Tag Archives: 2027

Learning Together: My Internship at an Education Non-profit by Dalia Ibrahim ‘27

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Name: Dalia Ibrahim
Class Year: 2027
Major: Growth and Structure of Cities
Minor: Data Science

Internship Organization: CollegeTogether
Internship Title: Student Analytics & Support Intern
Location:  Philadelphia, PA

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

I am currently interning at CollegeTogether, a non-profit organization committed to providing affordable education by offering degree programs that cost less than the Pell Grant. Our organization operates as a mentorship program in partnership with Southern New Hampshire University, which enables participating students to earn their Associate’s and/or Bachelor’s degrees through the completion of over 50+ projects at their own pace (or an average of 1-3 years), serving as an alternative to traditional college coursework. Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded their degrees directly from SNHU, a well-regarded online university with national and international recognition.

Picture of the office

In my role, I collaborate closely with the Head of Academics on various projects such as consolidating and cleaning student records data sheets, analyzing trends, and compiling relevant data. I also assist in using education-focused CRM software accredited by universities to improve data management and streamline communication processes related to student records. Additionally, I develop project trackers for each degree pathway and potential career options associated with those degrees. My responsibilities also include assisting with website building, preparing student content for newsletters, and supporting basic office organizational tasks and operational functions

Why did you apply for this internship?

I applied for this internship to diversify my professional experience beyond my previous roles in working for government and historical preservation. While I am currently working for a non-profit organization, I want to broaden my professional experience as a Cities major; I previously pursued internships in government or urban planning. Additionally, I wanted to gain firsthand experience working in an urban environment for local Philadelphia communities understand post-graduate life in a city setting. Finally, I was eager to learn more about the operations of an education startup dedicated to supporting lower-income communities in Philadelphia.

Was there anything special about how you found this internship?

I learned about my internship through a friend’s connection. Isabelle Gershon ’29, who heard about the opportunity through one of her courses and shared it with me. The founder of the organization, Oscar Kirschwang, is a Haverford alum who previously gave a guest lecture in one of my friend’s education classes, during which she obtained his contact information. She mentioned this to me, provided his contact details, and I reached out via email to inquire about available positions. Typically, Oscar collaborates with the Haverford Center for Peace and Global Justice, but since the position was still vacant and the funding deadline for Haverford students passed when I applied, I was able to secure funding through my Bryn Mawr internship program.

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

During my internship, I gained valuable insights into the internal operations and planning processes of a non-profit organization, including the historical context and expectations that contributed to the development of CollegeTogether. Additionally, working with a start-up CRM software provided a new perspective on how a mentorship and education-focused non-profit functions. I also learned a great deal from my colleagues, such as my supervisor, Sanya, and the most recent hire, Leslie. Both are recent graduates (within the past two years) who completed their college education through the CollegeTogether program and successfully presented their job ideas to the founder, Oscar. Their experiences demonstrate that taking initiative and advocating for oneself can lead to unique opportunities and the creation of roles aligned with one’s passions. It never hurts to ask and put yourself out there.

Paula Ferreira ’27 Conducts Economics Research through Social Sciences & Humanities Research Program

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Name: Paula Ferreira
Class Year: 2027
Major: Economics

Internship Organization: Social Sciences & Humanities Research Program at BMC
Internship Title: Economics Research Assistant
Location:  Remote

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

This summer I worked as a research assistant for Professor Minuk Kim in the Economics Department at Bryn Mawr. Our project looks at how US tariffs affected American consumers’ purchasing behavior across different counties. My work has been a mix of things. A big part of it was data gathering and cleaning such as pulling employment data from the BLS, agricultural sales data from USDA’s NASS database, farm income data from the BEA, and tariff schedules from trade policy databases, then getting everything into a format that could actually be analyzed together at the county level.

I also replicated tariff exposure measures from existing papers on the topic, which meant digging into other researchers’ code and methodology to understand exactly how they constructed their variables and whether their approaches fit our question. Most recently, I helped build and compare different ways of measuring how exposed each county was to tariff shocks and ran regressions to see whether more exposed counties showed different income trends after tariffs hit.

Why did you apply for this internship?

This summer I wanted to do something different and more intellectually challenging than what I had done before, and the further I got into my econ major, the more I realized research was something I genuinely enjoyed. During my spring semester, I took International Trade with Professor Kim so when I found out that his summer research project was focused on tariffs specifically, it felt like a great opportunity to go deeper into something I was already curious about.

What has been your favorite part of this internship?

My favorite part has been feeling genuinely challenged and engaged. Working through large datasets and picking up new coding skills pushed me more than I expected, and seeing what the patterns in the data were actually telling us about a real world problem made it all feel worth it

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

This was my first remote internship and honestly it worked really well for me. My past experiences had very structured office days that weren’t always the most productive, so having the flexibility to work on my own schedule this summer was an amazing change. I learned pretty quickly how to manage my time and stay on track with deadlines without someone looking over my shoulder, which felt like a useful skill to build. Being remote also meant I could spend the summer in Chicago, which made the whole experience a lot more enjoyable. I could run my code, draft a memo, and then head out to explore the city or spend time with friends and family. It was a really nice balance.

Hannah Bruggeman-Ton ’27 Spends Summer Interning with American College of Physicians

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Name: Hannah Bruggeman-Ton
Class Year: 2027
Major: Economics

Internship Organization: American College of Physicians
Internship Title: Ryan Mire, MD Summer Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C.

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

For my internship at the American College of Physicians, I worked in their regulatory affairs department. Outside of a project for the regulatory affairs department, I attend site visits and webinars with the other interns in the Ryan Mire, MD Summer Internship Program. I have gone to Philadelphia via Amtrak to visit the American College of Physicians’ headquarters as well as learn about a variety of careers in healthcare.

Why did you apply for this internship?

I applied for this internship as an opportunity to gain professional skills and apply my knowledge outside an academic context. Additionally, I was drawn to the American College of Physicians’ focus on health equity and access to care. My study of economics at Bryn Mawr has made clear the impact a population’s health has on the growth and strength of a nation’s economy the necessity of health equity.

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

The biggest challenge with this internship was the travel. Usually once a week, the other D.C. office based intern and I would take Amtrak to meet the Philadelphia based interns at various locations in and around Philadelphia. While the Amtrak ride from D.C. to Philadelphia is very familiar to me as a D.C. area based Bryn Mawr student, riding there and back in a single day was something of a game of chicken trying to balance Amtrak delays around work hours. Beyond one day where our train ended up three hours delayed, we never ended up canceling the trips up and overall it taught me to be more flexible with plans and to be prepared for anything with a book (no better way to kill two hours in William H. Gray III 30th Street Station).

What has been your favorite part of this internship?

My favorite part of the summer internship was winning a trivia night event hosted by a Congresswoman Maxine Dexter. I attended the event alongside members of the American College of Physicians’ legislative affairs team and the other D.C. office-based intern. While going to the event was an extension of the American College Physicians’ lobbying efforts, it did not feel like work at all and we happily bantered with the other trivia teams lead by the Congresswoman herself and another medical society over correct trivia answers. Not only that but between all the fun we were able to bring home the first place trophy.

Ariya Bandy ‘27 Crafts Character Arcs for a Magical Game World

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Name: Ariya Bandy
Class Year: 2027
Major: Philosophy

Internship Organization: Icarus Alpha Inc.
Internship Title: Game Writer
Location: Remote

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

This summer, I am a game writing intern on a 3D game in development at Icarus Alpha Inc. These past few months, I have been constructing character profiles, including backstories, personalities, and relationships for the main characters of the project, weaving these elements with existing and expanding worldbuilding. In collaboration with other writers as well as members of other teams, we are making sure the narrative aspects of the game seamlessly integrate with the art and level design.

Why did you apply for this internship?

Prior to applying to this position, I had been writing and publishing my own creative writing, and in the summer of 2025, I made and released my first interactive fiction game. While I fully intend to continue to pursue personal creative projects, through working behind the scenes at Querencia Press and khōréō magazine, I learned that I really have a passion for working in teams on projects that are larger than the sum of their parts. I found what some people at Icarus had been working on and, upon further investigation, discovered that their goals of bringing creatives from around the world together to create innovative and meaningful experiences were highly aligned with my own. Frankly, I wasn’t expecting to hear back when I first applied, but I am incredibly grateful that I did!

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

I’d have to say that my favorite part of this internship has been getting the opportunity to work with so many other talented and intelligent people. Writing can sometimes be a fairly isolating act, so it has been incredibly refreshing to get to bounce ideas off of other writers and gain new perspectives from people who may have more experience writing for games than I do. Collaborating with members of other departments has introduced an entirely new dimension to how I think about creative projects. I am not required to attend meetings of other departments, but I always love to join because I gain a much better understanding of what all goes into making a game and what all I need to consider in writing for one. It is so inspiring to witness the processes of creatives in different mediums, and I will take what I have learned from them into future endeavors.

What is most rewarding about your internship?

The fact that my work has a direct impact on the work that others do and the creative direction of the game is definitely the most rewarding aspect of my internship. At first, I was terrified. My first task was to develop the player character of the game. I was so afraid of suggesting something that wasn’t in line with the existing vision, and it took time for me to not fear my own voice, but as I have gotten to know my peers and project leads and they have gotten to know me this summer, it has become much easier to share my perspective. Seeing how my ideas shape this larger project reminded me of why I do this. It turns out there was nothing to be scared of.

Investigating Marsh Farts and Global Change Ecology with Jack Carlson ’27

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Name: Jack Carlson
Class Year: 2027
Major: Environmental Studies

Internship Organization: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Internship Title: Global Change Ecology Intern
Location: Edgewater, MD

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

For the past 10 weeks, I have been working with Genevieve Noyce in SERC’s global change ecology lab to investigate porewater methane concentrations in a wetland warming experiment at the Global Change Research Wetland. Porewater is what we call the water that permeates the marsh surface. In oxygen-poor environments, microbes can produce a lot of methane, which is a very potent greenhouse gas. That methane is stored in the water of the marsh and then bubbles up into the air causing emissions.

The experiment that I am working on consists of 12 chambers that are heated to simulate future warming conditions. Emissions from each chamber have been measured for 5 years, but this is the first time that anyone has really looked at what is going on in the water and connected that to emissions. This work is super important for building accurate carbon budgets and forecasting emission rates under climate change. As part of this project, I have gotten a taste of every aspect of research, from project planning to fieldwork, sample processing and data analysis, so every day at work was a little different.

Why did you apply for this internship?

Two years ago I was able to visit GCREW with the Mozdzer lab at Bryn Mawr to help work on the Phragmites experiments. After that summer I knew I wanted to try to intern at SERC. I was drawn to a research environment outside of the traditional college REU-type program and was really interested in the long-term experiments that SERC is able to do. I was particularly interested in working with Genevieve on global change ecology because I am interested in science that informs real world decisions. Coastal environments and communities are very high-risk areas under climate change so I was excited by the opportunity to contribute to data that might help improve those conditions.

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

There was a really big learning curve to a lot of what I did in this internship. Before this summer I did not have a whole lot of experience with gas chromatography or doing data analysis in R. My biggest challenge throughout this experience has been being patient with myself and being brave enough to try new things that might be a little outside of my comfort zone. There were some days where I spent a lot of time struggling with lab instruments or staring at R code, but every day I came away having learned something new. Despite all the struggle, I am really proud of the skills that I was able to pick up during this experience and am extremely grateful to everyone who helped me along the way.

What is most rewarding about your internship?

I think the most important thing to have come out of this experience for me is the sense of surety that comes from seeing the realities of the job and knowing that this type of research is something that I continue to find joy and purpose in and am still interested in pursuing.

A Summer at Founder’s Hall by Bailey Reed ‘27

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Name: Bailey Reed
Class Year: 2027
Major: Mathematics
Minor: Africana Studies

Internship Organization: Founder’s Hall at Girard College
Internship Title: Historical Research Intern
Location: Philadelphia, PA

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

This summer, I’ve taken over an expansive historical demographics project tracing Girard College’s student population across its history. Basically, I dug through on-site ledgers, presidents’ reports, and graduation cards, along with online census data, in order to construct a larger picture. I’ve been looking at where students’ families came from, how the racial makeup of the student body shifted over decades, and religious affiliation trends since the College’s founding in 1848.

Polished vs. Unpolished silver goblets

My research is heavily focused on the desegregation era, which has a prominent presence in Girard’s history. Girard was founded exclusively for “white orphan boys”, and it took a decades-long legal and civil rights battle to change. Cecil B. Moore led seven months of daily picketing outside the school’s walls in 1965. The case eventually worked its way through the federal courts, and in 1968 Girard admitted its first Black students – William Dade, Owen Gowans III, Theodore Hicks, and Carl Riley. Tracing that shift directly in the enrollment records and watching the numbers change has been genuinely moving, especially as an Africana Studies student.

Alongside this project, I’ve had quite a few sidequests, including building a bibliography of works that reference Girard College’s archival holdings, tracing club and extracurricular data through yearbooks, digging into the history of yellow fever in Philadelphia (everyone should read A Narrative of the Proceedings of the Black People, During the Late Awful Calamity in Philadelphia!), working with our digital assets to put names to faces, and cataloging our extensive postcard collection. I’ve also gotten to work in outward-facing roles with guests and social media, and inward-facing roles like handling materials. It’s been a lot of fun because the museum basically runs as a one-person operation, so I’ve gotten to touch nearly every part of it.

Why did you apply for this internship?

Founder’s Hall secret basement collection

As a Mathematics major, I have been asked this question quite frequently throughout the summer. The short answer is that I love museum work, and wanted to branch out into the research world before starting my thesis next semester. I think that Mathematics definitely has its place in the archival world, and I have used a lot of my digital/ statistical analysis skills throughout my time at Girard. My background is heavily museum-based, and I hope to continue in this field after graduation. I’m grateful that my research ended up centering on desegregation, something I’ve researched heavily during my time at Bryn Mawr.


What has been your favorite part of this internship?

I have really enjoyed my time in the space itself. Founder’s Hall is actually a National Historic Landmark, one of the most important distinctions a building of its kind can have, and the building and its surroundings are beautiful and quite serene. My lunch breaks have been a highlight of the summer, since I get to walk around campus and take in all the beauty of the space. I’ve also come to really appreciate how physical my job can be. I love handling the materials, especially polishing silver. It’s so satisfying!

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

My favorite postcard in the collection

Unprotected left turns! Working and living in a big city has been very new to me as an Albuquerque-resident-turned-Bryn-Mawr-Student, but the experience has been incredible. I feel like I’ve learned just as much outside my internship as I have within it. Also, through my wonderful boss, I’ve had the chance to meet people at other archival institutions across the city, and it’s been amazing to see the kinds of connections that form within Philadelphia’s historical community.

Behind the curtain of an Off-Broadway Theater by Plummy Carter ‘27

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Name: Plummy Carter
Class Year: 2027
Major:  Archaeology
Minor: Film Studies

Internship Organization: The Vineyard Theatre
Internship Title: Production Intern
Location: New York, NY

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

As of now, my internship at Vineyard Theatre has provided me with an insight into the process of development and production and management of a theatre company. One of my tasks during my internship here has been to assist in the preparation for the workshop of a new musical called “MS. BLAKK FOR PRESIDENT”. This musical talks about the story of the activist and drag performer Joan Jett Blakk. In the course of this task, I have been involved in sourcing props, making campaign materials and protest signs, coordinating with the vendors and managing the logistics of the event. It was amazing to witness the level of collaboration and planning that goes into preparing a show.

Some of the props I researched and made for the MS. BLAKK workshop!

Besides this, I have also been involved in looking for venues in New York City where Vineyard Theatre could perform in the coming year before going through the renovation process. I have been involved in identifying the venues and compiling information about them, including their capacity, layout, and dates of availability. This task has taught me how producers plan a season, balancing artistic vision and practicalities. The internships that I have undergone have helped me realize that the process of production is a combination of imagination, coordination, and problem-solving. It has been quite an eye-opening experience, since everyday has been different.

Why did you apply for this internship?

The reason I chose this internship is because of my background with Bryn Mawr’s Shakespeare Performance Troupe, which sparked my interest to discover opportunities in the professional theatre industry other than acting. I was keen to find out what goes on behind the scenes and to obtain practical knowledge of the arts administration and producing processes. The fact that Vineyard Theatre is primarily focused on nurturing new works meant that this was a very exciting internship to pursue because I knew I could observe the artistic process at its inception stages. I wanted to acquire practical knowledge in production, organizational skills, and cooperation, as well as to better understand how a nonprofit theatre operates.

Was there anything special about how you found this internship?

Some of the props I researched and made for the MS. BLAKK workshop!

It was quite an adventure for me to find this internship opportunity. First of all, my previous internship opportunity did not work out, and I had to begin a new search a couple of weeks into summer. I contacted tens of theaters via email and telephone, asked my family members and friends whether they could give me some contacts, and pursued whatever leads I had. Of course, the process was quite stressing, but it helped me realize the importance of persistence and networking. However, all my efforts were paid off, and I have found my internship at Vineyard Theatre. Now I appreciate the fact that everything turned out this way, as it helped me have an amazing experience.

What has been your favorite part of this internship?

The aspect that I most enjoyed from this internship was that there is never a boring day at work because everything is changing all the time. One day I could be researching contracts with unions, while the other day I can be sprinting to Times Square in order to find a shop where saxophones get repaired for the production. All those things have been keeping every day interesting, and I have been introduced to different sides of producing. Moreover, it has been very pleasant to work among such a creative and spontaneous crew, which makes the process very fun and educating.

Purity Wanjiku ’27: Finding the Mathematics Behind Policy

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Name: Purity Wanjiku
Class Year: 2027
Majors: Mathematics, Economics
Minor: Data Science

Internship Organization: Bryn Mawr College Summer Research
Internship Title: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Location: Bryn Mawr, PA

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

This summer, I have been conducting Mathematics research under the supervision of Professor Leslie Cheng at Bryn Mawr College. My project focuses on the mathematical foundations of multiple regression and the Difference-in-Differences method, using Kenya’s Free Maternity Services Policy as the motivating application. Much of my work has involved reading econometrics textbooks and research papers, studying how these methods are derived mathematically, and writing the methodology chapter of my thesis. I have also met regularly with Professor Cheng to discuss new ideas, refine my understanding, and improve my academic writing. Through this process, I have developed a deeper appreciation for how Mathematics and Economics work together to answer important public policy questions.

Why did you apply for this internship?

I applied for this internship because I wanted to deepen my understanding of the Mathematics behind econometrics. After taking econometrics, I knew how to apply methods such as multiple regression, but I wanted to understand where these methods came from, why they work, and the assumptions that make them valid. The opportunity to study these methods while researching a policy from my home country made the project particularly meaningful to me. This research opportunity allowed me to explore those questions while combining my interests in Mathematics and Economics. I was also excited to work closely with Professor Cheng, develop my research skills, and gain experience that would prepare me for graduate study and a future in quantitative research.

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

One of the biggest challenges was becoming comfortable with not understanding everything immediately. Many of the mathematical derivations and econometric papers were much more advanced than anything I had encountered in class. Instead of getting discouraged, I learned to approach difficult material patiently by breaking it into smaller pieces, revisiting concepts several times, and asking questions during meetings. Over time, I became more confident tackling complex ideas independently, which has changed the way I approach challenging academic material.

Was this internship what you expected it to be?

Not exactly but in a good way. I expected to spend most of my time learning Mathematical techniques, but I didn’t realize how much independent thinking research requires. I learned that research is rarely a straight path; understanding one concept often raises new questions to explore. I also discovered how important reflection and discussion are in the research process. Regular conversations with my supervisor helped me think more critically about my work and showed me that developing as a researcher is just as much about asking thoughtful questions as it is about finding answers.

A Summer of Landscape Design on the Gulf Coast by Genevieve Syrett ’27

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Name: Genevieve Syrett
Class Year: 2027
Major: Growth and Structure of Cities

Internship Organization: Louisiana State University Coastal Ecosystem Design Studio
Internship Title: Design Intern
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana (with fieldwork in Biloxi, Mississippi)

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

Fieldwork and site research along the Back Bay wetland boardwalks

This summer, I am interning with the LSU Coastal Ecosystem Design Studio, where I am helping develop a coastal resilience plan for East Biloxi, Mississippi. Alongside my team, I have been conducting site analysis and field research to better understand Biloxi’s flooding patterns, stormwater management challenges, and community needs. From this, we have developed design proposals for a blue-green trail network supported by GIS analysis, site plans, and landscape architecture renderings!!

Why did you apply for this internship?

I applied for this internship because I wanted to gain hands-on experience in design, and more specifically, landscape architecture. Throughout my time in the Cities department at BMC I have also had an interest for ecological urbanism, so the opportunity to do design work on real-world environmental challenges was incredibly exciting!

Deer Island

I was also interested in working alongside master’s and Ph.D. students as an equal on an interdisciplinary team, where I could learn from all of their specific expertise (quantitative economics, geography, river studies, etc.) while also contributing my own ideas and design work.

What has been your favorite part of this internship?

My favorite part of this internship has been the fieldwork. Before this summer, I had never been to the South, so it was super cool to experience Louisiana and Mississippi’s natural landscapes first hand. Visiting barrier islands along the Gulf Coast, marshes, wetlands, and bayous gave me a much deeper understanding of the landscapes we were designing for than I could have gained in the studio alone. One of my favorite experiences was our fieldwork on Deer Island, Biloxi’s barrier island, which is only accessible by boat. There, we were able to see wildlife up close (fiddler crabs, brown pelicans, snowy egrets, etc.) and study the three distinct ecosystems present!

What is most rewarding about your internship?

A simplified look at our final master plan for East Biloxi

The most rewarding part of this internship has been seeing our work come together into a project that could have a real impact on the future of East Biloxi. Presenting our final plans to our peers, LSU faculty, stakeholders, and community members made all of our research, fieldwork, and design efforts feel meaningful. It was incredibly exciting to know that the ideas we developed could help inform future conversations about creating a more resilient and connected community, especially in terms of stormwater management within the city.

Felicia Famularo ’27: Behind the Literature Review: A Summer Studying Intimate Partner Homicide

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Name: Felicia Famularo
Class Year: 2027
Major: Sociology, Italian

Internship Organization:  Bryn Mawr College
Internship Title: Social Sciences/Humanities Summer Program | Graduate School of Social Work & Social Research w/ Professor Lee
Location: Remote

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

This summer I’m working as an undergraduate research assistant for Dr. Lee in the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, helping conduct a systematic literature review on intimate partner homicide, with a particular focus on the Jamaican and Caribbean context. My day-to-day work involves reading and summarizing academic articles, organizing sources in Zotero, and drafting sections of what will eventually become a paper intended for publication. So far, I’ve written the Introduction, Epidemiology, Characteristics, Risk Factors, Sex and Gender Differences, and Race and Ethnicity sections, and I meet weekly with Dr. Lee to review drafts and get feedback.

Why did you apply for this internship?

I applied because I wanted hands-on experience with the kind of research process that leads to real, publishable scholarship, not just a classroom simulation of it. I was especially drawn to this project because it combines rigorous literature review methodology with a subject area, gender-based violence and public health, that I already cared about going in. Last semester I took a class on femicide in the Italian department, which gave me a strong foundation in the topic and made me want to keep engaging with it in a research setting. I’m also interested in pursuing a future career in sexual and reproductive health, and this internship feels very much in that vein, since intimate partner violence and homicide are deeply connected to those issues. I also wanted to strengthen my critical reading and academic writing skills in a setting where I would get consistent, substantive feedback from a faculty mentor.

Was there anything special about how you found this internship?

My path to this internship was not exactly a straight line. Earlier this year I accepted a summer research internship with another organization and secured Bryn Mawr Summer Internship Funding to make it possible. I had actually also interviewed with Dr. Lee for a research position around the same time, but declined it because I had already committed elsewhere and wanted to honor that commitment. Unfortunately, my original internship placement fell through over the following months due to communication issues and a lack of an actual research placement, and after trying to make it work, I ultimately decided it was not the right fit. I reached out to Bryn Mawr’s Career and Civic Engagement Center, and they went above and beyond, reconnecting me with Dr. Lee to see if anything might still be available. She generously offered me a position on her research team. It was a bit of a winding road to get here, but I feel very lucky it worked out this way. I am genuinely excited to be working with Dr. Lee on this project, and I believe that the subject matter, as well as the larger goal of contributing to research that will help us understand and prevent intimate partner homicide, is deeply important.

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

I didn’t expect to learn as much about myself as I did about the subject matter. During the school year, I tend to collect sources as I write. I was surprised by how naturally I settled into a system of tagging and coding sources by subsection before I started writing. It made drafting so much smoother and more efficient. I also didn’t anticipate how much this work would sharpen my relationship to the sources themselves. Verifying an original text against how it had been cited by another author became a regular part of my process, and it changed how I read secondary literature more broadly. I’m now far more attentive to the gap that can exist between what a source actually argues and how it gets represented downstream.

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