Name:  Sandra Adu
Class Year: 2027
Major: Mathematics
Minor: Data Science

Internship Organization: Computer Science Department, Haverford College
Internship Title: Summer Research Intern
Location: Haverford, PA

What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!  

This summer, I am working with Professor John Dougherty at Haverford College on a research project that examines how to make introductory computer science courses more accessible to students with disabilities. We are testing the Quorum programming language, which was designed to be more inclusive, and observing how it performs in real classroom scenarios. My work has included background research, experimenting with Quorum myself, and tracking where it succeeds and where students might still encounter difficulties. I spend several days each week working independently and meet regularly with my supervisor to review progress and adjust the direction as needed.

Why did you apply for this internship?  

I wanted to experience what research actually looks like beyond what is taught in class, and to work on something that makes a meaningful difference for students. Accessibility has always been important to me, but I had not considered how it applies to computer science education until this opportunity arose. This project was a great fit because it combines technical problem-solving with thinking about how students with different needs can feel included in learning. 

Was there anything special about how you found this internship? 

I found this internship through a faculty recommendation, which made it feel very personal and intentional. My professor knew I cared about both mathematics and accessibility and thought this project aligned well with my interests. It felt encouraging to know someone saw my potential and connected me to meaningful work. 

What has been your favorite part of this internship? 

I have really enjoyed the independence this internship provides. There is something fulfilling about creating my own schedule, trying different approaches, and learning from mistakes along the way. At the same time, the regular check-ins with my supervisor have shown me how valuable it is to seek feedback early instead of trying to perfect everything on my own. 

What is something you have learned from your internship that you didn’t expect? 

I did not expect to realize how many small, often-overlooked challenges students can face when using even so-called “accessible” tools. I assumed that the software would resolve most of the problems, but many gaps remain. This experience has taught me to think more critically about what accessibility truly means — it is more than just adding a feature or two. 

Working remotely for the first time? What has that experience been like for you? 

Working partially remotely has been an adjustment, but it has taught me how to manage my time and create structure for myself. It can feel a little isolating at times, but I have learned to keep communication open with my supervisor and to stay disciplined with my schedule. I appreciate the flexibility it offers and the quiet focus it allows when I need to think deeply about the research.  

Can you talk about the skills you are learning and why they are important to you? 

I am learning how to break a research question into smaller, actionable steps and how to document findings clearly so others can build on them. I am also practicing how to critically evaluate tools and approaches, rather than just assuming they work as advertised. These skills feel important because they apply not only to research but also to any future project where problem-solving and clarity matter. 

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced at your internship? 

The biggest challenge has been dealing with uncertainty AND not knowing if the approach I am taking will lead to useful insights. Research does not always move in a straight line, and it can be hard to tell if I am on the right track. I am learning to be patient with the process and to view setbacks as part of the work, rather than as failures. 

Can you give us three adjectives and three nouns that describe your internship experience? 

Adjectives: eye-opening, thoughtful, independent 

Nouns: research, accessibility, growth  

What is most rewarding about your internship? 

Knowing that the work I am doing could help make it easier for future students to succeed in computer science is incredibly rewarding. Even though this project is just one small step, it feels meaningful to contribute to something that might open doors for others. 

Was this internship what you expected it to be? 

This internship turned out to be more open-ended and self-directed than I expected, which was both exciting and intimidating. I thought there would be a more rigid plan to follow, but instead I have had the opportunity to shape the project and take ownership of it. That has made it more meaningful than I imagined.