At St. Olaf, our advisors and career coaches connect students to a menu of 5,000+ internships, undergraduate research experiences, and other hands-on opportunities at a breadth of organizations ranging from nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies, often with the support of the Piper Center for Vocation and Career.
Below, current St. Olaf students share where their internships and research experiences are taking them. Are you an Ole with an experience of your own to share? Tell us about it here!
Calvin Keesler
Sports Performance Intern
Elon Sports Performance at Elon University in Elon, North Carolina
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
I got this internship opportunity through St. Olaf’s Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Performance, Coach John Waters. I interned with Coach Waters during the previous J-Term, and we both believed that in order for me to fully understand what it is like and what it takes to be a successful coach, I would need to experience the lifestyle and learn under some of the best. This is what landed me at Elon University.
Boon Yang
Marketing Intern
Education First Marketing Intern Tokyo Office in Shibuya, Tokyo Japan
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
I have always wanted to go to Japan to make correlation with the art courses that I’ve studied at St Olaf. This internship allowed me to visit memorable places and experience a new culture in new light. With the experience and exposure I received, I can understand a better connection between how the culture inspired my studies of Art History.
Jean Butler
Climate Resilience Fellow
Intern
Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Muesume Of Design in New York City, NY
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
I have been interested in pursuing museum work or work that aims to make learning more accessible; this internship has allowed me to combine these two passions. Through this internship, I have reviewed exhibition plans, future museum labels, and educational content and helped interpret them to be more accessible to the public.
Haylee Johnson
Undergraduate Researcher
Hong Kierkegaard Library and Søren Kierkegaard Research Center Partnership Program in Copenhagen, Denmark
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
Being here has allowed me to truly nerd out, and be in a space where I can explore my interests surrounded by experts. Søren Kierkegaard lived and died in Copenhagen. It has been incredibly exciting to really be immersed in his city. I have been able to see original copies of his texts from the 1840’s, all of his apartments (there were many!), and walk the very same streets that he did. It means so much to me to be able to be here, and to experience his life and authorship in a much more meaningful, tangible way.
Aiden Kocian
Voice Fellow
Lutheran Summer Music Festival & Academy in Valparaiso, Indiana
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
At the Lutheran Summer Music Festival I’ve been able to explore diverse styles of choral pedagogy, engage in weekly voice lessons with wonderful faculty, and have opportunities to lead sectionals and engage with the high school students that are studying here. This experiential learning serves me as I look forward towards a career in choral conducting and professional choral singing after St. Olaf.
Romina Soto-Solari
Program Coordinator
MacPhail Center of Music in Madeline Island, Wisconsin
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
I am most excited to get to be immersed in all of the music at the camp, and to be behind all the music making! As a member of the St. Olaf Orchestra, I have experienced the hard work and the chaos of putting together a concert, and now I get to do it in a beautiful setting, with professionals who are passionate about what they do.
Noah Faas
Data Engineering Intern
Edina, MN
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
My favorite experience this summer has been spearheading an AI implementation research project that brought me to learn so much about artificial intelligence, collaborate with various departmental leaders, and culminated in a presentation to the company’s Chief Information Officer and his team. It felt so empowering to be able to take ownership over such a meaningful project!
Ian Holtz-Hazeltine
Intern, REU Program
Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
One of the coolest parts of research is the ownership of studies and results. It’s possible that you could be the first person ever to conduct an experiment. I loved my research for this reason, as I worked with a novel cancer therapy drug and its inhibition of Ebola and Marburg viruses. No one had ever tested this before, so it was awesome getting to design my own experiments and generate data
Cheng Vang, Meraf Haileslassie, Sonam Gurung, Prasiddha Shrestha
Research Assistants
CURI Program
“This research experience connects with our career path as we all have an interest in attending graduate school.”
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
We were interested in gaining hands-on research experience to provide us with the skills to attain a higher education. As students of the MSCS department, we went to the annual MSCS CURI Colloquium to learn more about the different projects that may interest us. We were selected by Dr. Laura Boehm Vock because of our interest in spatial statistics, previous class experience, and the variety of skills we will bring to the team.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
This research experience connects with our career path as we all have an interest in attending graduate school. By having this specific research experience under our belt, we are learning how to manage high dimensional datasets as well as understanding how to analyze and read data.
Rinchen
Sakya
Research Assistant
North Star STEM Alliance
“I believe this trip aligns with my career goals because it offers so many ways to look at biodiversity and research.”
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
I am a student associated with the North Star STEM Alliance program that works to increase the amount of BIPOC students that are obtaining bachelor degrees in the STEM field. They support students in STEM by hosting a variety of events, offering stipend programs, funding conference travel, and more. NSSA generously provided this research opportunity to students associated with the program to take a trip to Costa Rica to learn about biological research and environmental conservation at La Selva Biological Station in Sarapiqui, Costa Rica.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
Currently, my career goal is to be able to become a successful Pathologist Assistant. I believe this trip aligns with my career goals because it offers so many ways to look at biodiversity and research. Learning more about the skills and the different approaches to biological research can help me gain a deeper understanding of the biology field, and make me a more competitive candidate when applying for jobs or graduate programs. By understanding the different ways that research is done, I am able to better understand the results and how they can be applied to work being done in the lab.
Abigail
Shanahan
Empowerment Center Intern
A Precious Child
“This opportunity gave me experience working with people in need in my community as well as improving my interpersonal and critical thinking skills.”
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
This summer I worked as the Empowerment Center Intern at A Precious Child, a nonprofit in Broomfield, Colorado, near where I live. I was looking at a list of internship opportunities suggested by a nearby college for psychology students. I emailed the organization, had two interviews over Zoom, and was emailed that I was picked for the position. I also speak Spanish, which was a criteria that they did not require but was listed as highly preferred.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I am a psychology student who is interested in working with underserved groups in the future. This opportunity gave me experience working with people in need in my community as well as improving my interpersonal and critical thinking skills.
Gio
Dumont
Research Assistant
Cancer Research Project
“I am interested in pursuing medicine, particularly with an integrative and translational focus on clinical work and research.”
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
I saw an opportunity on Handshake to apply to a cancer research project and decided to throw my name in the ring. I had an interview with the lab’s PI (an Olaf alum!) after the application and then was offered the opportunity to join the lab for the summer.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I am interested in pursuing medicine, particularly with an integrative and translational focus on clinical work and research. Working on a lymphoma project in this lab for the summer, I had the opportunity to develop new wet lab skills, gain experience with academic practices, and learn about the mechanisms behind diseases and their treatments. Each of these areas will be directly connected to my prospective career in the medical field!
Azeez
Khudeeda
Project Coordinator
Progress in Peace NGO
“This invaluable experience has melded my scholarly pursuits with pressing real-world imperatives.”
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
Through the Piper Center.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
Pursuing a major in psychology and neuroscience has not only honed my academic prowess but also ignited an unwavering dedication to understanding the intricacies of the human mind. Serving as a Project Coordinator with Progress in Peace NGO was a defining chapter in my journey, where I championed mental health support for Yazidi victims. This invaluable experience has melded my scholarly pursuits with pressing real-world imperatives. As I approach this new opportunity, I’m poised to leverage my deep academic foundation and field-tested insights, aiming to make impactful strides in both research and humanitarian endeavors.
Charlotte
Thomson
International Affairs Intern
The Fund for American Studies
“…I got to not only gain experience in the field of politics and international relations, but also make connections that would further me afterwards.”
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
I found and applied for the Fund for American Studies 2023 International Affairs Summer Academic Internship Program myself after seeking some advice for finding internships from the Piper Center.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
This opportunity to have completed an incredible International Affairs academic internship summer program through the Fund for American Studies was a fantastic way I got to not only gain experience in the field of politics and international relations, but also make connections that would further me afterwards. Through the connections I made during my internship this summer, I was able to successfully get into a year-long Civic Leaders Fellowship at the Ronald Reagan Institute that I’ll be doing this year while taking my usual array of classes at St. Olaf!
Bailey
Larson
Intern
University of Nebraska State Museum
“I hope to go into paleontology in the future, and this opportunity gave me my first dig experience and hands-on experience in preparation.”
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
The Ashfall summer internship came highly recommended by several program alumni who now work at the University of Nebraska State Museum. I worked with the Piper Center to tailor my resume to the opportunity.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I hope to go into paleontology in the future, and this opportunity gave me my first dig experience and further hands-on experience in preparation. It also allowed me to make connections in the field and refine my interests.
Ella
Wiggenhorn
Research Assistant
University of Nebraska Lincoln
“This summer cemented that interest and gave me experience working on developing vaccines. I would love to work in virology in the future – vaccines especially!”
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
I learned about the summer research program at the University of Nebraska Lincoln through the physics department. I applied my first year at St. Olaf and did not get in, but I applied again this year and was offered a spot in the virology program!
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I knew I wanted to work with infectious diseases for a long time. This summer cemented that interest and gave me experience working on developing vaccines. I would love to work in virology in the future – vaccines especially!
Jim
Chun-Chen Lin
Research Assistant
Taiwan NextGen Foundation
“I have been working extensively toward public policy as I aspire to contribute to my country Taiwan as a policymaker in the future.”
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
I learned about this summer research internship opportunity as Research Assistant at Taiwan NextGen Foundation, a Taipei-based think tank dedicated to making Taiwan more sustainable, diverse, and inclusive, from a friend who works as Senior Manager in this organization. I was honored and fortunate to receive this summer internship offer as I succeeded in demonstrating my passion for public policy and Taiwan’s local politics. The Think Tank’s Senior Manager told me that this would be an excellent opportunity for me as I would be able to provide an innovative perspective to the team as someone possessing a different educational background. Meanwhile, I could catch a glimpse at the local political and social dynamics of Chiayi County, Taiwan, amidst the 2024 presidential and congressional elections.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
As a rising junior majoring in Sociology and Anthropology, I have been working extensively toward public policy as I aspire to contribute to my country Taiwan as a policymaker in the future. Applying the skills for social observation and analysis acquired in SOAN classes, I conducted extensive research on Taiwan’s local politics, focusing on Chiayi County’s agricultural policies. To better understand the challenges facing local farmers, such as labor shortages, water scarcity, and precarious market conditions, and the government’s policies addressing these issues, I worked with my colleagues to conduct fieldwork – interviewing local farmers and lawmakers and investigating the impact of these policies on different stakeholders. These allowed us not only to understand the county’s agricultural industry more thoroughly but also to provide more comprehensive policy suggestions for government officials. Even though it was not always easy to receive adequate information about our research topics, it helped me realize the intricacy of public policy as it often involves multiple stakeholders and even controversy and sensitivity in between. Most importantly, it allowed me to get a real taste of the world of public policy and learned a big lesson, which I would describe as “Public Policy is indeed a challenging work, and you need to make a continuous effort to dig more into it until you’ve noticed that it is helping people.”
Marissa
Lindaman
Research Assistant
Cancer Research Lab at the University of Minnesota
“This experience not only underscored the significance of research in the medical field but also provided me with the space to nurture my curiosity and gain practical insights through conducting my own research project…”
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
I got this research opportunity by networking with previous labs I have worked with in the past. I emailed a few people with my resume!
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I have a strong passion for pursuing a medical education and potentially building a career within the medical domain. Over this summer, I was fortunate to be part of a cancer research lab at the University of Minnesota. This experience not only underscored the significance of research in the medical field, but also provided me with the space to nurture my curiosity and gain practical insights through conducting my own research project on CAR T-cell cancer immunotherapy and how it causes neurotoxicity. This hands-on experience was perfect for me to learn more about science!
Kate
Zhylinskaya
Research Assistant
CURI Program
“CURI provided me with a two-month preview of what lies ahead, reinforcing my certainty in my chosen path as a Biotechnology and Gene editing specialist.”
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
I submitted my application, showing how much this opportunity means to me and the extent of my commitment. My Professor then scheduled an in-person interview where I was told what to anticipate and the expectations they have of me. After this conversation I was told I am in.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
CURI provided me with a two-month preview of what lies ahead, reinforcing my certainty in my chosen path as a Biotechnology and Gene editing specialist. CURI taught me skills and techniques any professional researcher possesses.
Clemente
Arcuch Puig
Intern
Refresh Mental Health
“… the M&A field has been something I wanted to get into and learn more about.”
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
The CFO of Refresh Mental Health is a St. Olaf alum. He shared the job posting with Kirsten Calhoon–the career coach at the Piper center I have the most contact with–who subsequently shared it with me.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I am a Quantitative Economics major with a management emphasis. Thus the M&A field has been something I wanted to get into and learn more about. This internship has helped me shape my career interests and granted me more clarity for my job search this fall.
Lily
Moreschi
Intern
Jacob’s Pillow
“I hope to work in fundraising for a dance organization after graduation”
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
I got this internship by going through a lengthy application and interview process. I first heard about this opportunity because Jacob’s Pillow is a very prominent dance organization, and I have viewed videos from the Pillow archives many times for dance classes at St. Olaf.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
This internship directly aligns with my intended career path of working in fine arts development, specifically dance. I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much about cultivating individual support, writing grants, and executing capital campaigns. I hope to work in fundraising for a dance organization after graduation, and working at Jacob’s Pillow has made me feel connected and prepared to do so.
Chelsea
Hurtado
Research Intern
MAPS Station
“I have always wanted to work with animals firsthand for a very long time, and being able to work on this amazing project is a huge stepping stone for me.”
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
I wanted to get more research experience in regard to fieldwork since I am aiming to become a Wildlife Biologist, this would be a huge stepping stone to what I’d love to do in the future. Ever since I took Winter Ecology in interim with Professor Sean Peterson, I absolutely loved the bird banding unit in his class. Ever since I experienced bird banding in the winter, I instantly became intrigued by it and wanted to learn so much more about it. The curiosity of wanting to learn more about birds and bird banding pushed me to apply to the St.Olaf MAPS Station summer research project.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
This summer research experience was my first-hand experience of performing research projects that are similar to those I will be conducting in my future career related to wildlife conservation. It connects very closely since I plan to pursue a Master’s in Animal Behaviour and a Ph.D. in Primatology. In my chosen career, a large amount of the work I will be doing will be independent/group research both in the field and in the lab. This has connected through and through what fieldwork research entails. I have learned how to work with animals safely and it gave me a big perspective on what my future will be like.
Brooke
Edberg
Data Analyst Intern
Heart of America Foundations
“This internship is a Data Analyst internship, which is one of the career paths I am interested in pursuing.”
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
The nonprofit that I am working for, the Heart of America Foundation, reached out to St Olaf to fill their internship position for the summer. I received an email from the Piper Center inviting me to apply online. After submitting the application, I was interviewed by my current boss. She gave me an offer immediately.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
This internship is a Data Analyst internship, which is one of the career paths I am interested in pursuing.
Maia
Maras
Research Assistant
Sleep and Neurophysiology Research Lab, Mayo Clinic
“…this research gave me so many incredible opportunities, that made me realize I know what I want to do with my life.”
what have you experienced at this internship or research opportunity?
I applied to the Sleep and Neurophysiology Research Lab at Mayo Clinic through the Piper center and St. Olaf alum Dr. Erik St. Louis.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I was debating whether or not I wanted to go into research or medicine, and doing this research gave me so many incredible opportunities, that made me realize I know what I want to do with my life.
Emily
Hagel
Youth Learning and Enrichment Fellow
Ampact
“…I have explored what research looks like and what it could look like as a vocation. I would like to pursue a career in research and working in the Lee Lab has been a great introduction to research.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I applied to CURI through the TRIO McNair summer research program.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I am a biology and chemistry double major. After undergrad, I am interested in attending graduate school and completing a Ph.D. program in immunology or pursuing a dual degree in medicine. Through this summer experience, I have explored what research looks like and what it could look like as a vocation. I would like to pursue a career in research and working in the Lee Lab has been a great introduction to research.
Rachel
Christensen
Chamber Music Student
Green Mountain Chamber Music in Colchester,Vermont
“I hope to play in a professional orchestra and this experience allows me to create valuable connections with professionals currently working in music while learning from them and their experiences.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I applied via their application portal and submitted recordings of myself playing the required pieces.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I hope to play in a professional orchestra and this experience allows me to create valuable connections with professionals currently working in music while learning from them and their experiences.
Daniella
Embu
Youth Learning and Enrichment Fellow
Project Friendship
“I am majoring in psychology and am interested in the development and social branches of psychology. I plan on going to graduate school to receive my master’s to become a licensed therapist and to help the people in my community, especially kids.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I am a TRIO McNair scholar and learned about the internship position through a student in the program who is on the board of project friendship.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I am interning as a Youth Learning and Enrichment Fellow for Project Friendship and am doing curriculum development and creating training modules for mentors to help them with their mentees. I am majoring in psychology and am interested in the development and social branches of psychology. I plan on going to graduate school to receive my masters to become a licensed therapist and to help the people in my community, especially kids.
Tiffany
Putri
Marketing and Engagement Intern
TURNSIGNL
“As an aspiring Marketing Analyst and Management Consultant, this internship offers a unique opportunity to work on real marketing campaigns and engage with businesses directly to nurture partnerships, which will provide me with hands-on experience in the field.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I was able to get this internship opportunity through the St. Olaf entrepreneurial scholars program.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
As a Marketing and Engagement Intern, I am thrilled about the diverse range of marketing skills I have been able to be exposed to. Despite lacking prior professional marketing experience, I am excited to dive into data analytics, market research, idea generation, and plan execution, as these areas will strengthen my technical expertise and contribute to my growth in the field.
Aleah
Keske
Gallery Intern
Lanesboro Arts Gallery
“As an art major I was interested in getting any experience in the arts world that I could find.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
First, the St. Olaf art department forwarded an email from the Lanesboro Arts Gallery about their internship opportunities for the summer. After discussing it with my advisor, I decided to apply. I went through their application process, got an interview as a final candidate, and the next thing I knew I was in Lanesboro, MN getting started as the gallery intern.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
As an art major I was interested in getting any experience in the arts world that I could find. With my current management experiences working in the Lion’s Pause, adding this onto the resume seemed perfect as art’s management is one career path I see myself moving towards.
Mia
Jutz
Intern
Minnesota HQ Experience
“I am passionate about healthcare and wanted to see the data analysis side, instead of just the clinical and research work.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I grew my network of connections with the help of the Piper Center. Through the connections I found this internship.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I am passionate about healthcare and wanted to see the data analysis side not just the clinical/ research side. This internship allowed me to do that.
Lydia
Hill
Research Assistant
Fulbright
“I am very interested in gynecology and obstetrics, and the lab I am working in this summer specializes in mother-baby research studies.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I came across the application for this internship while working at the Piper Center last summer. I had been aware of what Fulbright was for a while, and when I saw the internship pop up in Handshake and saw that it was a program available to undergraduates, I knew I had to take a look. I think a big part of what opened up this opportunity to me was being able to speak French. The lab I am working in this summer is in Quebec, Canada, where many people speak French. The interview process in another language was definitely daunting, but I think it really helped me get this opportunity.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
After St. Olaf, I plan on going to medical school. I am very interested in gynecology and obstetrics, and the lab I am working in this summer specializes in mother-baby research studies. The project I applied to work on and what I have been spending most of my time on this summer is focused on the effects of cannabis use on fetal neural development. Another major component of why I was so excited for this opportunity was the unique opportunity to work both in research in a field of my interest, and also use my language skills in French. My internship this summer is in Sherbrooke, Quebec Canada, where almost everyone here speaks French. As a pre-med French major, I’ve been asked many times how or why I would use French in the future or in a professional context, and I have been thrilled to be able to combine my French skills and academic interests in the same research opportunity.
Sardar
Qaidi
Community Builder
House Of Coexistence
“… the internship is helping me develop ideas and incorporate real-life stories into the book I am writing about the 2014 Yazidi Genocide.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I got in touch with one of my friends who recommended the “House Of Coexistence” to me, and I got the chance to be interviewed. After receiving the $2,500 grant from the Piper Center, I was ready to start the internship.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
Sinjar is a district located in northern Iraq. In 2014, ISIS committed a genocide against the people of Sinjar. Since then, I have dreamed of becoming a psychologist because there were few or none to help people who experienced PTSD. I have always wanted to aid vulnerable individuals. Currently, I work as a community builder at HOC. This internship is helping me work closely with victims of ISIS. During our full time, we provide them with activities and open discussions where they get the chance to share their experiences in ISIS captivity. More importantly, the internship is helping me develop ideas and incorporate real-life stories into the book I am writing about the 2014 Yazidi Genocide. In this book, I mainly focus on writing stories behind the news – the unheard stories of the Yazidi women survivors.
Blanca
Torres Lopez
Research Assistant
CURI Program
“…I have explored what research looks like and what it could look like as a vocation. I would like to pursue a career in research and working in the Lee Lab has been a great introduction to research.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I applied to CURI through the TRIO McNair summer research program.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I am a biology and chemistry double major. After undergrad, I am interested in attending graduate school and completing a Ph.D. program in immunology or pursuing a dual degree in medicine. Through this summer experience, I have explored what research looks like and what it could look like as a vocation. I would like to pursue a career in research and working in the Lee Lab has been a great introduction to research.
Grace
Barton
Weber Scholar
St. Olaf Institute for Freedom and Community
“I am grateful for the opportunity to develop skills that will be attractive to both graduate programs and industry careers in Economics, Political Science, Data Science, and Public Policy.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
This summer, I am working as a Weber Scholar through St. Olaf Institute for Freedom and Community. This research opportunity is available to St. Olaf students who are interested in conducting independent research on a substantive topic within the peace and conflict realm. I am currently examining conflicting public opinions on the American welfare state. The opportunity was recommended to me by a professor in the Economics department who thought that this summer’s seminar would be a good fit for my research interests.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I am attracted to a career that focuses on practical problem-solving using quantitative social science techniques. My summer research project has helped me explore new ways to wrangle data, build models, and test different policy implications. I am grateful for the opportunity to develop skills that will be attractive to both graduate programs and industry careers in Economics, Political Science, Data Science, and Public Policy.
Riki
Poore
Summer Intern
Alliance for Sustainability
“I have always been interested in non-profit work and the Alliance for Sustainability fits well with the type of community and educational work I hope to do in the future.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I found this internship via LinkedIn and decided to apply. I was then selected for their interview process and was offered the position at the end of it!
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
This internship connects with the career path I’m interested in in many ways. I am wanting to pursue a career in an environmental-related field, and this internship is a reflection of this. I have always been interested in non-profit work and the Alliance for Sustainability fits well with the type of community and educational work I hope to do in the future. I am learning many new skills through the teachings of the Alliance such as grant writing and research that will be beneficial to any career I might choose in the future.
Marissa
Palermo
Rockswold Scholar
Hennepin County Medical Center
“I have always loved getting to share what I’ve learned, particularly in regard to biology.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I have been looking forward to applying for this opportunity since I started at St. Olaf, but there had been a few cancellations due to COVID-19. I found the opportunity was available again and applied through Handshake.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I am on the pre-medicine track at St. Olaf and this internship has allowed me to shadow different physicians across HCMC, attend lectures, and work closely with two physicians on research relating to the medical field. The shadowing opportunities have taught me a lot more about what it means for someone to have a career in medicine and is exciting me for my future as a physician. I have loved viewing the patient-physician interactions and learning about medicine.
Rahaf
Qarabsa
Research Assistant
CURI Program
“I find the neurophysiology of animal communication and the evolutionary relationship fascinating areas to begin my research in neuroscience. “
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
While working in the Biology department as an animal care technician, I was introduced to Professor Lee’s research project. I found this opportunity to explore which field would suit me best. Professor Lee is a fantastic instructor who has supported me from the beginning. I began volunteering in the Lee lab during the interim period and continued until the spring of 2023. Afterward, I decided to apply for this specific research project through the CURI Program.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I find the neurophysiology of animal communication and the evolutionary relationship fascinating areas to begin my research in neuroscience. My goal is to attend graduate school and specialize in neurocognitive communication. I am still exploring at this stage, but the more I delve into this research project, the more impressed I am by the scientific work we are conducting.
Clara
Droessler
Research Assistant
Dana-Farber
Cancer Institute
“I am interested in a career in cancer research, but where exactly I fit within the field is something that I have been exploring.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I received an email from the Piper Center in early February about the internship opportunities in Dr. Murakami’s lab at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I have been interested in pursuing cancer research as a career since high school, so I immediately knew this was an opportunity I wanted to apply for. I applied through Handshake and completed a practice interview with the Piper Center prior to my interview with Dr. Murakami.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I am interested in a career in cancer research, but where exactly I fit within the field is something that I have been exploring. My internship at DFCI has not only provided me with the opportunity to experience hematology research but has also broadened my understanding of what cancer research looks like. The development of biomarkers, discovery of therapeutic drug molecules, and investigation of human genomics are just a few examples of areas of research that I could potentially pursue in graduate school.
Mariam
Elkemary
Data Analyst Intern
Ascend Indiana
“I am a Computer Science major and this internship made me realize that I really enjoy Data Science and its many diverse applications!”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I applied to Ascend Indiana as a Data Analyst Intern through Handshake.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I am a Computer Science major and this internship made me realize that I really enjoy Data Science and its many diverse applications! I decided to pursue a Statistics and Data Science Concentration because of this amazing internship.
Olivia
Edstrom
Community Outreach Intern
Sierra Club
“As an environmental studies major, I am interested in exploring career opportunities related to the environment.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
During one of my classes this spring, I learned about the Sierra Club—an environmental organization. I was interested in the work that they are doing so I looked further into it and learned that their Minnesota chapter is headquartered in St. Paul. I contacted the Senior Engagement Manager, expressing my interest in interning with them during the summer. I was offered a position as a community outreach intern, collaborating with three other college students. I am thrilled about this opportunity to contribute to the organization’s efforts and make a positive impact on our local community.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
As an environmental studies major, I am interested in exploring career opportunities related to the environment. Previously, I worked in youth environmental education for the YMCA and was a technician conserving native Minnesota ecosystems for the St. Olaf Natural Lands. This summer I can explore a new area of work with the Sierra Club doing community outreach and engagement.
Ivy
Castillo
Rockswold Health Scholar
Hennepin County Medical Center
“… the Rockswold Scholars program offered an amazing opportunity for me to understand what it means to practice medicine and serve a diverse community of patients from all walks of life.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I came across the Rockswold Scholars opportunity through the Piper Center website, which had a list of summer internships for Pre-Med students. From there, I applied and went through the interview process.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
From the time I came to St. Olaf, I had an interest in the medical field, and the Rockswold Scholars program offered an amazing opportunity for me to understand what it means to practice medicine and serve a diverse community of patients from all walks of life.
Autumn
Pozniak
Forest Technician
US Forest Service
“I am extremely passionate about environmental conservation, policy, and sustainability.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I searched for seasonal positions within the Forest Service and applied to as many as I could along with my partner, Kieran Sheridan. We were lucky enough to each get hired on for the recreation/wilderness trails department in Walden, Colorado.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I am extremely passionate about environmental conservation, policy, and sustainability. While my ultimate goal is to pursue a graduate degree in wildlife biology/ecology, working for the Forest Service in the recreation/trails department gives me valuable experience with hands-on field work and team leadership, while also opening up a network full of professionals with varied interests/expertise in the field of environmental management.
Andrew
Mazariegos-Ovalle
Summer Intern
Ryan Learning Center at the Art Institute of Chicago
“I am interested in the power of studio art to connect audiences, especially youth, with important topics such as climate change.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I applied through the website and got selected for a group interview. I was then later notified that I was offered the internship.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I am interested in the power of studio art to connect audiences, especially youth, with important topics such as climate change. Through this opportunity, I will develop tools and teaching practices that I can use in the future. I can learn the necessary skills to start my own organization for promoting accessibility to the arts and providing resources to neighborhoods that lack an influence of art.
Corrin
Gillespie
Pre-Physical Therapy Intern
Avera
Sioux Falls
“I spend most of my time in pediatric therapy or inpatient rehab but also get to bounce around to other departments which has really allowed me to see how expansive the PT career can be.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
When I knew I wanted to go into physical therapy as a career I looked into local opportunities at hospitals in my hometown, Sioux Falls, through their websites. I found this opportunity and kept it on my radar for a while until I was far along enough in undergrad to apply!
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
With a degree in Kinesiology, I hope to receive my doctorate in physical therapy and practice PT as a career. This internship is helping me work towards that goal by giving me the opportunity to get more clinical hours and diversify my knowledge about the field. I spend most of my time in pediatric therapy or inpatient rehab but also get to bounce around to other departments which has really allowed me to see how expansive the PT career can be. More so every day at the hospital makes me more confident that PT is the perfect career for me.
Bella
Marek
Artist Planning Intern
Kennedy Center
Washington D.C.
“I am interested in connecting Arts Administration and Music Education to help create a stronger future for the arts.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
Earlier in the school year, I was looking for an internship opportunity that would allow me to work with an orchestra and get arts administration experience. I eventually found that the Kennedy Center had an internship program and two positions that worked directly with the National Symphony Orchestra! I sent in an application and interviewed for the position and found out later that I had been selected as the Artistic Planning Intern for the summer!
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I am interested in connecting Arts Administration and Music Education to help create a stronger future for the arts. Getting this hands-on experience allows me to see the ins and outs of what it takes to run an orchestra up close.
Mandie
Flint
Mammal Nursery Intern
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota
“I’m getting hands-on experience with meeting every patient’s needs in the world’s busiest animal hospital.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
Networking with fellow Oles! I have brought many animals to WRC in the past, but I had no idea they offered internships. WRC offers internships with turtles, songbirds, and mammals, so there’s something for anyone interested in returning animals to the wild! I’m working in the Mammal Nursery and I absolutely love it!
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I want to be a wildlife conservationist for endangered species (especially elephants) in Sub-Saharan Africa through reintegration work and human-wildlife conflict mitigation. WRC’s mission is to rehabilitate any patients that come into their care, no matter the situation. I’m getting hands-on experience with meeting every patient’s needs in the world’s busiest animal hospital (17,000+ patients admitted every year). I’ve observed how animals end up at WRC, and I hope to use this knowledge in my career to raise questions about human interactions with wildlife.
Hannah
Swanson
Mammal Nursery Intern
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota
“This internship allows me to gain valuable medical skills and experience working with wildlife in a rehabilitative capacity.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I heard about it from a veterinarian I shadow in Northfield when asking about opportunities for hands-on experience in the Twin Cities. I then applied online and had an interview before being accepted as a summer intern.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I am on the pre-vet track at St. Olaf, interested in pursuing a career in conservation medicine! This internship allows me to gain valuable medical skills and experience working with wildlife in a rehabilitative capacity.
Sarah
Tondini
Naturalist Center Intern
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
“I have always loved getting to share what I’ve learned, particularly in regard to biology.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I had been interested in getting experience at natural science museums since I visited some while studying abroad. I researched some of the best ones in the United States and found the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science! There were many sections of the museum looking for interns, but the one that struck me the most was the Naturalist Center where people could get hands-on experience with specimens. It was a dream internship, and I knew I just had to apply!
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I have always loved getting to share what I’ve learned, particularly in regard to biology, with my friends and family. Nothing matches the feeling of knowing that people are interested in what I’m sharing with them and want to know more. There’s no better place to get that feeling than a museum! You get to share your passions and interests with people from all walks of life. A place like the Naturalist Center provides an opportunity for people to learn about nature without a glass barrier, which I think is essential for truly getting to experience what nature provides. I want my career to be one that allows me to share knowledge with all kinds of people, and getting to intern at this amazing museum is a great step in that direction.
Alejandro
Ashby
Permanent Mission of Barbados Intern
United Nations in Manhattan, New York
“This opportunity has provided me with a greater understanding of how international systems and international law function.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I reached out to the Permanent Mission of Barbados to the United Nations and discovered they annually offer internship positions. Once I understood the selection criteria, I believed I was a viable candidate based on my major and extracurricular activities. I submitted my application and successfully completed a five week internship in the summer of 2022. At the end, they invited me to apply again for the following year if I desired. I thoroughly enjoyed my first internship there, so I did.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I am majoring in political science with concentrations in international relations and data science. The United Nations as a multilateral, intergovernmental organization is a living, breathing instrument for international relations. This opportunity allows me to contextualize my studies. Moreover, it has provided me with a greater understanding of how international systems and international law function. This will be applicable knowledge for any career I pursue in the political space as the world is continually globalizing.
Erich
Dvorak
Chemical Research Intern
Fluorescence Innovations Inc.
“After I got my NR-EMT license through Northfield Hospital and Clinics, it opened me up to the big world of healthcare and led me to want to study pre-medicine.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I met a St. Olaf alum who is doing research with Nivolumab, a cancer therapy drug, with the CEO of Fluorescence Innovations in Minneapolis. They had offered me to work with them over the summer, so I gladly took them up on their offer.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
After I got my NR-EMT license through Northfield Hospital and Clinics, it opened me up to the big world of healthcare and led me to want to study pre-medicine. This internship is showing me how research is done at the chemical and microscopic level to better understand how drugs and therapies are created to help sick people feel better in a clinical setting. Additionally, this experience compliments my chemistry and mathematics degrees by doing both research with drug therapies in the lab as well as running the data through mathematical analyses to showcase to the rest of my team.
Ethan ‘Ziza’
Nshakira
Media Genome Analyst Intern and Associate Film and Media Podcaster
Katch University and The Creative Process Podcasts
“I really want to create an online presence and personal brand in the Film Criticism/Journalism Space.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I found The Creative Process on Handshake and found Katch Entertainment Media on LinkedIn. I knew I wanted two different part time internships to maximize my time during the Summer, so I spread my search across a variety of platforms.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I really want to create an online presence and personal brand in the Film Criticism/Journalism Space. My work with the Creative Process is giving me the skills necessary to eventually record and edit my own podcasts, something that will be integral as I start up my own online presence and possibly work with any online magazines or publications. As a Media Genome Analyst for Katch, I have to codify movies according to hundreds of subcategories across plot, characters, and even direction. As such, it gives me brand new paradigms via which to understand, analyze, and categorize films.
Thanuja
Ramesh
Homicide Research Intern
Center for Homicide Research
“… investigating the psychological factors that contribute to homicidal acts, such as personality traits, cognitive biases, or socialization experiences allows me to use my psychology background and coursework.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
This internship was an opportunity I found while cruising the web for a summer internship. As a psychology major I wanted to do something that was non-traditional. Knowing that I have an interest in forensics and true crime, I was thrilled when I saw this internship online through one of the American Psychological Association (APA) internship databases. I reached out to the Center for Homicide Research and they offered me an interview. At the end of the interview, the senior researcher asked if I wanted the position, and I said “Yes!” So now I am a homicide researcher for the summer at the Center for Homicide Research in Minneapolis.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
This internship connects to my career path because I aim to go to graduate school for forensic psychology and be able to understand not just homicide but the workings of the U.S. criminal justice system as well. The internship provides me with those opportunities and the first step in gaining insight into how things work in the U.S. as well as how research is conducted, which is most necessary for graduate school. It also connects to my major because understanding the causes, patterns, and consequences of homicide requires a solid knowledge of psychological theories, methods, and concepts. By using various psychological research methods, including surveys, experiments, and case studies, to investigate the psychological factors that contribute to homicidal acts, such as personality traits, cognitive biases, or socialization experiences allows me to use my psychology background and coursework.
Jessenia
Prado
Intern
Art Institute of Chicago
“As a Chicagoan, I love talking about the city’s diverse neighborhoods with people, especially through art and activities.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I interned at the Art Institute of Chicago in high school and always looked forward to working there again as a college student. When I gave my first tour as a high-schooler, I felt empowered as an educator to explore identities through people and art.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I am interested in museum education and tourism, specifically creating accessible ways for underprivileged communities to enjoy Chicago’s attractions, museums, and cultural institutions. As a Chicagoan, I love talking about the city’s diverse neighborhoods with people, especially through art and activities. I would love to continue this passion for Chicago and art in my future as a gallery owner in my neighborhood, South Chicago, where there is limited opportunity to showcase art and meet fellow artists.
Lily
Bensen
Rockswold Scholar
Hennepin County Medical Center
“This program has provided me with shadowing experiences in many different departments which helps me explore which fields of medicine most interest me.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
I first came across the Rockswold Scholars Program when searching through the St. Olaf pre-med web page for interesting summer opportunities during my freshman year. As someone who does not have any healthcare staff in their family, it was very important to me to find an experience through St. Olaf that would provide me with knowledge of the medical realm. After reading the description, I knew that it would be perfect for me! I made sure to build my resume with activities that showed my passion for medicine throughout my first two years of school, and I applied for the internship during my junior year. I was very fortunate to get the internship after submitting the application and going through an interview process.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I have known for years that I want to become a physician, but it has been very difficult to obtain shadowing experiences after the pandemic. I was also raised in a sheltered suburban community, so I was hoping to find an opportunity that would open up my worldview to better understand the perspectives of future patients. The Rockswold Scholars Program fits these goals perfectly. This program has provided me with shadowing experiences in many different departments which helps me explore which fields of medicine most interest me. Additionally, the community violence prevention and outreach program I work with has allowed me to help people with diverse life experiences, making me more adept at patient interaction. The research experience has also been wonderful since I want to incorporate clinical research into my career.
Grace
Henrich
Songbird Nursery Intern
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
“… this experience has equipped me with the necessary tools to communicate science with greater confidence.”
How did you get this internship or research opportunity?
While working in the Biology department as an animal care technician, I was introduced to Professor Lee’s research project. I found this opportunity to explore which field would suit me best. Professor Lee is a fantastic instructor who has supported me from the beginning. I began volunteering in the Lee lab during the interim period and continued until the spring of 2023. Afterward, I decided to apply for this specific research project through the CURI Program.
How does this connect with the career path you're interested in?
I find the neurophysiology of animal communication and the evolutionary relationship fascinating areas to begin my research in neuroscience. My goal is to attend graduate school and specialize in neurocognitive communication. I am still exploring at this stage, but the more I delve into this research project, the more impressed I am by the scientific work we are conducting.
As a rising sophomore, my supervisor and team members help me determine which courses would be beneficial to take and offer tips on navigating any issues we encounter in the lab. I have gained valuable skills in data analysis through this opportunity. Additionally, this experience has equipped me with the necessary tools to communicate science with greater confidence
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