Summer Experiences

Major/Minor: Chemistry, m. Art History

Summer 2023 Activity: Neuroscience Fellowship at Bowdoin (Diaz-Rios Lab)

Experience: “Over the summer I worked in the Diaz-Rios lab, conducting a project titled "Age-dependent effects of Capsaicin and Menthol on the mammalian spinal CPG locomotor network". It was a rewarding experience, where I was able to combine my interest for chemistry and biology through research. I learned the importance of patience, teamwork, and intellectual curiosity that are needed for success in the research environment.”

Major/Minor: Chemistry, m. Theater

Summer 2023 Activity: Summer Camp Coordinator for The Works Museum in Bloomington, MN

Experience: "I was the summer camp coordinator for The Works Museum, a children’s engineering museum. By the end of the summer, I helped facilitate approximately 75 different camps. I have gotten to combine my love for chemistry and science with that of education while also gaining experience in supervising and organization of programming. I am an aspiring museum exhibit designer for science museums and have had the chance to work with The Works in redesigning their exhibits. It’s been a great introduction to the field and solidified my interest in working with science museums.”

Major/Minor: Chemistry

Summer 2023 Activity: Chemistry Fellowship at Bowdoin (Ortoll-Bloch Lab)

Experience: “Using x-ray diffraction, spin coating, and scanning electron microscopy, I analyzed the morphology and assembly of cobalt hydroxide carbonate crystals grown under various synthesis conditions. I also assisted with a separate project in the lab regarding the crystallization of aspirin and flufenamic acid. Though I began the summer feeling certain that I knew what my research experience would entail, I quickly learned that any novel research necessitates a lot of flexibility and problem solving. All summer long, as soon as we had figured out one issue, we would immediately run headfirst into another, necessitating constant creative problem-solving, out-of-the-box thinking, and, above all else, collaboration, both with my lab mates and the amazing faculty that surrounded us.”

Major/Minor: Chemistry and Neuroscience, m. Religion

Summer 2023 Activity: Neuroscience Fellowship at Bowdoin (Horch Lab)

Experience: “Over the summer, I characterized a prospective Toll-receptor protein (GBI_03017-RA) in Gryllus bimaculatus, the cricket. The primary focus of my research was to take a step toward elucidating the biological mechanisms behind the compensatory plasticity of the auditory system in the cricket. I learned everything from setting up polymerase chain reactions and Gibson assembly, culminating into performing in situ hybridization to determine mRNA expression of 03017 in brain, ganglia, and whole embryo tissue. Thank you Professor Horch, Lisa Ledwige, my lab mates, and the MDIBL/NIH for your support and funding making this opportunity possible!”

Major/Minor: Chemistry, m. Psychology

Summer 2023 Activity: EMT

Experience: “I responded to 911 calls in northern Massachusetts. This experience taught me how about how important communication is in healthcare and about how people's previous experiences with the medical system can affect their willingness to seek help. I'd say the most valuable thing I've taken away from being an EMT is how to keep my cool when surrounded by chaos.”

Major/Minor: Chemistry and Africana Studies

Summer 2023 Activity: Material Chemistry Research at Columbia University (Roy Lab)

Experience: "During the summer I worked on the solid-state synthesis and characterization of novel quantum materials. These materials have interesting superconducting and magnetic capabilities that make them important for many optoelectronic devices and processes."

Major/Minor: Chemistry

Summer 2023 Activity: CXD Summer Internship Grant at UMass Boston (Niya Sa Lab)

Experience: "I worked in an electrochemistry lab whose primary concentration is sustainable chemistry. I focused on conducting preliminary tests related to Prussian Blue deposition on gold, along with an assessment of its stability. This experience provided me with valuable insights into the complexities of battery functionality and the research endeavors aimed at transitioning from costly and environmentally unsound lithium batteries. Throughout this period, I had the privilege of participating in various electrochemistry conferences and gaining exposure to the graduate academic world by attending Ph.D. students' thesis and dissertation defenses."

Major/Minor: Chemistry and Francophone Studies 

Summer 2023 Activity: Took a summer mechanics course (physics) at Southern Methodist University and shadowed an Ophthalmologist/Retina surgeon

Experience: "It was incredible to get ahead in my major through the summer physics course. Further, I was able to shadow Dr. Gregory Kozielec, an ophthalmologist and retina surgeon. I highly valued the clinical experience with patients. I was able to synthesize real-world connections from my Bowdoin science classes into the reasoning behind certain patient diagnoses. I found it highly valuable to gain this experience while I pursue a pre-medical track."

Major/Minor: Chemistry

Summer 2023 Activity: Chemistry Fellowship at Bowdoin (Broene Lab)

Experience: “I was researching the synthesis of new cobalt catalysts for the dimerization of linear alpha olefins in the Broene Lab. My work taught me how to use a photochemical apparatus, Schlenk Link techniques, Glove box techniques, and how to efficiently carry out multi day synthetic procedures.” 

Major/Minor: Chemistry and Visual Arts

Summer 2023 Activity: Amgen Scholarship at Caltech (Hoelz Lab)

Experience: “This summer I received the Amgen scholarship to study the human nuclear pore protein GP210 through protein crystallization. I learned a variety of methods in biochemistry to express purify and crystallize proteins and deepened my understanding of both protein mechanics and their chemical properties.”