was able to input and output from issues that I worked on contributed to the Covid 19 response effort. I felt glad that the work I was doing was making an impact on public health across the United States

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience? 

Making connections is important. My first Semester at UMBC I tried my best to network with other students and UMBC staff that had ties to my major. Attending multiple career and internship fairs, workshops and networking events. Always checking emails from my IS advisers about internship and co-op opportunities helped as well.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.

I enjoyed getting to work with like-minded people who were passionate about what they do in areas of Data science, infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning. As well as getting to have a amazing educational experience outside the classroom

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