Name: Nisargkumar Patel

Pronouns:  He/Him

Semester of Internship: Fall 2025

Major: Information Systems

Current Class Level: Master's Student 

This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): LASARRUS

Location of the Organization (City, State): Baltimore, MD

Title of position: Unity Software Developer Intern

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

I had the opportunity to work with LASARRUS as a Unity Software Developer, collaborating closely with the Senior Unity Developer and the CTO. My role involved fixing bugs in an existing application that monitors real-time sensor data to monitor respiratory and activity metrics used in COPD research, as well as contributing to the development of new applications such as the WearME‑Pro mobile application. My day-to-day responsibilities included brainstorming features with the clinical team, discussing design ideas with the Design Lead, and converting Figma designs into functional app components. I regularly worked on bug fixes, developed new features, participated in code reviews, and contributed to requirement discussions, design sessions, QA activities, and overall app development meetings, along with attending weekly team meetings.

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

I first heard about the MTIP program at UMBC through a friend. After that, I visited the MTIP website, reviewed the available positions, and submitted my application, which included my background information and resume. The LASARRUS team reviewed my application and contacted me for an interview. The interview lasted about 30 to 45 minutes and focused on my background, previous project experience, and my familiarity with the technologies they use, including Unity (C#), Git, serverless functions, SQL/NoSQL. I also shared a working demo to show my experience with their tech stack. After about four weeks, I received an offer to join their team.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

UMBC Career Center, MTIP

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

I have enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere, openness, and flexibility at LASARRUS. It is an environment where ideas are encouraged, teamwork is valued, and everyone's input matters. I especially appreciate that my role allows me to work on real-world problems that have the potential to improve the lives of millions. I also enjoy taking ownership of my tasks and continuously learning from the team.

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

I had the opportunity to work on several long-standing bugs in the WearME app that were affecting core functionality and making it difficult for the clinical study team to conduct their work. By resolving these issues, the app became more efficient, stable, and intuitive to use, which saved significant time and resources for the team. I am also working closely with the Senior Engineer, Design Lead on developing the new WearME‑Pro mobile application, both of which supports validation efforts and may inform future regulatory submissions. and have a meaningful impact on the future of the product.

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

My advice is to keep building your skills and stay open to learning new technologies and keep exploring new resources. Most importantly, keep applying. The university is a great place to connect with different employers and it can open many doors for you. I applied to many positions before getting an offer, and I learned that opportunities often come in unexpected ways. Stay consistent and keep trying.

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

"I loved that this internship allowed me to work with highly skilled professionals and tackle real-world problems that can improve the lives of millions. The Career Center, especially MTIP, provided valuable resources that helped me secure my interview and ultimately this internship."

Viyali Bhattacharjee
‘26 Environmental Engineering M.S. Student

Update: This position has been filled for Spring 2026.

Position Overview:

Position Type: Internship, Stipend, Undergraduate Student, Graduate Student

Internship Description:

Do you always find yourself talking about social justice? Are you the friend in your group who's always adding “nuance” to the conversation? Then we’re looking for you! Social Justice Dialogue Facilitation Fellows work for the Center for Social Justice Dialogue and are supervised by professional staff within the Center. 

The main role of this internship is to support the work of the Center for Social Justice Dialogue (CSJD) in cultivating a campus community where everyone feels empowered and equipped to engage in difficult dialogue across differences of identity, background, and lived experience. Built on a foundation of Intergroup Theory and other social justice education frameworks, interns will co-create and deliver workshops on topics of identity, social justice, and dialogue to student populations. Further, students will support projects including MediaBytes, Your Story Belongs Here, InterACT, FYS: Race, Social Justice, and Dialogue, and other departmental programs. They may also support collaborative dialogue programs in partnership with other departments on campus (e.g. The Women’s Center, Center for Democracy and Civic Life, Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging, etc). Facilitators are expected to work a maximum of ten hours a week which includes weekly staff meetings to engage in deep learning, prepare for workshops, and continue developing student-focused programming. Interns engage in ongoing training, reviewing key activities, facilitation skills, and foundational introductions to various social justice concepts. Interns must be available for these training sessions as well as program retreats.

Upon the completion of more advanced training (including Restorative Practices) and a full year of participation, students will have the opportunity to apply to a “senior internship” position to facilitate higher stakes dialogues.

General Responsibilities:

Abi Postus
‘27 Chemical Engineering - Traditional Track

Nataly Al Hijazin
‘27 Chemical Engineering - Biotechnology & Bioengineering Track

B.S.: Neuroscience and the Spanish Language

Any other major, minor, certificate, and/or honors that will be on your graduation records

• Biological Science (B.A.)
• Minor in Psychology
• Certificate in Spanish 

Degree Mentors 

• Dr. Fernando Jaime Vonhoff, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, UMBC 
• Dr. Thania Muñoz Davaslioglu, Director of the M.A. Program in Intercultural Communication
• Eric Brown, Assistant Teaching Professor, Individualized Study 

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

I chose to major in INDS because it allowed me to design a degree that truly reflects both my academic and career goals. Before coming to UMBC, I knew I wanted to study Neuroscience, but at the time it wasn't offered as an official major. While planning my courses, I realized that a traditional Biological Sciences B.S. with a Psychology minor wouldn't provide the depth in neuroscience that I was looking for. Around that same time, I attended UMBC's Involvement Fest, where I learned about the INDS program from the Neuroscience Club president and then through an information session with Ms. Carrie Sauter. Through those conversations, I discovered that INDS would give me the flexibility to integrate my passion for Neuroscience with my interest in Spanish intercultural communication—something no single major could offer. This path allows me to prepare for my long-term goal of becoming a bilingual neurosurgeon that addresses the need for culturally competent healthcare.

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

After graduation, my plan is to pursue a Master's in Medical Science to strengthen my academic foundation and prepare for the rigor of medical school. From there, I intend to matriculate into medical school and ultimately pursue a career in neurosurgery. My INDS degree—integrating Neuroscience, Biological Sciences, and Spanish—has prepared me to approach medicine from both a scientific and cultural perspective. By combining research training in neuroscience with intercultural communication skills, I will be able to contribute to advancing neurological research while also breaking down language barriers in healthcare to provide more equitable and compassionate care.

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?

Clubs/Organizations:

• Social Media & Events Coordinator| Pre-Veterinary Society
• Event Planner| Retriever Essentials Student Leadership Board

Volunteer: 

• Retriever Essentials Free Grocery Store
• Hearts 4 the Homeless
• Neuroscience Club
• American Red Cross
• Pre-Medical Society
• Pre-Law Society
• Caribbean Student Union
• Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science  (SACNAS)
• Students of Applied Behavior Analysis Society  (SABAS)
• Biology Council of Majors
• Black Student Union 

On and Off Campus Internships:

• Undergraduate Research Assistant| FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health: Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories
• Undergraduate Researcher| The Vonhoff Lab
  
  

For More information on Kayla's INDS journey please click here

This Week in EA

• Being Black Abroad - Hot Topic Sessions | Tuesday, Nov. 25 | 12pm-1:00pm | Virtual
  

  What does it truly mean to navigate the world as a Black traveler, and how can understanding your racial identity abroad shape your experiences? How can you connect with others, build community, and find support while embracing your Black identity in a new cultural setting? Come join us for an overview of what it means to be black abroad, tips, sharing experiences and building community!

• Adam Baji UMBC Life Takeover | Tuesday, Nov. 25

  Follow along on the @UMBCLife Instagram as our Abroad Ambassador Adam does a "Day in the Life" from Newcastle, U.K! Catch up on his study abroad so far by reading his blogs!

Study Abroad with ISEP Exchange

Did you know that you can study abroad for the same cost as studying at UMBC? With ISEP Exchange, you pay UMBC tuition and room and board and receive the equivalent abroad! With hundreds of university partnerships around the world, ISEP can help you study abroad almost anywhere! With ISEP Exchange, you rank up to 10 universities in order of preference. Then, based on available space, you will get placed at one of your choice universities. The UMBC deadline for ISEP Exchange Programs in Fall '26, and AY 26-27 is February 1st, 2026. ISEP's deadline is March 1st. You must submit both applications.

Recurring Events and Deadlines

• February 1st, 2026: ISEP Exchange and Nanzan University Fall '26, and AY 26-27 Applications due

• February 16, 2026: Summer 2026 Faculty-led Program Applications due

• March 10th, 2026: Summer (non-faculty led), Fall, and Academic Year 2026-2027 Applications due

• Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Academic Year 2026-2027 advising is available now! Contact educationabroad@umbc.edu to schedule an advising appointment.

• Faculty-Led Study Abroad Virtual Drop-in Hours
  Tuesday | 3pm-4pm | Virtual

• Study Abroad 101 Sessions
  Monday | 11am-12pm | Virtual
  Tuesday | 2pm-3pm | Virtual
  Wednesday | 1pm-2pm | Virtual