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Experiences of past internsAakash Sha (2009): ...I found this experience particularly invaluable. ..As someone considering a research career at a major research institution, I came to this experience hoping to get a glimpse into what such a future would be like. Simply put, this experience exceeded that expectation – instead of getting a mere window into research at a major research institution, I felt like I was knee-deep in the research, truly engaging work at the bench and contributing to the research in the lab! As a result, I now have a much better sense of the kind of career I’d like to pursue. Lauren Herman (2006): "In speaking with my friends who also work in labs, I’ve realized how truly remarkable an atmosphere the Center is and how lucky I was to become a part of it. It is my impression that most undergraduates involved in basic research do not have much contact with their principal investigators, nor do they have the opportunity to investigate what really excites them, at least not until they’ve been in a lab for awhile. I think what makes the internship program so unique is that students are hired not to simply be helpers in a lab, but to be taught what being a scientist really means. By giving students the chance to explore their own ideas and truly take ownership of a project, they develop skills that could never be taught within the confines of a classroom. Such an experience also helps to put one’s coursework in context, and made me realize that my coursework has actually provided me with the necessary background knowledge to understand the current problems in biology and how such knowledge can be applied to incredibly important and exciting projects. The seminar series and the weekly group meetings exposed me to the incredible work of so many different groups, and fueled my eagerness to learn even more so that I could critically evaluate other’s research and personally think about the next steps that must be taken and the experiments that should be done. The friendliness of the fellows and their willingness to speak with undergraduates teaches interns, or at least taught me, to keep asking questions, however silly they may seem at times, for in doing so you’ll only have more questions and this is what being a scientist is all about- to constantly wonder, and to allow your curiosity to consume you so that you experiment in a quest to answer your own questions." Mark O'Connor (2007): "The summer internship program was excellent. I had a great experience. I learned a lot in the lab and had the opportunity to work closely with a very dedicated mentor...I also enjoyed the activities that the Bauer interns did as a group. The lunches on Friday provided a nice chance to socialize, and it was interesting to attend the Bauer Forum each week. I enjoyed our trip to the Broad Institute, and the System Biology Conference was a good opportunity to get a feel for how scientists function as a community. Outside activities made the summer fun as well. Playing volleyball was great. Maybe next summer, the interns could have their own team. I also really appreciate the cookout ... It made me feel like a welcome member of the Bauer Center. Thanks!All in all, the summer was excellent. Good work!" Bianca Calderon (2006): "Working in a laboratory has been an amazing intellectual experience, but it has also been a wonderful social experience. I feel as if I am actually friends with the members of the Verstrepen group. We have had multiple group outings including dinners, barbeques, and bowling. We are able to joke and laugh together during our time in the lab. Some of the best times I have had during my career as an undergraduate have been singing along to songs playing from the stereo with other members of the lab. In the
Pictures from Internship 2007
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