“Interning at one of the premiere institutions for research, I had the fantastic opportunity to engage in research with fellow peers and to bring the classroom into actual practice.  Observing schizophrenic patients during rounds put into perspective how crucial my scientific research could impact the lives of people who have these disorders.  NIH has motivated me exponentially to continue my journey at UMBC in the areas of Neuroscience.”

Majors: Interdisciplinary Studies, Neuropsychology

Research Site: Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Location: Bethesda, MD

Title: Summer Intern

Position Description: Along with two other interns, we are investigating risk genes shared between autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia that would correlate the two diseases.  I also had the opportunity to observe schizophrenic patients during rounds.

What are the benefits of participating in an internship, co-op, service-learning or research experience?

Unlike working at Starbucks, spending your summer in a research experience provides the opportunity to collaborate with other students who share study interests.  Also, interning provides the ability to study and master your interests “hands-on.”  Lastly, you start networking with other doctors or individuals that will potentially help later in your career.

Please provide a short quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / the internship placement process / the Shriver Center: