Test Driving Careers in Science, Engineering, and Business
EMSL’s 27 interns are working alongside EMSL staff in laboratories and offices this summer.
The Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) is hosting 27 interns this summer, ranging from high school to PhD students.
Internships at EMSL, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility on the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) campus, focus on biological, environmental, computational sciences, instrument development and deployment, and business management in the EMSL User Program Services office.
As part of National Intern Day, we are featuring four EMSL interns—Oyshi Talukder, Yasamin Alazawi, John Lindquist, and Kate Eddy.
Yasamin Alazawi
Functional and Systems Biology
Biology, Washington State University Tri-Cities
What is your career goal? To become a dermatologist.
Describe your internship.
I work in Marina Gritsenko’s proteomics laboratory as a technical intern, which includes duties such as inventory management, sample drying, waste entry, label making, and maintaining the cleanliness of the laboratory.
What have you learned from your internship?
I think that understanding the intricate structure and operations of a professional laboratory has provided me with a solid foundation in lab management and protocols. This knowledge is essential for maintaining a safe and efficient work environment, which is crucial in any scientific field. Whether it’s coordinating with team members, reporting findings, or asking for clarification, strong communication skills are vital for successful collaboration and accurate scientific reporting. I have to mention that the willingness to ask questions and seek further learning opportunities has been incredibly beneficial. It has allowed me to deepen my understanding of complex processes and techniques, which ultimately enhanced my overall competence and confidence in the lab.
Why do you think internships are important?
I believe that internships are crucial as they provide hands-on experience that bridges the gap between academic learning and practical application. They help develop essential skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management and offer insight into specific industries, which helps students understand daily operations and challenges with any career that they choose to pursue. Additionally, they can boost a student’s confidence by providing real-world success experiences and can lead to full-time employment. Many companies recruit successful interns, which clearly makes internships a vital part of career development.
Oyshi Talukder
Environmental Interactions and Transformations
Mechanical Engineering, West Texas A & M
Career goal: In my future career, I see myself at the exciting crossroads of mechanical engineering and atmospheric science. I’m deeply fascinated by the potential to apply my engineering knowledge to understand the complex world of atmospheric aerosols.
Describe your internship.
I am working with Swarup China, my mentor, and doing ice nucleation experiments. My team lead is Tamas Varga. I primarily work on the Portable Ice Nucleation Experiment (PINE) instrument to measure ice nucleating particles. I perform instrument calibrations using standard laboratory-generated particles and generate particles in the lab for calibrations. I analyze the data using Python scripts and modify it accordingly.
What have you learned from your internship?
I’ve learned how to properly label and handle chemicals, ensuring that everything is clearly marked and stored correctly to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with safety regulations. I’ve gained knowledge on how to behave and what to do in emergencies. Understanding the emergency protocols, such as the locations of safety showers, eyewash stations, and emergency exits, as well as how to use fire extinguishers and first aid kits, has been critical. These skills are essential for tackling unexpected situations, both in professional settings and in everyday life.
Why do you think internships are important?
Internships help develop both technical and soft skills, such as teamwork, communication, discipline, and problem-solving, which are essential in any job. They offer a glimpse into a specific industry or career path, helping individuals determine if it’s the right fit for them or if they like working on a certain project and guiding their future career choices and educational pursuits.
John Lindquist
Instrument Development and Automation Laboratory
Mechanical Engineering, Washington State University Tri-Cities
Career goal: My short-term goals are to graduate with my undergrad in mechanical engineering and potentially go for my masters. Before or after my masters, I hope to get hired on full time in the Instrument Development Laboratory, where I can help solve the problems faced by EMSL scientists.
Describe your internship.
My internship mentor is Randy Norheim. Some of the things I work on include some microfluidics, laser cutting, three-dimensional design and printing, Arduino programming, instrument wiring, and soldering.
What have you learned from your internship?
Over the course of my internship, I have learned the most about microfluidics and printed circuit board design. These stand out because I likely would not have had a chance to ever learn these skills without this internship.
Why do you think internships are important?
I think internships are important because without getting some technical work experience, you won’t find what you like doing. I have been very lucky to enjoy what I have worked on, but I have friends who had an internship where they enjoyed the experience but learned that they didn’t want to do a specific type of engineering and switched degree paths.
Kate Eddy
EMSL User Program Services
Hanford High School
Career goal: My career goal is to major in Leadership Development/Business Management. I enjoy leading others and helping to learn about themselves. The dream is to end up working in the business area of the Walt Disney Company.
Describe your internship.
I am working with EMSL User Program Services. My duties entail screening documents that come through for user proposals; adding/checking/updating information in spreadsheets; working with others to run through programs, like the NEXUS (EMSL User Portal) and Science Central user sites; seeing what needs to be clarified/changed for better understanding and use; and more.
What have you learned from your internship?
I have learned the importance of communication and how it helps to build workplace relationships. I have gained a variety of skills such as staying on top of things, interacting with coworkers, and learning how EMSL is connected to PNNL.
Why do you think internships are important?
Interns learn new things, meet new people, and make connections. These three things all come together to help an individual grow through both a job and an internship.