September 16, 2016

Career Development

Students shine in a variety of summer internships.

 

Lewis & Clark’s Career Center helps connect students to organizations across the country and around the globe that will allow them to learn more about the workplace and acquire invaluable experience through internships. To assist those students pursuing full-time, unpaid internships, we offer funding through the Stephanie Fowler and Irving Levin Summer Internship Award and the Miller Internship Award.

This summer, 26 students were able to conduct research, make connections, and explore career paths at places like NASA, Oregon Health & Science University, the Truman National Security Project, and Hieroglyphics Imperium Recordings. Here are some of their stories. 

Isabelle Suhr ’16

Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Seattle, Washington

I interned through a program called Advanced Computing for Earth Sciences, run by NASA and the University of Virginia. The program consisted of three weeks of summer school for earth science computing at the University of Virginia, followed by an eight-week internship at one of NASA’s locations. My summer project dealt with reducing errors in satellite data for soil moisture. I also had time to check out some of the other speakers and activities on campus and present my summer research at a poster session.

Jacob Fong-Gurzinsky ’17

Majors: Biology and History
Hometown: Mercer Island, Washington

I interned at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture in Seattle, where I worked with the Malacology Collection. I entered data for shells from a species of sea snail called Nucella lamellosa (frilled dogwinkle) that were collected in Canada, Washington, Oregon, and California; moved the shells to better storage; and researched the history of the collection. This experience has been a great opportunity for me to work in a museum setting and learn about the importance of databases in making natural history collections accessible and informative. 

Sina Heng ’17

Major: Biology
Hometown: Banteaymeanchey, Cambodia

I interned at Institut Pasteur du Cambodge in their malaria molecular epidemiology unit. I worked with a team to further develop malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), which are some of the most practical tools for detecting the disease. Our research aimed to improve the ability of RDTs to detect malaria earlier, potentially saving more lives. I was the only undergraduate interning with the institute, so I was intimidated at first. But with the help of my supervisor and her team, I managed to adapt, learn, and perform just fine. I’m convinced that my hands-on experience in the field is responsible for building my self-confidence and has been critical to my education.

Allison Schneider ’16

Major: Political Science
Hometown: Lakewood, Colorado

I interned with the Colorado Nonprofit Association, an organization that connects nonprofits around the state and advocates for policy that fits the needs of its members. I worked in the public policy sector, where I researched policy and developed reports detailing how nonprofits could be affected. I also attended meetings with professionals working in nonprofits and the state government. The skills I learned, while most directly applicable to law, government, and nonprofit work, will benefit me regardless of what career I pursue.

Caroline Gray ’17

Major: International Affairs
Minor: Political Economy
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

I worked in Washington, D.C., at the Truman National Security Project and Center for National Policy, a nationwide community of over 1,500 veterans, frontline civilians, policy experts, and political professionals who advocate for comprehensive solutions to U.S. national security challenges. As a policy intern, I conducted research on various national security issues, attended meetings with national security policymakers and stakeholders, and assisting the staff with their initiatives. I am deeply inspired by the work Truman does to consider diverse perspectives and backgrounds. This experience has shown me that my career goal—helping shift the discourse on U.S. national security—is achievable.

Andrew Baker ’18

Major: SOAN
Minor: Art/Art History
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin

I worked for Hieroglyphics Imperium Recordings, which is home to Hieroglyphics and Souls of Mischief, two legendary hip-hop groups. My main duty was copywriting: I wrote short promotional snippets about upcoming events, new music releases, and other news surrounding the label and their musicians. This opportunity gave me my first glimpse into working in the music business, an aspiration of mine for as long as I can remember. Internships such as this one are necessary for gaining contacts in the industry, but they are very competitive and often unpaid. The Fowler and Levin Summer Internship Award allowed me to give my full attention to my work with the label.

Emma Grillo ’17

Major: English
Minor: Art/Art History
Hometown: Los Altos, California

I worked as an editorial intern at Man Repeller, a fashion and culture website based out of New York City. I wrote pop culture news roundups and assisted editors with things like transcribing interviews and doing story research. I have always wanted to work in fashion, and with this internship I started to gravitate towards writing as my medium of choice. Without the Fowler and Levin Award I received from Lewis & Clark, it wouldn’t have been feasible for me to live and intern in New York.

Morganne Sigismonti ’17

Major: Biology
Hometown: San Diego, California

I worked at the San Diego U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Field Station. I was in the field conducting stream surveys and satellite telemetry tracking with biological field technicians and biologists. Our research supported the efforts to conserve two endangered species that are native to San Diego, the Arroyo toad and the western pond turtle. Through this internship, I was able to create amazing connections and develop the skills I’ll need for adapting to the field work I plan to do in the future.

 

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