Flourishing Through Fieldwork</h1> <article> <h1>Flourishing Through Fieldwork</h1> <p>kviancou — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:53:01 +0000</p> <span>Flourishing Through Fieldwork</span> <span><span>kviancou</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-03-13T14:53:01-04:00" title="Friday, March 13, 2026 - 14:53">Fri, 03/13/2026 - 14:53</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Building on her classroom studies at 91ֱ��, fourth-year student Vivian Friedman spent last summer interning as a research assistant at NYU’s Cognitive Development Lab.</p><p>The Brooklyn, New York, native—who double majors in <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology">psychology</a> and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/sociology">sociology</a>—was inspired to pursue the internship after taking <a href="/nancy-darling">Professor Nancy Darling</a>’s course Development in a Cultural Context. </p><p>“This class really opened my eyes to the importance of culture, especially within the field of research,” Friedman says. “My biggest takeaway from this course was just how insular the field of psychology—developmental psychology, specifically—can be, with most participants coming from very similar backgrounds.”</p><p>Friedman carried this revelation with her as she undertook her fieldwork, ensuring that her research took diversity, as well as social and cultural factors, into account.</p><p>“I helped with recruitment online, through social media, and in person, going to New York City zoos and parks to ask families if they would like to participate,” she explains. </p><p>Friedman collected data by facilitating interviews and recording participants’ answers, she says.</p><p>“One of the most interesting parts of the internship was seeing how the answers differed based on the participants' age,” Friedman says. “The projects I worked on focused on children’s explanations, growth mindset beliefs, and understanding of gender differences.” </p><p>She was particularly interested in “how exposure to diversity as a child impacts the development of critical thinking,” she says. “I believe that understanding how children learn and develop is vital in better understanding our world.”</p><p>Through her time at the NYU Cognitive Development Lab, she also learned how collaborative and gratifying the research process can be.</p><p>“Before I began, I thought that research was way more individualistic, and that people would be pretty focused on their own topics,” Friedman says. “But I was pleasantly surprised by how much the researchers helped each other—giving advice, feedback, and lending a helping hand.”</p><hr><p>To learn more about internship opportunities for 91ֱ�� students, check out <a href="/career/set/summer">Career Exploration and Development</a>. </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Vivian Friedman ’26 spent the summer of 2025 at New York University, gaining valuable insight into the research process.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-03-13T12:00:00Z">Fri, 03/13/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">By Danielle Frezza</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4093">Internships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4071">Psychology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4340">Sociology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2403">Career Exploration & Development</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/sociology" hreflang="und">Sociology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology" hreflang="und">Psychology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"> Abe Frato '26</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>At 91ֱ��, success is around every corner</h1> <p>mreed — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:10:32 +0000</p> <span>At 91ֱ��, success is around every corner</span> <span><span>mreed</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-02-10T10:10:32-05:00" title="Monday, February 10, 2025 - 10:10">Mon, 02/10/2025 - 10:10</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>When Jesse Cruz ’25 joined the <a href="/node/54566">Ashby Business Scholars Program</a> last year, it opened his eyes to a new way of kicking off his career journey. Even for those who aren’t business majors, the organization provides countless opportunities to all Obies joining the workforce.</p> <p>“It completely changed my approach to applying and interviewing,” he says. “I realize now utilizing the alumni from 91ֱ�� is a path that has the highest success. I’ve met a ton of alumni now and they have all been incredibly supportive, some even telling all of us in Ashby, ‘Talk to me, get a line of communication going, we’ll refer you into the company and get you a better shot.’”</p> <p>When Jesse begins working at Synchrony–a consumer financial services company–after he graduates in May, he’ll take this networking knowledge with him into the business world. As a <a href="/node/3371">math</a> and <a href="/node/3236">computer science</a> double major, he’s also excited to apply his 91ֱ�� coursework to his new position.</p> <p>“Majoring in math was an expansion of not only analytical thinking but also just a new perspective on how to view the world, which I thought was very awesome,” he says. “I think the class that changed a lot of my perspective on things in general was called Linear Optimization, and it was taught by <a href="/node/5971">Bob Bosch</a>.”</p> <p>Jesse explains that this course taught him how to apply logic, organization, and problem-solving skills to a wide variety of situations, both academic and professional:</p> <p>“There is a lot of room for me to explore that in my new job. In my internship last semester, Synchrony did these things called IP sprints where we were able to work on our own skills and interests, and so during that sprint I actually worked on optimizing something related to my work and they gave me opportunities to explore that more.”</p> <p>He also emphasizes that this skillset is transferable and an “important tool regardless of field,” encouraging his fellow Obies to explore all their interests to give their careers flexibility.</p> <p>In addition to Ashby and an invigorating curriculum, Jesse credits the accomplished faculty for creating a valuable and enriching experience at 91ֱ��.</p> <p>“My professors have made a significant impact on my education, especially coming from my high school where I felt like a little fish in a big pond,” he says. “I had a phenomenal experience with having such a strong line of communication with my 91ֱ�� professors, and any time I struggled or was confused about something, there was always an outlet for me to go talk to them.”</p> <p>Jesse looks forward to continuing the skill development he began during his software engineering internship at Synchrony. He returns to the company as a full-time employee this July, and is excited to use software development and mathematical modeling to create innovative solutions that transcend industries. </p> <hr> <p><em>If you’re excited about everything the future has in store, check out <a href="/node/4521">Career Exploration and Development </a>to learn how 91ֱ�� can help you turn your passions into a fulfilling career.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2025-02-11T12:00:00Z">Tue, 02/11/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Danielle Frezza</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Fourth-year Jesse Cruz reflects on all the ways 91ֱ�� College has helped him as a student and young professional: “The most valuable thing you’re getting from this education is learning how to work hard and think very openly.”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3955">Ashby Business Scholars</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4150">Mathematics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4153">Computer Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2403">Career Exploration & Development</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3519">Early Careers</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones ’97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>91ֱ�� Summer Research Institute Partners with Career Exploration and Development, Expands Capacity</h1> <p>lcurtis2 — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 20:08:55 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ�� Summer Research Institute Partners with Career Exploration and Development, Expands Capacity</span> <span><span>lcurtis2</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-01-13T15:08:55-05:00" title="Monday, January 13, 2025 - 15:08">Mon, 01/13/2025 - 15:08</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>For almost 20 years, <a href="/node/62841">91ֱ�� Summer Research Institute</a>, or OSRI, has been fostering community and the development of 91ֱ�� students. Now, beginning in summer 2025, the program will offer exciting new opportunities. The original idea for the program stemmed from Professor Emeritus of Biology Yolanda Cruz, who had the desire to bring together a community of researchers over the summer. Over the past years, OSRI has evolved into an immersive, intensive, faculty-mentored research experience—and that research spans across many disciplines.</p> <p>The program lasts eight weeks, and can look different ways for each student, depending on the style of their project. They might be in a research lab, working on faculty research. Or, they could be working on their own research project, but still being guided by a faculty member. Each week, all students come together for workshops about research themes, professional development, and more. At the end of the program, OSRI hosts a research symposium where students can present their work and hear about others’ projects. </p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Dae Williams ’20</figcaption> </figure> <p>“It's a super supportive community and very interdisciplinary. It's an exciting space to learn from one another, and to learn to communicate your research to folks across different disciplines,” says <a href="/node/49256">Abby Aresty, interim director of Inclusive Excellence in STEM Pedagogy and Undergraduate Research</a>.</p> <p>OSRI is not just limited to STEM subjects, which is what one often associates with the concept of research. Rather, it has long had a commitment to supporting a diversity of projects across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Projects can range anywhere from critically evaluating AI-produced survey content to investigating and problematizing the historically white racial frame of music theory and classical music. </p> <p>The integral aspect of the updated OSRI experience is a new collaboration with <a href="/node/4521">Career Exploration & Development (CED)</a>. This partnership will allow rising third- and fourth-year students to apply for an OSRI Fellowship for on-campus research; if their application is successful, <a href="/node/460136">Internship+</a> funds will be allocated to support their OSRI experience. What this means is that 91ֱ�� is increasing the funding available for students to participate in summer research on campus. This, in turn, increases not only the general capacity of the program, but the ability to support students at a wider variety of stages in their research. </p> <p>“Some may be starting out as an assistant on a research project,” Aresty explains. “Other people may be working towards their honors project, or thinking about applying for Research Fulbright. We're making the programming more targeted and flexible. We will have opportunities for research foundations workshops for folks who are earlier in their journey, but we will also have programming and space for advanced students to come together to learn from one another. We are designing the program in a way that is conducive to everybody's individual research journey.”</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-left"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Lucy Curtis ’24</figcaption> </figure> <p>Research at 91ֱ�� is a unique and special experience, set apart from others for a few reasons. Undergraduate students often work on graduate-level research, tackling real-world issues with their faculty mentors. </p> <p>“Students are working on research questions that may shape the trajectory of their careers,” Aresty says. “Because of our outstanding faculty mentors, they have both a lot of support and agency in this process.” </p> <p>As a campus, 91ֱ�� is creative, engaged, and community-focused. This overall character permeates into the research world, and leads to a vibrancy amongst students and their various projects. </p> <p>“I deeply cherish and value the opportunity to conduct research here, as it has provided me with invaluable connections, essential skills, and remarkable personal growth,” Andrea Romero ’27 reflects on her research experience. “This experience makes me feel truly alive and constantly grateful to be part of such a wonderful community and to explore another world through the lens of a microscope.” </p> <p>By collaborating with CED and expanding OSRI, <a href="/node/4236">91ֱ�� Undergraduate Research</a> will be even better able to meet the demand of students wanting a summer research opportunity.</p> <p>“We are excited about our expanded capacity since it will allow us to better support 91ֱ�� students working across disciplines and at different phases in their research journey,” Aresty says of the new program developments. </p> <p> </p> <hr> <p><em>Want to pursue your own summer research? <a href="/node/478948">Apply to OSRI</a>, and learn more about <a href="/node/460136">Internship+</a> funding opportunities.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2025-01-17T12:00:00Z">Fri, 01/17/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Lucy Curtis ’24</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2358">Undergraduate Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4097">Internship+ Program</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2403">Career Exploration & Development</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/abby-aresty" hreflang="und">Abby Aresty</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">A group of student researchers pose outside the Science Center.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Dae Williams ’20</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Aahil Singh ’26 Turns Inspiration to Action</h1> <p>lcurtis2 — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 15:11:35 +0000</p> <span>Aahil Singh ’26 Turns Inspiration to Action</span> <span><span>lcurtis2</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-08-27T11:11:35-04:00" title="Tuesday, August 27, 2024 - 11:11">Tue, 08/27/2024 - 11:11</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>Describe what you’re doing this summer in your internship.</strong></p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-left"> <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Aahil Singh ’26</figcaption> </figure> <p>I spent this summer working on a transportation research paper under Professor Josh Davidson. My focus has been on measuring and improving accessibility to the transportation network, making it more equitable for people across different demographics. In particular, we looked at the concept of ‘Intercity Buses’ (imagine a bus running from Cleveland to Chicago, or from Boston to New York), and how likely people would be to take this bus instead of a flight, given that there are improvements in the current infrastructure that surround intercity buses. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>How did 91ֱ�� shape or influence you to pursue this internship?</strong></p> <p>91ֱ�� is quite active in involving students during its faculty hiring process, so I had the opportunity to meet <a href="/node/414931">Professor Davidson</a> during his research presentation back in 2022, before he officially joined 91ֱ��. Having already taken a few quantitative classes in statistics, math, and computer science, I was fascinated by how concepts from these disciplines came together in his work, and the impact it had on urban planning and transportation research. Despite not being able to take a class with him since he joined, 91ֱ��’s intimate size made his office hours very accessible, helping us keep in touch over the course of the academic year. Our ongoing relationship made it possible for us to talk about research topics that had scope for further analysis, and thus came about this project to examine intercity buses.</p> <p><strong>How does pursuing this internship align with your post-college life and career goals?</strong></p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Aahil Singh ’26</figcaption> </figure> <p>Pursuing this internship aligns perfectly with my post-college goals, as I'm potentially aiming to go to graduate school in economics and/or data science. I’ve always enjoyed examining issues from a quantitative lens, and my work in data science this summer deepened that passion. The interdisciplinarity of the field not only sharpened my technical skills, but also reinforced my commitment to using data to tackle complex economic problems, bringing me closer to my career aspirations.</p> <p><strong>How has the liberal arts education and way of thinking shaped how you approach science and research?</strong></p> <p>91ֱ��’s liberal arts education, with its emphasis on interdisciplinary thinking, has deeply shaped how I approach science and research. This summer, my research exemplified this mindset. Instead of viewing the idea of ‘accessibility’ to transport systems (in this case, intercity buses) purely through the technical lens of data analysis, my research integrated insights from economics, psychology, urban planning, and other disciplines to inform my analysis and methodology. This approach has not only enriched my research but also allowed me to address the problems I’m studying in a more holistic and innovative way.</p> <p><em>If you're interested in a summer internship, connect with the <a href="/node/4521">Career Exploration & Development</a> team to learn more about exploring career interests, gaining real-world experience, and developing a professional network.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-10-14T12:00:00Z">Mon, 10/14/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>After being fascinated with the research of <a href="/node/414931">Assistant Professor of Statistics and Data Science Joshua H. Davidson ’12</a>, Aahil Singh ’26 decided to pursue a similar project. As a double major in <a href="/node/3371">mathematics</a> and <a href="/node/3386">economics</a> with a <a href="/node/84821">statistical modeling</a> minor and <a href="/node/413401">data science</a> concentration, Aahil appreciates how concepts can cross disciplines. Through <a href="/node/54286">Summer Experience Funding</a>, over the summer he worked on a research paper with Professor Davidson on the subject of transportation. </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4140">Summer Experience Funding</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4096">Summer Internships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4150">Mathematics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3925">Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4151">Data Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2403">Career Exploration & Development</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=84821">Statistical Modeling</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/joshua-h-davidson" hreflang="und">Joshua H. Davidson ’12</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics" hreflang="und">Mathematics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/economics" hreflang="und">Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/data-science" hreflang="und">Data Science</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Aahil Singh ’26 presents his summer research.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy of Aahil Singh ’26</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Abby Tejera Rocha ’25 Had an Out-Of-This-World Summer</h1> <p>lcurtis2 — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 15:46:44 +0000</p> <span>Abby Tejera Rocha ’25 Had an Out-Of-This-World Summer</span> <span><span>lcurtis2</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-08-30T11:46:44-04:00" title="Friday, August 30, 2024 - 11:46">Fri, 08/30/2024 - 11:46</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>Describe what you’re doing this summer in your internship.</strong></p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-left"> <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Abby Tejera Rocha ’25</figcaption> </figure> <p>This summer I was doing research in the area of astrophysics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as part of the MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP). There, I’m a member of the research team called "Cosmic Dawn Group" led by Dr. Anna-Christina Eilers in the Physics Department at MIT.</p> <p>As part of this team, my research focuses on measuring the clustering properties of quasars observed with the Gaia space satellite, in order to study the properties of the dark matter halos that host these luminous quasars across cosmic time. As a brief explanation, my research is mostly about quasars. Galaxies have super massive black holes at their center, and during the time that these grow by accreting matter, such as stars, dust, and gas from their surrounding environment, these galaxies are extremely luminous and we call them quasars. For this research I use data from the Gaia space mission, through the Quaia catalog, which is the largest collection of quasars to date.</p> <p>This research work allows us to know more about objects in our universe such as quasars and the dark matter halos that host them, and allows us to learn about the clustering properties of these objects. In the future and through the data that can be calculated and found from this research, we will be able to understand on what timescales supermassive black holes form and grow.</p> <p><strong>How did 91ֱ�� shape or influence you to pursue this internship? </strong></p> <p>91ֱ�� has opened the doors of knowledge and opportunities throughout my college experience. At 91ֱ��, I had my first research experience in my first year, when I joined <a href="/node/49421">Dr. Jillian Scudder’s</a> lab in the Physics and Astronomy Department, doing research on metallicities in different nearby galaxies. This experience taught me about what it’s like to do research in an academic setting, and it made me realize that I want to continue my academic training in the astrophysics area and continue doing research. This also prepared me to apply to summer research opportunities. In addition, being a student in the <a href="/node/47691">STRONG Program</a> (Science and Technology Research Opportunities for a New Generation) at 91ֱ�� College prepared me to face the responsibilities and challenges that one can encounter in the process of doing science. During the summer of 2023 I had my first research experience outside of 91ֱ��, joining the LIGO Scientific Collaboration under the mentorship of Dr. Gabriela Gonzalez, doing research on gravitational waves. This team was awarded the 2017 Physics Nobel Prize for making the first detection of gravitational waves, proving Einstein’s General Relativity Theory. This research and networking opportunity led to this research team inviting me to continue my research with them which has allowed me to keep on learning from them. Now in the summer of 2024, I was selected to join the MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP), and do research in the Physics Department at MIT under the mentorship of Dr. Anna-Christina Eilers. This experience has been amazing and I’ve been able to continue developing my research skills. </p> <p>The academic community of 91ֱ��, the Physics & Astronomy Department, and the Computer Science Department have prepared me and provided me with knowledge to be able to do research and successfully collaborate in teams, making me be able to participate in these experiences that have allowed me to keep on learning, gaining experience, networking, collaborating, and setting my goals for the future.</p> <p><strong>How does pursuing this internship align with your post-college life and career goals?</strong></p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Abby Tejera Rocha ’25</figcaption> </figure> <p>During this internship, I’ve been able to do research while also learning about graduate school. I believe that the early experiences and information students like me receive from experiences like this one are important in our motivation and training as future professionals. I want to pursue a PhD and contribute as a researcher while supporting other students that share this dream of becoming a scientist and researcher, in the same way that these great women that I have had the honor of having as mentors have supported me. I want to continue my academic training and work towards achieving greater inclusion, diversity, and equity in STEM, to shorten gaps and make a positive impact in society. As a student in the <a href="/node/55501">Bonner Scholars Program</a> at 91ֱ�� College, where I do community service, I’ve been able to learn that science has to be at others’ service to achieve developed and equitable societies.</p> <p><strong>How has the liberal arts education and way of thinking shaped how you approach science and research?</strong></p> <p>I consider that having a liberal arts education at 91ֱ�� College has prepared me to look at things from different lenses, and this can be really helpful when doing research. When doing research, often we encounter more questions than answers, and our main job is to think of hypotheses and possible ways of finding the answers to our questions. In this process, being able to think of different solutions is key to having more chances of getting to the answer. In my case, I find myself combining my two majors a lot when doing research. I think of code I can write to help me analyze the astrophysical data I have, or tools I can use or develop to make my code faster or more efficient. I also consider that, thanks to having a liberal arts education, I have been able to keep practicing my science communication skills. These are key to making STEM accessible to everyone, and to achieving greater inclusion of minorities in these areas, while also shortening the gender gap in some of these areas, as there’s still lots of work to do towards these goals.</p> <p><em>If you're interested in a summer internship, connect with the <a href="/node/4521">Career Exploration & Development</a> team to learn more about exploring career interests, gaining real-world experience, and developing a professional network.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-10-11T12:00:00Z">Fri, 10/11/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Abby Tejera Rocha ’25 is a <a href="/node/472437">physics</a> and <a href="/node/3236">computer science</a> double major, with an astrophysics concentration here at 91ֱ��. This summer, she took her skills up to Massachusetts to do research at MIT. Here, she discusses what led her there, her innovative project, and where she plans to go next.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4096">Summer Internships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4152">Physics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4153">Computer Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2403">Career Exploration & Development</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/jillian-scudder" hreflang="und">Jillian Scudder</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/physics-and-astronomy" hreflang="und">Physics and Astronomy</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/computer-science" hreflang="und">Computer Science</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Abby Tejera Rocha ’25 outside of an MIT building in Cambridge, MA.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy of Abby Tejera Rocha ’25</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Elsa Faulders ’26: Lofty Aspirations, Grounded Principles</h1> <p>lcurtis2 — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 20:22:23 +0000</p> <span>Elsa Faulders ’26: Lofty Aspirations, Grounded Principles</span> <span><span>lcurtis2</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-08-20T16:22:23-04:00" title="Tuesday, August 20, 2024 - 16:22">Tue, 08/20/2024 - 16:22</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>Describe what you’re doing this summer in your internship.</strong></p> <p>This summer I worked at the Penn Medicine BioBank, helping with research outreach and coordinating study visits. The Biobank holds blood, saliva, and tissue samples that have been genetically sequenced to help Penn researchers with their work to improve healthcare. I conducted saliva samples on patients to add to the biobank data, and I helped a physician with his study on a specific genetic condition. For the study, I reached out to potential participants and scheduled study visits, as well as conducted the study with informed consent. Finally, I shadowed genetic counselors from Penn Medicine in several areas, such as cancer, hearing loss, and general medical genetic clinics, learning what it means to be a genetic counselor. I learned so much about different genetic conditions and how they manifest themselves.</p> <p><strong>How did 91ֱ�� shape or influence you to pursue this internship?</strong></p> <p>In the spring of my freshman year, I took a course on Medical Ethics. I fell in love with the discussions surrounding so many different topics and the ambiguities that came with them. This summer allowed me to apply some of the principles I learned, as I administered informed consent and discussed ethics of medical research. Working in the field directly allowed me to put to use the knowledge and perspectives I gained from that class. Furthermore, my advisor <a href="/node/6061">Gunnar Kwakye</a> has encouraged me to pursue the field of genetic counseling, encouraging me with the fact that many people in the field are very happy with their position.</p> <p><strong>How does pursuing this internship align with your post-college life and career goals?</strong></p> <p>After 91ֱ��, I plan to continue working in a research setting, whether that be through research coordination or directly working with samples. I enjoyed working towards the goal of discovery. I also plan to pursue a master's in genetic counseling, in order to work as a pediatric genetic counselor. After this summer, I am more confident in my interest in working in this field. I loved being able to talk to people and help them directly, something a genetic counselor must do. Finally, I plan to pursue a PhD in a related field to boost my ability to conduct research.</p> <p><strong>Is there anything you’ve learned this summer from your internship that has been particularly noteworthy or surprising?</strong></p> <p>From this summer, I’ve learned that even those working in the medical field are learning something every day. It is easy to assume that physicians know everything, but it was refreshing to see that learning never stops after school. I want to be in a field where I keep learning and uncovering new information, because then I will never be bored!</p> <p><strong>How has your internship deepened or changed your love for healthcare?</strong></p> <p>From my internship, I have learned how much people in healthcare care about their patients. I want to work in a field where the main goal is to help those most in need of it. Health can be such a scary thing, so I am inspired by those who try to make it a little less scary. I am intrigued by the opportunities to connect and learn from patients. This summer, I got to see the amount of gratitude some families had for genetic counselors and geneticists. When it comes to complex genetic conditions, families are grateful to have someone who understands the illness completely, which many physicians do not. To see how thankful these families were is reason enough for me to pursue working in healthcare, specifically as a genetic counselor.</p> <p><em>If you're interested in a summer internship, connect with <a href="/node/4521">Career Exploration & Development</a> team to learn more about exploring career interests, gaining real-world experience, and developing a professional network.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-10-11T12:00:00Z">Fri, 10/11/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>A <a href="/node/3411">neuroscience</a> major with a concentration in <a href="/node/322311">global health</a>, Elsa Faulders ’26 has lofty aspirations. She thanks 91ֱ�� for her grounding principles. Learn more about how she applied these with her internship at the Penn Medicine Biobank through <a href="/node/54286">Summer Experience Funding</a>.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4096">Summer Internships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4140">Summer Experience Funding</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4075">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2403">Career Exploration & Development</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/gunnar-kwakye" hreflang="und">Gunnar Kwakye</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/neuroscience" hreflang="und">Neuroscience</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Elsa Faulders ’26.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy of Elsa Faulders ’26</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Get Down to Business with Cole Tashjian ’25</h1> <p>lcurtis2 — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 18:28:57 +0000</p> <span>Get Down to Business with Cole Tashjian ’25</span> <span><span>lcurtis2</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-08-30T14:28:57-04:00" title="Friday, August 30, 2024 - 14:28">Fri, 08/30/2024 - 14:28</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>Describe what you’re doing this summer in your internship</strong></p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-left"> <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Cole Tashjian ’25</figcaption> </figure> <p>I was a fixed income trading intern at Invesco. A majority of what I learned was from shadowing fixed income, foreign exchange, and alternatives traders. However, my projects revolved around providing analytics and insights to the team. Throughout the course of the internship, I developed an in-house app using Python, SQL Server, and Streamlit for FX trade analysis reporting and re-architected a dashboard for the global capital markets team to track trade efficiency and revenue generation. </p> <p><strong>How did 91ֱ�� shape or influence you to pursue this internship? </strong></p> <p>The 91ֱ�� Finance Club was instrumental in solidifying my interest in finance. Surrounding myself with like minded peers meant I could continue learning outside of the classroom through the clubs weekly meetings. Academically, <a href="/node/417886">Professor M. Udara Peiris</a> has been an extremely valuable resource for me. His improvement of the financial economics curriculum and embracing of students' questions/thoughts has benefitted the school as a whole.</p> <p><strong>How does pursuing this internship align with your post-college life and career goals?</strong></p> <p>This past summer, I wanted a markets-based role. Invesco provided the opportunity to experience this with the backing and support of a great team. I have been able to leverage the experience into a full-time job offer I accepted as a Global Investment Banking Analyst at UBS in New York City upon graduation.</p> <p><strong>What business-related opportunities have you had at 91ֱ�� that you’ve found to be unique or helpful? </strong></p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Cole Tashjian ’25</figcaption> </figure> <p>Outside of the extracurriculars and coursework I have completed, the <a href="/node/54566">Ashby Business Scholars Program</a> was an important piece of my time at 91ֱ��. The program offered me the opportunity to go through intensive coursework surrounding finance topics for 4 months and culminated in meeting alums in the field in Cleveland, Boston, and New York City. The major takeaway from the program that I got was, all Obies are willing and happy to help one another. This provided me with further confidence to reach out to alums and learn about their careers paths/current roles.</p> <p><strong>Knowing that you’re interested in pursuing business/finance, what made you choose 91ֱ�� to help you reach that goal? </strong></p> <p>When applying to colleges, I knew that I wanted a liberal arts education. 91ֱ�� provides the emphasis on the creative thinking, problem solving component of liberal arts whilst embracing alternative routes toward finance with specific Wall Street programs like the Ashby Business Scholars. This mix of liberal arts and finance focus played extremely well into my interests and attracted me to the college.</p> <p><em>If you're interested in a summer internship, connect with the <a href="/node/4521">Career Exploration & Development</a> team to learn more about exploring career interests, gaining real-world experience, and developing a professional network.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-10-11T12:00:00Z">Fri, 10/11/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Cole Tashjian ’25 knew what he wanted when he came to 91ֱ�� College, and got down to business to achieve it. As an <a href="/node/3386">economics</a> major with minors in <a href="/node/3236">computer science</a> and <a href="/node/3371">mathematics</a>, he set himself up well to go into finance. This summer, he interned at Invesco, and used it as a stepping stone to set up his future career. Here, Cole talks about his role and successes.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4096">Summer Internships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3925">Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4153">Computer Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4150">Mathematics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4147">91ֱ�� Finance Club</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2403">Career Exploration & Development</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/m-udara-peiris" hreflang="und">M. Udara Peiris</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/economics" hreflang="und">Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/computer-science" hreflang="und">Computer Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics" hreflang="und">Mathematics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Cole Tashjian ’25 and other interns show their completion certificates at Invesco.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy of Cole Tashjian ’25</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Kayla Elias ’25 Conducts Research at the Elahi Lab</h1> <p>lcurtis2 — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 17:58:03 +0000</p> <span>Kayla Elias ’25 Conducts Research at the Elahi Lab</span> <span><span>lcurtis2</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-08-27T13:58:03-04:00" title="Tuesday, August 27, 2024 - 13:58">Tue, 08/27/2024 - 13:58</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>Describe what you’re doing this summer in your internship.</strong></p> <p>I am researching how brain vascular pathology can contribute to cognitive impairment and dementia. The Elahi lab investigates how core features of vascular pathology potentiate or accelerate neurodegenerative disease pathologies. For my project, we are focusing on the pathogenesis of a monogenic form of disease called CADASIL which is caused by mutations in the NOTCH3 gene. People affected can suffer from migraines, ischemic strokes and cognitive impairment. I am growing and differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells with the goal of modeling the blood brain barrier and how it can be compromised in disease. In addition, I am learning in silico bioinformatics techniques to analyze dysregulated gene expression in CADASIL based on transcriptomics data.</p> <p><strong>How did 91ֱ�� shape or influence you to pursue this internship? </strong></p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-left"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Todd France</figcaption> </figure> <p>In Spring 2023, I took Neurobiology of Disease and Neurotoxicology and Neurodegeneration Lab with <a href="/node/6061">Professor Gunnar Kwakye</a>, as well as Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, and Biochemistry with <a href="/node/5206">Professor Laura Romberg</a>. I loved these three classes, especially in tandem, because they inspired me to think about how a biochemical interaction can cause a series of molecular biological events leading to macroscopic symptomatology that impacts a patient’s quality of life. Therefore, they inspired me to pursue research questions such as those being addressed in the Elahi Lab about how molecular biological signaling pathways can be targeted to understand and treat neurological diseases.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>How does pursuing this internship align with your post-college life and career goals? </strong></p> <p>This is the exact kind of research I aspire to pursue in my own career. I hope to study the molecular pathogenesis of neurological disease, neurodegeneration and/or cancer, while pursuing Neurology or Neurosurgery as a physician-scientist. Dr. Elahi is a physician-scientist with an MD/PhD and I have been able to witness how she balances research and clinic. I’ve performed research, shadowed patient visits, and witnessed how the lab has set up an observational study of CADASIL patients, both remote and in-person, to assess samples for possible diagnostic biomarkers, while in parallel building mechanistic models to identify therapeutic targets.</p> <p><strong>How has the liberal arts education and way of thinking shaped how you approach science and research?</strong></p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Todd France</figcaption> </figure> <p>Medicine and research are, by nature, interdisciplinary, combining numerous approaches and perspectives to problem-solving. Medicine alone combines STEM and social science with communication skills, emotion and empathy with strength and resilience, and studied knowledge with adaptability. The cornerstones of research are also communication and organizational skills culled in multiple subjects, as well as creativity in developing an approach to a research question. For example, it is best to think about organizing research in terms of a story with a beginning–research question, middle–organized experimentation, and end–results and conclusions. 91ֱ��’s liberal arts education encourages a breadth of training, preparing students to acquire these useful transferable skills. Also, science and medicine are both team sports and involve working with others who may think differently, and each contributes a unique set of ideas to problem-solving. 91ֱ�� is certainly an environment where unique individuals with their own sets of interests and backgrounds merge to create a multifaceted community which thus exposes students to different perspectives.</p> <p><em>If you're interested in a summer internship, connect with the <a href="/node/4521">Career Exploration & Development</a> team to learn more about exploring career interests, gaining real-world experience, and developing a professional network.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-10-11T12:00:00Z">Fri, 10/11/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Kayla Elias ’25 knows exactly what she wants to do after college, and is setting herself up perfectly via her <a href="/node/460136">Internship+</a> program placement at the Elahi Lab at the Friedman Brain Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. At 91ֱ��, Kayla is on the <a href="/node/322681">pre-medical</a> track, majoring in <a href="/node/3411">neuroscience</a> and <a href="/node/25246">biochemistry</a>. As an aspiring physician-scientist, she is following Dr. Fanny Elahi, who does just that, and is learning how Dr. Elahi balances research and clinic work.</p> <p> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4097">Internship+ Program</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4096">Summer Internships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4265">Biochemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4075">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3830">Pre-Medicine</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2403">Career Exploration & Development</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/gunnar-kwakye" hreflang="und">Gunnar Kwakye</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/laura-romberg" hreflang="und">Laura Romberg</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/chemistry-biochemistry" hreflang="und">Chemistry and Biochemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/neuroscience" hreflang="und">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/pre-medicine-and-health-careers" hreflang="und">Pre-Medicine and Health Careers</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Kayla Elias ’25 at her internship at the Elahi Lab in New York City, NY.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Todd France</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Moe Ariyoshi ’26 on Morals and Technology</h1> <p>lcurtis2 — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 14:35:36 +0000</p> <span>Moe Ariyoshi ’26 on Morals and Technology</span> <span><span>lcurtis2</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-09-04T10:35:36-04:00" title="Wednesday, September 4, 2024 - 10:35">Wed, 09/04/2024 - 10:35</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>Describe what you’re doing this summer in your internship.</strong></p> <p>This summer at Carnegie India, I am working as a summer assistant to provide senior research analysts with briefings on various topics including international trade and technology corporations, border conflicts and infrastructure, multilateral relationships with India, India's political economy, and other international think tank organizations. </p> <p><strong>How did 91ֱ�� shape or influence you to pursue this internship? </strong></p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-left"> <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Moe Ariyoshi ’26</figcaption> </figure> <p>In the Spring 2024 semester, I took <a href="/node/6201">Professor Marc Blecher's</a> POLT 212 Political Economy of Development in Asia, in which we discussed the development of 5 main Asian economies: Japan, India, China, South Korea and Taiwan. In a different class offered by Professor Rudabeh Shahid, I examined the politics of citizenship in India, Myanmar and the United States. The two classes captured my interest to take a closer look at India to experience how the nation with a history and culture over 4000 years, the largest population on Earth, and a world class military, is growing its international presence. My professors at 91ֱ�� have taught me how to look at the world in a greater context, but in this summer assistantship at Carnegie India, I wanted to learn from watching closely what analysts at the frontlines of the foreign policy research experience.</p> <p><strong>How does pursuing this internship align with your post-college life and career goals?</strong></p> <p>As a computer science major, my career goals focused mainly on the development of technologies. However, at Carnegie India, I was able to see how policy studies perceive and attempt to govern technology, an important aspect for both private lives but also national power. This summer assistantship has allowed me to become aware of the consequences of development and its impact on the prosperity of the international community.</p> <p><strong>How has the liberal arts education and way of thinking shaped how you approach research?</strong></p> <p>The liberal arts education and way of thinking helped me better understand the role and implications of technology development, whether it is to empower individuals or secure national power. The liberal arts education has equipped me with the right moral responsibility as an engineer with good goals and intentions for development that will enable individuals mobility while ensuring its right use.</p> <p><em>If you're interested in a summer internship, connect with the <a href="/node/4521">Career Exploration & Development</a> team to learn more about exploring career interests, gaining real-world experience, and developing a professional network.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-10-11T12:00:00Z">Fri, 10/11/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Moe Ariyoshi ’26 had a meaningful summer at Carnegie India through <a href="/node/54286">Summer Experience Funding</a>. At 91ֱ��, she is a <a href="/node/3236">computer science</a> major with a double minor in <a href="/node/3391">politics</a> and <a href="/node/3386">economics</a>, and concentrations in <a href="/node/245971">international affairs</a> and <a href="/node/413401">data science</a>. Here, they reflect on how 91ֱ�� shaped their morals. </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4096">Summer Internships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4140">Summer Experience Funding</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4153">Computer Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4154">Politics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3925">Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4151">Data Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2403">Career Exploration & Development</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/marc-blecher" hreflang="und">Marc Blecher</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/computer-science" hreflang="und">Computer Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/politics" hreflang="und">Politics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/economics" hreflang="und">Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/data-science" hreflang="und">Data Science</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">The view from Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, where Moe Ariyoshi ’26 was able to travel during her summer at Carnegie India.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy of Moe Ariyoshi ’26</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Riley Eaton ’24 Hones her Interests at Life Biosciences</h1> <p>lcurtis2 — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 18:35:35 +0000</p> <span>Riley Eaton ’24 Hones her Interests at Life Biosciences</span> <span><span>lcurtis2</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-08-29T14:35:35-04:00" title="Thursday, August 29, 2024 - 14:35">Thu, 08/29/2024 - 14:35</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>Describe what you’re doing this summer in your internship.</strong></p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-left"> <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Riley Eaton ’24</figcaption> </figure> <p>This summer, I am interning at Life Biosciences where I am involved in the Discovery and Development of cellular rejuvenation therapeutics for age-related diseases. I attend and contribute to several weekly meetings including Epigenetic Reprogramming and Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy Program meetings with the Research and Development team, where I assist in keeping track of key notes and action items. I am gaining hands-on experience in day-to-day operations, project management, and shadowing key personnel to understand their roles. The company is supporting me to complete a Discovery project that involves identifying a new human aging disease that may benefit from their therapeutic approach. I am doing this by reviewing scientific literature, understanding the disease, and evaluating the feasibility and practical steps towards implementing a new therapeutic program. This work culminates in a presentation of my findings and a recommendation to the company. My primary goals of the internship have involved educational readings and shadowing as well as practical learning through experience.</p> <p><strong>How did 91ֱ�� shape or influence you to pursue this internship? </strong></p> <p>In my studies of <a href="/node/3346">biology</a> at 91ֱ�� and during my <a href="/node/73561">abroad</a> program, I have been most interested in evolutionary genetics and conservation. And while this internship involves different topics than my main interests, 91ֱ�� has inspired me to keep an open mind and explore diverse opportunities. The environment at 91ֱ�� has already supported me in exploring my diverse interests (from <a href="/node/472145">engineering</a>, to <a href="/node/3366">psychology</a>, to <a href="/node/3386">economics</a>, and finally to <a href="/node/3346">biology</a>), and has led me to (sometimes unexpected) experiences that I have loved, including this internship. </p> <p><strong>How does pursuing this internship align with your post-college life and career goals?</strong></p> <p>Pursuing this internship has been an invaluable experience that has connected me with inspiring scientists who have helped me to envision my own future as a biologist. The hands-on experience and exposure to cutting-edge research and development practices at Life Biosciences have provided a solid foundation for my future academic and professional pursuits, including getting a PhD and conducting research as a geneticist. This opportunity has allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, develop essential skills, and build relationships with professionals in the industry.</p> <p><strong>How has the liberal arts education and way of thinking shaped how you approach science and research?</strong></p> <p>The liberal arts education at 91ֱ�� has taught me to approach scientific problems with interdisciplinary perspectives, and to think critically and contextually. This holistic approach has been invaluable in my internship, where understanding the broader context of drug discovery and development is essential (especially when I am working with a team of PhD scientists with years of experience in this field). The emphasis on communication skills and collaborative learning at 91ֱ�� has also equipped me with the ability to effectively convey and question complex scientific concepts. These skills have been instrumental in navigating the interdisciplinary nature of my internship as I explore various fields within biology.</p> <p><em>If you're interested in a summer internship, connect with the <a href="/node/4521">Career Exploration & Development</a> team to learn more about exploring career interests, gaining real-world experience, and developing a professional network.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-10-11T12:00:00Z">Fri, 10/11/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Riley Eaton ’24 is a <a href="/node/3346">biology</a> major, with minors in <a href="/node/3196">environmental studies</a> and <a href="/node/472259">French</a>. She has a wide variety of interests, but after settling on biology, she found her way to Life Biosciences, Inc. Here, she discusses the value of this <a href="/node/460136">Internship+</a> program placement and having 91ֱ�� as a foundation.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4097">Internship+ Program</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4096">Summer Internships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4064">Biology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2403">Career Exploration & Development</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology" hreflang="und">Biology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Riley Eaton ’24 at a Life Biosciences team-building event at a food distribution center.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy of Riley Eaton ’24</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> </main></body></html>