Tag Archives: Mathematics

A Summer of Polymer Physics Research at the University of Freiburg with Linnea Siderhurst ‘27 

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Name: Linnea Siderhurst
Class Year: 2027
Major:  Mathematics
 
Internship Organization: livMatS Cluster, University of Freiburg
Internship Title: Research Intern
Location: Freiburg, Germany

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

I am interning at the livMatS cluster of the University of Freiburg, which is a part of the department of engineering. This research cluster takes inspiration from the natural world to create bio-inspired technology and engineering solutions. One current research area at livMatS is hygromorphic actuation: an energy-free technology with applications in sustainable architecture. Under the supervision of my mentors, I am working on a simulation which will hopefully provide insight into the chemical physics driving hygromorphic actuation. So far, I have been doing literature reviews on topics such as polymer physics and molecular dynamics simulation, and have used Python and LAMMPS to investigate the effects of various parameters on my simulation.

Why did you apply for this internship?

This internship is run through the Innovation Academy summer internship program, which provides the opportunity for students to live in Germany and participate in sustainability-focused internships. I was drawn to this because of the opportunity to travel and because I saw that doing research at the University of Freiburg was one of the internship options. I am hoping to continue doing research in some capacity in graduate school, so this program seemed like the perfect way to try out research and get to experience a new place! I would definitely recommend this program to students who have not gotten the chance to study abroad and are passionate about climate justice and sustainability.

What has been your favorite part of this internship?

My favorite part of this internship has been the location and my lovely fellow Innovation Academy interns. Freiburg is a beautiful city with so many fun summertime events such as festivals, flea markets, and pride events! I’ve also loved being in a place with so much access to history. I’ve greatly enjoyed seeing all the historical architecture around Freiburg and have gotten to explore some amazing art and history museums. In our first week here, we even had the opportunity to visit the reconstructed Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg castle in Alsace, France. And, of course, I have to shout out the friends I have made here for adding so much to this experience. The simple moments of sitting outside and chatting about life and getting to know new people might even beat out the breathtaking views and castles.

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

I expected to be spending most of my time working in a laboratory setting and completing mostly experimental work. However, my research project is entirely theoretical and simulation-based. This was definitely an interesting adjustment, and it was stressful at first because I felt like I didn’t really know what I was doing, and it was different from what I had envisioned. Now that I have gotten a bit more comfortable, I have realized just how much this project has been teaching me. I have gained computing skills such as coding with Python and tuning LAMMPS simulations, and I have learned the importance of adaptability in a research environment. Things almost never go the way they do in our heads, and it is so important to learn how to handle changes (and maybe even enjoy them, but I’m not quite there yet). 

Finally Making a Decision with Aleydis Barnes ‘27

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Name: Aleydis Barnes
Class Year: 2027
Major: Mathematics, Minor: French and Francophone Studies
 
Internship Organization: Research Institute for Migration and Forced Displacement Management (FORM)
Internship Title: Copy-Editor, Event Summary-Writer
Location: Vienna, Austria
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!

At my internship, research is completed covering migration policy and the realities of migrant experiences. The institute publishes articles, attends events, and participates in the development of articles for specific journals. Throughout my internship, I acted as a representative of the institute, being present at talks about the circumstances of Yezidi refugees as a result of Germany asylum policy changes, and a debrief with stakeholders about the consequences of the recent EU Asylum Reform. I copy-edited articles from the institute, found potential peer-reviewers for research authors, wrote summaries for the events that I participated in, and assisted with technical problems.

Exploring the Business and Economics University of Vienna! 

Why did you apply for this internship?

I applied for this internship because I was interested in working internationally, and hoped to gain experience in fields that I was considering to enter following graduation from Bryn Mawr. As a result, I applied for the internship abroad at Vienna, and detailed how I wanted to explore law and justice, as well as statistics, in my work. 

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

Working remotely taught me a lot about self-direction. I learned that I really appreciated getting to decide for myself the most effective manner of working on tasks, with less hand-holding and assistance. Unlike in school, where we are given rubrics and assignments delineated with clear specifications, at my internship, tasks were largely left up to me to figure out. I could make my work as in-depth as I wanted, and I really enjoyed getting to do my best, without worrying about grades or meeting extremely rigid expectations. Instead, I learned to answer questions that I posed to myself about my goals and my beliefs about my skills. I do think that I should have explored Vienna more, potentially, as working remotely, I stayed inside for much of the internship, avoiding the heat wave as much as I could.

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

The three adjectives that I would give this internship are Interesting, Hopeful, and Dedicated. Interesting because I found myself diving deep into the field of research, fascinated by all of the work behind the scenes of policy that I hadn’t been aware of before. Hopeful, since, in seeing people’s steadfast commitment to human rights and uplifting marginal voices, I was reminded of the positive powers that exist in the world. Dedicated because the people doing the work were so passionate and determined, that they left a mark on me. I hope that I can do similar in the future. The three nouns that I would use are research, policy, and human-rights.

What is most rewarding about your internship?

The most rewarding part of my internship has been getting to feel like I’ve learned more about what I want to do in my life, and my skills. I wasn’t sure what field I really wanted to enter into following graduation, but throughout my time here in Vienna, I have learned that I have a real passion for working quantitatively on analyzing policy decisions and implications. This has been a huge positive part of my summer, and I’m so glad that I had this opportunity to participate.

Goat a Load of This by Jeanne Hardy ‘27 

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Name: Jeanne Hardy
Class Year: 2027
Major: Mathematics
 
Internship Organization: Philly Goat Project
Internship Title: Farm Hand & Operations Intern
Location: Philadelphia, PA
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!

Me and Ivy, the matriarch of the herd

Tucked away on the quiet and picturesque acres of Awbury Arboretum, thirteen charming, playful, and delightful goats live, eat, and play. These goats belong to the Philly Goat Project, a non-profit organization that strives to create an environment where community members can foster a connection with nature and improve their well-being. This summer, I am lucky enough to be one of PGP’s volunteers where I help with morning care, barn cleaning, trick training, goat events, and more. My favorite part of my internship so far has been the time I have spent working alongside my fellow volunteers and coworkers as well as getting to know each and every goat! I would highly encourage anyone interested to visit Philly Goat Project’s farm at Awbury Arboretum or to attend any of their upcoming events!

Teddy (left) and Ray (right) are half-brothers. Ray is a three-legged goat!

Why did you apply for this internship?

When thinking about where I wanted to volunteer this summer, I knew I wanted to be outside and do something that would allow to explore areas of Philadelphia that were new to me. When I found the Philly Goat Project, I knew it would be a great fit as it also provided me with an opportunity to work with animals! Now, over halfway through my internship, I am confident I could not have chosen a better organization to volunteer with and am so glad to have gotten to know the people and goats that keep the organization running!

Goats on a grazing site at Awbury Farm

What is most rewarding about your internship?

Seeing the goats happy and well-fed is one of the most rewarding parts of my day. During my internship, I have helped build multiple grazing-sites where to goats spend a couple hours of the day eating anything and everything in their path. Food is the key to any goat’s heart, so seeing them gleefully chowing down thanks to my and my coworker’s hard work worth it. Additionally, I find that many of the events I have helped with have been rewarding experiences. Many of these events have been at libraries where children and their families are encouraged to interact with the goats and do activities such as walking the goats, reading a story with the goats, and playing games. These events have shown me first-hand how spending time in nature with animals brings communities together and can provide a calm and fun environment for people of all ages to enjoy.

Was this internship what you expected it to be?

I certainly did not expect to be in a full Gritty costume playing the troll in PGP’s production of Philly Goats Gruff for a couple dozen of elementary schoolers on a hot day in center city Philadelphia when I began my internship. With that said, I have been pleasantly surprised with how my internship has turned out. I certainly expected to interact with goats (which I have done a lot of), but I did not expect the goats to be as intelligent and, at times, compassionate as they are. I have found myself grown quite attached to them and plan to continue volunteering at Philly Goat Project in the coming semester!  

Preventing the Spread of Lyme Disease by Hope Hsu ‘27

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Name: Hope Hsu
Class Year: 2027
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Minor: Mathematics
 
Internship Organization: San Francisco State University
Internship Title:  Research Assistant
Location:  San Francisco, CA
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!  

The Swei lab studies disease ecology. The project that I am working on in the lab is a CDC-funded collaborative project across the country. We are studying the effect of preemptively treating the animals that ticks feed on to lower the rate of Lyme disease transmission. Our section of the project looks at the spread of Lyme disease around the SF Bay Area. We go out into the field and collect ticks. We then take those samples and identify their genus and species with microscopy. Once we have identified their species, we can take Ixodes Pacificus Nymphs (IPAC N) (genus, species, life stage) and extract their DNA. IPAC N are the ticks that can carry Lyme disease, while the nymphal stage is the most likely to have the infection. The extracted DNA is then processed with nested PCR to test for Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that infects the ticks with lyme.

Why did you apply for this internship?  

This internship closely aligns with my interest in disease management and vaccines. After the pandemic, I found myself interested in researching the science behind disease prevention. I was especially interested in this lab because it studies vector-borne diseases transmitted by ticks to humans. A lot of talk about contagious diseases covers ones that are spread from person to person. Lyme disease, however, is not, yet it still is a large problem across the coasts. This internship would also allow me to be close to home this summer.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced at your internship? 

One thing that surprised me during the internship was the field work. I didn’t know that I was going to be helping with field work as well as in the lab. However, it was a valuable experience. I have gained so much more respect than I already had for people who do field work. In order to collect samples for my lab (tick drags/camera work) one must hike up into the mountains. Then hike OFF of the path and onto steep hill sides in order to better collect samples as that is the area that ticks prefer to live in. Not only is it incredibly physically challenging, it is mentally difficult too. Not many people have ever had the goal of getting ticks on them. In the end I learned that although I may not be cut out for field work I am more capable than I thought. 
 
Can you give us three adjectives and three nouns that describe your internship experience?  

Nouns: 

* IPAC Ticks – After identifying many different species of ticks, these are the kind that can carry Lyme disease. 

* Code – Learning to use R to use generalized linear models. 

* Ethanol – Berillia (the bacteria that causes lyme) contaminated even the air, so ethanol and bleach must be used to keep areas uncontaminated.  

Adjectives: 

* Challenging 

* Relevant 

* Exciting 

Kaili Martinez-Beasley ’27 Interns in Austria with Impact Hub Vienna

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Name:  Kaili Martinez-Beasley
Class Year:  2027
Majors: Sociology, Mathematics
Minor: Africana Studies
 
Internship Organization:  Impact Hub Vienna
Internship Title:   Experience Team Intern
Location:  Vienna, Austria
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!  

 Impact Hub Vienna is an organization that provides programming and workspace to NGOs, start-ups, business owners, etc. who focus on creating a positive social, environmental, and/or economic impact. As an experience intern for Impact Hub Vienna, I work to optimize the member experience and promoting membership for the organization. The optimization includes creating promotional material, including fliers and videos, finding ways to gain member feedback, setting up for and planning events, enhancing the workplace environment, and organizational reach out.

Why did you apply for this internship? 

I applied to the IES Program internship cause I wanted an opportunity to go abroad and transfer my academic skills to a work setting. Due to my study load, I was not able to study abroad during my junior year at Bryn Mawr. By taking part in the IES program and interning in Vienna, I had the ability to go to another country and commute to other countries as well.
 
What has been your favorite part of this internship? 

I found my internship through the Career and Civic Engagement Center in partnership with the IES Abroad program. I had originally applied during my Sophomore year, knowing I would not have the chance to study abroad over the school year, but I ended up joining in REU program instead. However, I knew that I still wanted to gain direct work experience, and thankfully I was accepted into the program my junior year. The application process, and the process afterwards, was very easy due to the support of Jennifer Prudencio. She always put in incredible effort to making herself available and accessible whenever I needed support with the application and post-application logistics. Because I took part in the IES program, the internship was selected for me.

Was this internship what you expected it to be? 

What I did in the internship was somewhat unexpected as it actually related more to what I do extracurricularly, more specifically my role as a social-cultural head for Sisterhood*, then what I do academically. However, it proved to me the value of school activities outside of academics. Taking part in clubs, while extremely value for social health as a student and improving the resume, can actually lead to gaining skills transferrable to the workspace. Therefore, my position in Sisterhood* gave me skills for my internship and my internship helped me strengthen my skills for my role in Sisterhood*. 

Shir Carasso ’26 Conducts Summer Research in Migrant Health Disparities 

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Name:  Shir Carasso
Class Year:  2026
Major:  Mathematics
 
Internship Organization:  Berlin International University of Applied Sciences
Internship Title:   Research Assistant
Location:  Berlin, Germany
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!  

I am currently researching migrant access to healthcare and deathcare in Berlin. I do this mainly through literature reviews.
 
Why did you apply for this internship?
 
As a math major on a pre-health track, I am really passionate about using numbers and impact to bridge the gap in health disparities. The research I work on in Berlin looks at the quantitative and qualitative ways to do this. This internship was a way for me to look at health disparities from a global perspective.
 
Was there anything special about how you found this internship? 

I applied through Bryn Mawr’s partnership with IES. It was easy and really impactful.  

What has been your favorite part of this internship? 

I love learning about the health disparities from a global perspective. It is really interesting to find and interpret qualitative and quantitative research. I find it to be really challenging but also really rewarding.  

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

I never knew how differently health disparities looked in Germany. In Germany, the gender and racial roles that people posses really dictate their access to healthcare. The space that people are able to occupy in life and in death is heavily dependent on where they come from. 

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

I never knew how differently health disparities looked in Germany. In Germany, the gender and racial roles that people posses really dictate their access to healthcare. The space that people are able to occupy in life and in death is heavily dependent on where they come from. 

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

I am gaining research skills from all of the literature reviews that I have had to accomplish. I am learning a lot about myself and the way that I am able to accomplish my work. I am also gaining network and interpersonal skills that I plan on using in the future.  

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

Interesting, challenging, inspiring 

What is most rewarding about your internship? 

I accomplished 18 literature reviews and worked on a statistics database to help find number to support the research we were doing. Being able to do so much was very rewarding for me. 

Stepping Into the Field: My Journey as a Psychology Intern by Jolan Zheng ‘26 

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Name: Jolan Zheng
Class Year: 2026
Major:  Psychology, Education
Minor: Mathematics
 
Internship Organization:  Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital
Internship Title:   Assistant
Location:  Hangzhou, China
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!  

This summer, I am interning in the psychology department at Zhejiang Province People’s Hospital, where I work closely with clinicians and staff as a psychology intern. Much of my work involves observing therapy sessions, assisting with case discussions, and supporting intake procedures for new patients. I also help with documentation and research-related tasks, which gives me valuable exposure to how psychological theories are applied in real clinical settings. Each day, I am learning how professionals approach patient care with empathy and cultural awareness, while also strengthening my own communication and observation skills. I also had the opportunity to participate at hospital ward rounds with the director of psychology. Through this experience, I learned to listen more attentively, take accurate notes, and analyze cases from both clinical and humanistic perspectives, deepening my appreciation for the balance of professional expertise and empathy in psychology.
 
Why did you apply for this internship?  

I applied for this internship because I wanted to connect my academic background in psychology with real-world clinical experience. I also saw this as an opportunity to explore potential career paths in clinical psychology while contributing meaningfully to patient care.

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

One thing I didn’t expect to learn during my internship was how much psychology involves teamwork and communication beyond direct patient care. I assumed most of the work would be individual or between doctor and patient, but I realized that effective treatment relies heavily on collaboration among doctors, nurses, interns, and social workers. I didn’t expect to realize how many different life stories, challenges, and struggles people carry with them. Through this internship, I have met individuals from very diverse backgrounds, each facing unique circumstances that shape their mental health. Some of the cases even involved extreme behaviors that I had never encountered before. This experience has opened my eyes to the complexity of human experiences and reminded me of the importance of approaching each patient with empathy, patience, and an open mind.  

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

Eye-opening, Challenging, Rewarding 

Growth, Empathy, Patience 

 

 

Keziah Keya ‘27: A Summer Spent Googling… at Google

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Name: Keziah Keya
Class Year: 2027
Major: Computer Science, Mathematics
 
Internship Organization:  Google, Inc.
Internship Title:   Associate Software Developer Intern
Location:  San Francisco, CA
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!

This summer I joined Google’s internal framework for mobile experimentation—launches, rollouts, and A/B tests. In practice, that meant most of my days were spent deep in code, building and refining the behind-the-scenes tools that make it easier for engineers to test their ideas as they go live. I was part of a tiny intern pod with two fantastic hosts and a fellow intern, tucked inside a much larger team. Our pod had regular check-ins where we shared updates and any frustrations, and sometimes cross-team meetings like with UX folks to make sure our changes weren’t just functional but actually useful. Some days felt like an endless loop of code → test → debug → repeat, but there were also the highs of seeing my changes launch or hearing a teammate say, “hey, this actually makes my life easier.” Add in a few snack-powered brainstorming sessions and impromptu coffee chats, and the whole experience felt like a mix of puzzle-solving, teamwork, and just enough chaos to keep things fun.
 
Why did you apply for this internship?  

I remember talking to my family and friends after my LTT internship in Ghana last year and really loving the impact of a great internship. We were brainstorming about the next summer and, since I loved CS and Math so much, maybe my next internship should combine the two at a big company—naturally, Google came up in the conversation. Then, in early fall 2024, my school arranged a trip to Google’s New York offices where we met a couple of TriCo alums working there in different roles. It was an eye-opening experience: the culture felt exciting, the work everyone was doing sounded fascinating, and yes—the lots of mini kitchens didn’t hurt either. (I’m not saying I applied just for the snacks… but the snacks didn’t hurt.) After those conversations with alums, I knew an internship at Google would throw me in the deep end—with mentors to guide me, teammates to brainstorm with, and projects that would stretch me far beyond what I’d experienced before. And honestly? I also wanted to prove to myself that a kid from Nairobi could find her place, contribute, and learn in a space as massive and inspiring as Google.
 
Was there anything special about how you found this internship? 

Not really—I didn’t stumble on a secret portal or have an insider tip. There are countless GitHub repos and forums that mention Google’s internship, so as soon as applications opened, I just threw my hat in the ring. Was I expecting to hear back? Honestly, no. With the thousands of applications Google must get, I assumed mine would quietly disappear into the void. But then, on my birthday, I got the email inviting me to interview. It felt less like perfect timing and more like the universe giving me a little wink: “Yep, this one’s for you.” 

What has been your favorite part of this internship?  

I have a couple of favorites, but top of the list has to be my intern presentation at the very end of the summer. My podmate and I were so excited to finally share our work—it felt like our own little “product launch,” complete with slides, demos, and plenty of nerves. What made it special wasn’t just showing what we built, but realizing how much we had learned and grown over the course of the internship. Another highlight was the team itself. They weren’t just supportive of our work, they also created spaces to connect in more informal, human ways—like hosting a cookout and a team women’s summit that was as fun as it was inspiring. Those kinds of activities opened the door for conversations that went far beyond code. I got to learn about life at Google through so many different lenses: a TriCo alum who had once been in my shoes, international colleagues bringing stories from around the world, Black women in tech sharing their experiences, and Africans navigating the same spaces I was. That mix of professional growth and personal connection is what made the whole summer unforgettable.

What is something you learned that you didn’t expect? 

I did take a ramen-making class and a linocut printing workshop, and both reminded me that there’s real joy in experimenting, messing up, and trying again. Strangely enough, that same lesson carried into my work on the A/B testing team—seeing that experimentation isn’t just a technical process, it’s a mindset. It also made me think back to a Software Analysis course I took in spring 2025, where we dug into testing frameworks and ways of thinking critically about how programs behave. The connection to A/B testing wasn’t one-to-one, but both gave me a deeper appreciation for the role testing plays—not just in catching bugs, but in shaping better systems and better ideas. What I didn’t expect to learn at Google is that experimentation, whether in code, cooking, or carving into linoleum, is less about getting it perfect the first time and more about being open to discovery.   

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

The biggest challenge for me was adjusting to the sheer scale and complexity of Google’s systems as compared to my school projects most of which fit neatly into a folder on my laptop; here, even the smallest change touched layers of code and teams I hadn’t even imagined. At first it was overwhelming—I’d open something up and feel like I was staring at a maze with no map. But slowly, with the help of my hosts, my podmate, and lots of trial and error, I learned how to break problems down into smaller pieces and not be afraid to ask “basic” questions. There were definitely days when I felt stuck, but those moments also forced me to be patient with myself and trust the process and learn how to find my footing in complexity without losing curiosity.  

What is most rewarding about your internship? 

The most rewarding part of this internship was how much I got to accomplish at work while also exploring a whole new world outside of it. Professionally, I grew a lot—tackling projects that stretched me and gave me a clearer sense of the kind of developer I want to be. Personally, it was an adventure of firsts: my first time on the West Coast, my first encounter with San Francisco’s famously foggy summer (not exactly the sunshine I had pictured), and my first chance to experience “Googley” activities in different offices, including the HQ. I loved meeting so many new faces within and outside of Google, and exploring different coffee shops, restaurants and historical sites around the city. Even when the fog rolled in, I tried to make the best of it, and by the end of the summer I felt like I’d grown just as much outside the office as I had inside it. That mix—of professional milestones and personal discoveries—made the whole experience deeply rewarding. 

When Technology Meets Community: Insights From a Village STEM Project by Kashaf Batool ‘28 

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Name: Kashaf Batool
Class Year: 2028
Major:  Computer Science, Mathematics
 
Internship Organization:  Davis Projects for Peace
Internship Title:   Team Lead & Grantee
Location:  Chakwal, Pakistan
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!  

Students presenting their innovative STEM projects—from vertical farming to clean energy solutions—showing that big ideas can come from small villages

I am working on creating different STEM-based projects while also training students from my village to present them. It has been incredibly rewarding to watch their growth—when I first met them, many were shy and reserved, hesitant to speak about their ideas. Now, they confidently share their thoughts and dreams, and seeing that transformation has been one of the most fulfilling parts of this internship.
 
Why did you apply for this internship? 

Coming to Bryn Mawr on a full ride is an incredible privilege, and I felt a strong responsibility to use the opportunities I’ve been given to give back in a meaningful way. I wanted to create something that not only benefited my own growth but also made a lasting difference in my community. The Davis Projects for Peace became that outlet—it allowed me to merge my passion for education and technology with the needs of students in my village. By applying, I saw a chance to translate my academic journey into real-world impact, to empower students who often lack access to resources, and to take the first step toward the kind of long-term work I hope to continue throughout my career

Our young scientists proudly standing at the opening of the village’s first-ever Science Fair

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

One of the most important lessons I learned is that plans will almost always change—and that it’s completely okay. At the start, I hadn’t planned to train teachers and was only focused on creating STEM projects for students. But as I worked more closely with the schools, I realized that without trained teachers, the impact would not be sustainable. Adding a teacher training component was an unexpected shift, but it taught me the value of flexibility, adaptability, and thinking long-term when working on community-based projects.  

What is most rewarding about your internship? 

The entire village came together to celebrate the students’ achievements—proving that it truly takes a village to raise a child

The most rewarding moment was the final day, when I saw the entire village gathered to celebrate the children. It felt like the whole community had come alive—the kids were dressed as if it were a festival, their families stood proudly by their side, and people told me they had walked over an hour just to be there. In that moment, I truly felt the meaning of “it takes a village to raise a child.” To witness such joy, pride, and hope in one place—and to know I had played a small part in making it happen—was unforgettable. It left me excited not only for what these children will dream up next, but also for the possibilities that can grow when a community comes together. 

CS and Math Major Khanh Ha Nguyen Gains Hands-On Industrial Experience In The Tech World 

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Name: Khanh Ha Nguyen
Class Year: 2027
Major:  Computer Science
Minor:  Mathematics
 
Internship Organization:  Microsoft
Internship Title:   Explore Intern
Location:  Redmond, WA
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!  

This summer, I’m interning at Microsoft as an Explore intern, where I have the opportunity to explore both the fields of software engineering and product management. I’m collaborating with two other interns to build a new website feature for a Microsoft enterprise social networking platform, called Viva Engage. For the first three weeks, I learned a lot about product design through writing product specification documents and aligning our work with the team and user goals, which helped me better understand how technical decisions intersect with user experience and business impact. On the engineering side of the remaining weeks, I’ve been able to gain hands-on experience with programming by working with both the front-end and back-end of the feature. I have the chance to also present my work and learning to more than a hundred people in the Viva Engage team.
 
Why did you apply for this internship?  

As a second-year college student seeking to gain industrial experience, the Microsoft Explore program caught my attention. Their emphasis on growth, building, and exploring aligned with what I was looking for at that time, so I decided to give myself a shot and applied right when the application was open. I didn’t expect that I would get in, considering how competitive the internship was.
 
Can you give us three adjectives and three nouns that describe your internship experience? 

Three adjectives: supportive, challenging, fun  

Three nouns: exploration, network, growth 

What is most rewarding about your internship? 

The most rewarding part of my internship has been the incredible mentorship and support I’ve received from my team. Coming in with limited experience navigating a large codebase or working in a professional environment, I made numerous mistakes. However, thanks to the patience and encouragement of my mentors, I never once felt like I didn’t belong. Every question I asked was met with genuine support, and I was always encouraged to keep learning and growing. That kind of environment made a huge difference in my confidence and helped me grow not only as an engineer but also as a teammate.