Naval Research Internships Inspire Future Careers

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OH, UNITED STATES

Story by Megan Mudersbach

Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton

By: Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton, Public Affairs

This summer, Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton (NAMRU-Dayton) welcomed a cohort of 13 students with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) backgrounds to intern at the command for a few weeks of scientific learning and exploration. The range of internship opportunities allowed students to shadow our staff in conventional scientific research fields as well as other STEM areas, including fabrication and engineering.

“The most surprising thing about NAMRU-Dayton was the amount of projects going on at once,” said Natalie Gut, an intern at the Environmental Health Effects Research Laboratory (EHEL). “Everyone seems to have a hand in multiple projects. Every day is different for me.”

Kasey Bernt, an intern for NAMRU-Dayton’s Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory (NAMRL) agreed, stating, “With all of the projects going on, the research and learning environment here has been full of opportunity.”

Not only do these internships provide opportunities for students, but they also help our command continue to grow and innovate.

“These internships give NAMRU-Dayton access to young minds and current thinking which offers us a different perspective,” said Dr. Lynn Caldwell, senior research psychologist at NAMRL. “It gives young students the opportunity to see how research is conducted in a real lab setting, equipping them with valuable skills to prepare them for professional challenges.”

Along the way, each student had the guidance and support of a mentor invested in their personal and professional growth to face the challenges they experienced.

“Feeling like I can go to people and gain knowledge that I need not only for this job, but for furthering my own goals, has been a wonderful part of my time here,” said Megan Boltz, an intern for fatigue studies at NAMRL. “It’s great being part of a team.”

Indeed, NAMRU-Dayton offered interns the ability to make meaningful contributions to our science and make their mark as valuable team members.

“Our interns have been extremely helpful in getting our projects finished,” said Dr. F. Eric Robinson, research psychologist and mentor to two interns. ”They help us prepare for projects, collect and organize data, and help with purchasing and setting up equipment. We couldn’t have done the work we did this summer without their support.”

Often, the ability to make a difference is often what keeps our interns coming back to the command, as in the case of returning research intern, Ashton Hughes.

“I chose to come back to NAMRU-Dayton because of the mission,” says Hughes. ” For example, right now, I’m working on a project focused on warfighter safety during critical care air transport. I feel great knowing that what I do will help someone.”

Tyler LaBance, a fabrication intern who also returned for a second summer with the command, shares the similar sentiments.

“I enjoy feeling good about my work, and I was definitely excited to come back,” said LaBance. “Where else can you work on something as unique as the Disorientation Research Device? Not only do we get to interface with interesting equipment, but we contribute to projects that help save lives.”

Though the internships last just a few weeks, the experiences they offer can provide the basis for an entire career.

“This internship was an amazing way to gain more insight into the scientific world,” said psychology intern, Marissa Tharp. “I feel more confident about pinpointing my research interest for when I pursue my masters degree.”

As the interns move on to pursue their educational goals, NAMRU-Dayton hopes to continue its commitment to fostering an environment which encourages the professional development of STEM students. The command looks forward to welcoming new cohorts in the years to come.