Tag Archives: 2029

Iris Wright ’29: Exploring the Local History of My Hometown

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Name: Iris Wright
Class Year: 2029
Intended Major: Linguistics

Internship Organization: Lakewood Historical Society
Internship Title: Generalist Intern
Location: Lakewood, Ohio

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

At the Lakewood Historical Society, one of my favorite things that I do is leading tours in our local house museum – The Oldest Stone House, built in 1834. I love getting to share fascinating bits of history with curious visitors. Our community is small enough that a lot of museum guests have family roots in early settlers of the area, so I often get to learn information from the visitors as well, which is always exciting.

Leading tours at the Oldest Stone House Museum always lead to interesting questions about the gravestones we have outside – they are from an old family cemetery and were moved to the site of the house

I also spend time helping with administrative tasks and organization, which is helpful to better understand what exactly goes on behind the scenes in a historical society. Many people will send in questions about local history which I get to research in the historical society’s archives. I love seeing how excited people are when they finally get their questions answered.

Why did you apply for this internship?

I applied for this internship because I was interested in having a better understanding of what working in a museum and a historical society is like. I also am interested in history, especially the local history of the Rust Belt and North East Ohio and am always interested in learning more.

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

The inside of the house is set up how it would have looked in the 1830s-1850s, with almost entirely authentic artifacts found in other old houses in Lakewood. This is the parlor, where much entertainment was had

Growing up in the area, I learned a lot of local history in school and had attended summer camps and events led by the historical society as child. Because of this, I thought I already knew most of what there was to know about our town’s history. I was immediately proven wrong! There is always so much to learn. One of the tasks I had was sorting through all of the books in the library – a daunting, but exciting task for a book lover like me.

There were so many interesting books, including many autobiographies and memoirs from Lakewood residents, historical and current, with fascinating stories. I also learned so much from giving tours from community members and other docents, about local history and other things they were interested in.


What is most rewarding about your internship?

I did a lot of research into Lakewood’s Plank Road, which was a toll road. Here is a picture from our archives of the old toll house, which is now a regular family home in Lakewood

The most rewarding part of my internship has been being able to see the community engage with local history. I got to help out at the historical society’s summer camp, which introduces kids to local history through hands on experiences. It was so fun to see what parts of history brought out the kids’ interest and curiosity. They would ask questions I had never even thought about and bring a whole new viewpoint to the history I have become so familiar with throughout the summer. Outside of that experience, it was also rewarding to get to see other community members gain interest in history as well. The historical society does a century home program, and seeing people so excited to see their houses turn 100 this year was so amazing!

Noa Kaufman-Nichols ’29: Laɣim Tehi Tuma and Tityga Schools

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Name: Noa Kaufman-Nichols
Class Year: 2029

Internship Organization: Laɣim Tehi Tuma and Tityga Schools
Internship Title: Tityga Fellow
Location: Dalun, Ghana

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

This summer I have had the opportunity to participate in Laɣim Tehi Tuma (LTT). Laɣim Tehi Tuma, meaning ‘Thinking Together’ in Dagbani, is a community-powered, co-created, inquiry and learning fellowship program that is done in collaboration with Bryn Mawr College, Haverford College, Lincoln University, The University for Development Studies and local leaders and organizations in the community of Dalun, Ghana. In my time with LTT I have been able to learn through having an internship in a pre-school in Dalun, lectures and discussions with faculty, students, and leaders, and through creating an inquiry project.

In my work with the local preschool Tityga I was able to learn many teaching skills, working in the classrooms alongside the wonderful teachers at the school. I also was able to collaborate with the school leadership to create digital materials and build an online presence for the school. In our discussions and research I have learned much about Pan-Africanism, diasporic-studies, the Ubuntu philosophy, educational studies, and feminism. The program not only offered traditional educational experiences but weekend trips and unstructured discussion that lead to deep learning and growth. The ability of the program to enrich the mind and spirit was one of a kind.

Why did you apply for this internship?

I applied for this internship because of my interest in education and cross-cultural connection. I was very interested to see how thinking together can help shape how we teach and the systems that impact it.

What has been your favorite part of this internship?

My favorite part of this internship has been the people I have met. Both the connections with my peers from the other institutions and the amazing mentors, faculty, and leaders that support the work of the program. I have truly created life long friendships and relationships!

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

I have learned many skills in teaching through a child-led focused pedagogy. I learned about different ways to teach math and phonics in a hands-on, accessible way. These new skills are important to me as I plan to become a teacher after graduating and hope to connect and teach my students in the most impactful way possible. I am beyond grateful for this summer as it has allowed me to learn from some of the most invested and caring teachers I have ever met.

Addison Snyder ‘29 at the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

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Name: Addison Snyder
Class Year: 2029

Internship Organization: Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Internship Title: Undergraduate Researcher
Location: Boston, Massachusetts

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

Outside of the Center for Astrophysics

I’ve spent this summer in the Öberg astrochemistry lab at the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Working with Dr. Michelle Brann, I am researching a specific organic molecule called ethylamine that has both been detected in space and has a structure suggesting potential biological relevance. Specifically, we are interested in understanding ethylamine’s photostability on an icy dust grain during planet formation. Photostability, a molecule’s resistance to destruction when exposed to light, determines whether ethylamine could be present in protoplanetary disks where UV photons and cosmic rays are present.

To simulate astrophysically significant conditions in the lab, we use SPACECAT (Surface Processing Apparatus for Chemical Experimentation to Constrain Astrophysical Theories), a low pressure, low temperature ultra-high vacuum chamber. Our experiments have varied greatly to test a variety of different variables, such as temperature and mixture composition. In addition to my work in the lab, I have had the opportunity to attend talks given to summer researchers here at the CFA. With the help of the talks, I’ve been able to expand my career horizons and cultivate a better understanding of the astronomy that surrounds the chemistry that I love.

Why did you apply for this internship?

Inside of SPACECAT’s chamber where each ice is grown

Throughout my first year, I strayed away from my intended pre-health goals and became extremely fascinated by chemistry and lab research. While taking general chemistry lab, I really grew to appreciate the precision necessary for lab techniques to have reliable mathematical results, so it became clear that an analytical field of chemistry would be my best fit. Since there are so many different fields that use analytical chemistry, I had to start somewhere. Luckily, astrochemistry is a great combination of laboratory attention to detail and analysis of graphical data, as well as an interesting first sub-field to explore.

What has been your favorite part of this internship?

My favorite part of this internship has been the warm and welcoming community that the CFA has created! The best ritual of this group I’ve come to love is coffee time at 10AM. Every day, anyone in the building can meet in the lobby for coffee and conversation to kickstart their day. Through this routine, I have met a variety of different professors, postdocs, grad students, and fellow undergraduate researchers, some I’m sure I’ll be in contact with for a long time!

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

SPACECAT

I never realized how much coding goes into chemical and graphical analysis. During my years as a STEM student, I have never leaned into the computer science realm of study, but now I’m running and adapting scripts every day. It also surprises me that coding is used to write papers! I’ve only used Excel and Word for notetaking and tracking experiments, but Python and Overleaf have become a greater part of my experience than I could have expected.

Menahil Bilal ’29: Glimpse of Finance in Pakistan

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Name:  Menahil Bilal
Class Year: 2029
Majors: Economics, Computer Science

Internship Organization: Fast Cables
Internship Title: Accounting Intern
Location:  Lahore, Pakistan

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

‎I joined my internship at the peak of budgeting season which was a very hectic environment, workers staying overtime, lots of banter, tea and concern about timelines. A lot has cooled down since then, whilst before when I joined I immediately aided in with as much knowledge I had on researching and financial documents and seeing hands on real company data, now my position has become a lot more on working from scratch on newer projects, finding data, visualizing it and analyzing it from point 0.

Why did you apply for this internship?

I was interested in Economics and a root of my interest was growing in Pakistan with so much of the surrounding messaging always stressing its economic position or the new economic deal and how much it showed up in our society. When I got the opportunity to see how a company interacts, forecasts and deals with the market trends in Pakistan especially a big one, I felt I got a chance to explore if this is something I see my future in and get hands-on experience.

Was this internship what you expected it to be?

‎ ‎Honestly not at all, I did not envision how much of finance is rechecking data and researching, I was also very surprised to see the integration of AI in the workforce and how much it aids in our work.

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

‎Honestly the main skill I’ve learned is to stop hesitating. Initially when I was really scared to show my work in fear I would get it wrong or miss something out. My the end of the internship however I felt that I wasted a lot of time initially in fear which was completely unnecessary, and your manager really is there to help you and wants to hear from you and doesn’t expect perfection ‎

Ann Lin ’29 Dives into Entrepreneurship at NCKU’s Innovation Headquarters

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Name: Ann Lin
Class Year: 2029
Major: Mathematics

Internship Organization: National Cheng Kung University Innovation Headquarters Internship Title: Research and Operations Intern
Location: Tainan, Taiwan

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

My internship consists of two main parts: research and operations. On the research side, I’ve been studying startup accelerator programs at universities around the world and comparing how they support student entrepreneurs. On the operations side, I have been rotating through different departments to learn how the center supports startups. I’ve helped organize several events, including a startup and venture capital matchmaking session, an awards ceremony for the Innovation Dreams Come True Project, a case competition for undergraduate students, and many more!

Why did you apply for this internship?

I’ve always been interested in entrepreneurship, but what made this internship unique was the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship from the perspective of a facilitator and educator rather than an entrepreneur. I was able to interact with startups at different stages and see how a startup accelerator helps them grow their ideas into successful ventures. 

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

Communication has been the biggest challenge for me. While I am typically comfortable engaging with new people, being an intern has taught me that communicating in a professional office environment comes with its own challenges, particularly when it comes to asking for help. During my second week, I was unexpectedly given the responsibility of planning the award ceremony for the Innovation Dreams Come True. Coordinating the event required collaboration across the entire team, and as an intern, there were still many things I was unfamiliar with. At first, I hesitated to reach out to busy colleagues because I wasn’t sure if it would be impolite to interrupt them with questions. Over time, however, I realized that everyone was more than willing to help, and I just needed to learn how to communicate clearly and efficiently.

What has been your favorite part of this internship?

My favorite part of this internship has been learning about the various projects people are working on and having the opportunity to help shape some of them. In particular, I really enjoyed participating in the planning of a case competition aimed at connecting undergraduate students with real-world problems. Rather than simply giving students a business case to solve, we brought participants to the site where the problem was taking place, conducted field research, and interviewed local organizations and stakeholders. I had the opportunity to help plan these activities and contribute to discussions about the competition format and mentorship structure. It was especially rewarding to see the events come together.

My internship at the Ministry of Finance by Solongo Altankhuyag ’29

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Name: Solongo Altankhuyag
Class Year: 2029
Major: Economics

Internship Organization: Ministry of Finance
Internship Title: Development Finance Division Intern
Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

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

During my internship, I have taken on a variety of responsibilities that have contributed greatly to my professional and personal growth.

One of my main tasks has been assisting in organizing events, including the Development Partners Meeting held at the State Palace of Mongolia. This experience allowed me to learn how medium-to-large-scale government events are planned and executed. My responsibilities included preparing and delivering formal invitations, assisting with logistics, and ensuring compliance with the State Palace’s security requirements. I also learned from observing how my senior colleagues handled event execution and unexpected situations.

I have also participated in meetings involving organizations such as JICA, UNICEF, and the Ministries of Finance of Mongolia and Laos. My role included taking meeting protocols, briefing my team afterward, and conducting additional research on the topics discussed to share my thoughts. These experiences have helped me better understand Mongolia’s financial development policies and international cooperation.

Throughout the internship, I have met many professionals from different organizations, which has strengthened my communication and networking skills. The connections I have built have also provided valuable guidance on the career path I hope to pursue in the future.

Why did you apply for this internship?

I became interested in how governments handle their external loans and debts after learning about how it plays a considerably important role in a financial crisis in one of my economics classes. Hence, I wanted to better understand how these funds are allocated, monitored, and used effectively, as well as explore ways to improve their management. Therefore, I thought the Ministry of Finance would be the perfect place for me to learn about these processes and explore that curiosity.

What has been your favorite part of this internship?

My favorite part of this internship has been the opportunity to work with and learn from such welcoming and warm colleagues. Despite the different age groups within the team, there was a warm, family-like atmosphere that made me feel comfortable from the very beginning. I especially look forward to our breakfast time before work, which helped me build genuine relationships with my teammates. I am grateful that I am forming meaningful connections that go beyond professional networking through this internship.

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

The biggest challenge I faced during my internship was adapting to a completely new and often fast-paced working environment. There were many internal procedures, especially regarding official documents, that I was unfamiliar with, which led to a few mistakes. For example, I once incorrectly numbered an outgoing document due to a misunderstanding and had to find a solution while our division head was away on a business trip.

Another challenge was being asked to deliver around 12 event invitations within an hour before the end of the workday. I had to navigate unfamiliar office buildings, and some embassies had already closed early for Friday. I remember that time being quite physically demanding due to the long walks, the short time and the summer heat.

Looking back, I realized that my anxiety about unfamiliar situations and the responsibility I was given made these challenges seem bigger than they actually were. This experience taught me that staying calm, adapting quickly, and focusing on the whole picture are important skills that I need to continue improving.

Eleanor Kimball ’29 Explores Art and Science

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Name: Eleanor Kimball
Class Year: 2029
 
Internship Organization: Amherst College
Internship Title: Sculpture Studio Assistant
Location: Amherst, MA  

Welding in the metal shop

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

I’m working with working artist and professor Lucia Monge as she prepares for a large sculpture installation in the fall. I’m helping her to plan, create, and assemble all the pieces needed for the installation. The project examines the relationship between GMO crops and an invasive species known as Palmer’s amaranth, or more commonly, Palmer’s pigweed. The final installation involves many “clones” of a single larger sculpture, so my main focus has been the creation of these clones.

I’ve been using a variety of materials and methods throughout this process, such as welding metal stands for the pieces, using wire wrapping and plaster bandages to create vine-like structures, and sewing pieces of tarp together to form makeshift bean pods. The work I’ve been doing this summer has been incredibly valuable to me, as it has given me the opportunity to work in a studio filled with passion for art, as well as see (and appreciate) the less glamorous side of these projects – the emails, planning, and coordination that goes into every moving piece of an art installation.

Making identical cardboard accordions for sculpture clones

Why did you apply for this internship?

I’ve always been interested in both art and science, two subjects that seemingly conflict with each other, but this internship perfectly blends the two together. Much of the art Professor Monge creates is very much based in environmental science. Many of her past projects have involved working with the biological components of various materials to create her pieces. Specifically, she has spent many years creating her own biopolymers – plastics made entirely out of natural materials. She uses various plants, foods, and even fungi to create these polymers, which she then uses in her own projects. This made working with her particularly appealing to me, as it meant I could also learn how to view my work through both scientific and artistic lenses.

Planting potatoes at the farm for an ongoing project

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

Most artwork I’ve done in the past has been painting and ceramics, so I wasn’t expecting how physically tiring some of the sculpture work is. Especially when working with materials like metal, we’re doing a lot of physical labor that may not feel very difficult in the moment, but can take a toll on your body long-term. This meant I had to work hard to remember this, and make adjustments to my normal routines to take care of my body. This of course is not a challenge that would immediately come to mind when you think of an art internship, but it was one of the main things that myself and other interns learned to manage!

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

Adjectives: Creative, engaging, dynamic
Nouns: Community, growth, passion 

Diksha Gyawali ’29 Engages with Health Environment and Climate Action Foundation as Summer Intern

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Name: Diksha Gyawali
Class Year: 2029
 
Internship Organization: HECAF360 | Health Environment and Climate Action Foundation
Internship Title: Intern
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!

I am currently conducting a cost-benefit analysis of the healthcare waste management system implemented at Nepal APF Hospital. The initial days of my internship were spent designing the research itself. Since then, the majority of my internship has been dedicated to data collection. Simultaneously, I have been working on the write-up for my research and analyzing the data I have collected so far.

Why did you apply for this internship?

I have been interested in social justice work for a long time. As I was looking for an internship for the summer, I was unsure of what field to pursue, and most internships tend to focus on just one single category. I was drawn to HECAF360 because its work combined environment, health and climate into one place. Besides that, I was also looking for an opportunity to learn how to do research. It was also important for me to gain an understanding of what working at an NGO looks like, as I think about my future career. All in all, HECAF360 has been a perfect fit for my summer internship.

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

One of the biggest challenges of my internship has been data collection. The research required a lot of data that was not realistically available. Since the data my research is based on is from 2024 and 2025, I could not design and conduct new research to fill in the gaps. Instead, I had to redesign the entire research numerous times. For example, I had to omit health benefits from my research because I lacked the necessary data, such as reduced infections from decreased needle injuries due to the needle cutters included in the new healthcare waste management system. I have resorted to estimating some of my data using what is available, and I have acknowledged this as a limitation of my research. 

Can you give us three adjectives and three nouns that describe your internship experience?
   
   Humbling, Multifaceted , Analytical
   Stewardship, community, Praxis