One summer day, a Student Prince decided to go on a little adventure. “It won’t be long before I have a career,” the Prince said, “so I’d better start preparing now.” So with some ’Berg education under their hat, and some connections in their back pocket, the Student Prince began forging their way through an internship.
We continue our web series, Internship Chronicles.
Chapter 38: My First Research Experiences as a Young Scientist
Crimson Stuckert is a biochemistry and biology double major, minoring in philosophy, from Norwalk, Ohio. She is working toward a future in microbiology research. She is planning to pursue a PhD in Microbiology after completing her undergraduate at Heidelberg. This summer, Crimson interned at Duquesne University Biochemistry and Chemistry Department in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
How did you find your internship, or how did the internship find you?
Two years ago, I applied for the undergraduate research experience program at Duquesne University sponsored by the National Science Foundation. I worked in the Mihailescu lab and returned to the same lab this summer under a program sponsored by the National Institute of Health.
What did you expect from your internship initially?
I expected to learn more about the career path I plan to pursue while gaining laboratory and research skills.
What really happens in your day-to-day work?
I gained insight into my career goals and how to achieve them via professional development. I also worked in a laboratory setting full time and reported my data via presentations, meetings, and a poster symposium.
What connections have you made?
I have made some great connections with individuals at the university. I have connected with the laboratory Principle Investigator with decades of experience in research. I have also learned lots from graduate students regarding professional development and general laboratory practices.
What is the most valuable thing you’ll bring back to the classroom after this experience?
The most valuable thing I learned is that research takes patience and problem-solving skills. It is the nature of scientific research to experience experimental problems and to collaborate with others to resolve them.
If your internship was a book or a chapter in a book, what should it be titled?
“My First Research Experiences as a Young Scientist.”
To keep up with Crimson, check out her LinkedIn.
For more information about Duquesne University’s Biochemistry and Chemistry Department, check out their website.