What is your hometown?
Burien, Washington
What college or university were you attending during your internship?
Seattle University
What is your field of study or degree program?
Biochemistry
Why did you want to intern at the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)?
It provided me with valuable hands-on experience and opportunities for group work.
What was the name of your DOH host team?
Environmental Laboratory, Public Health Lab, Office of Health and Science
Please share a brief description of your intern project.
My project primarily involved identifying, extracting, and testing mosquitoes for specific viruses using a rPCR machine.
What was a highlight of your internship experience at the DOH?
I learned a lot during this internship, such as pipetting, preparing solutions, identifying and extracting mosquitoes, and becoming familiar with the microscope.
Do you have any tips for future interns?
I would advise future interns to be humble and true to themselves. Don't be afraid to ask for help and seek resources if you get stuck.
What new skills, competencies, or knowledge did you gain during your internship at the DOH?
During my internship at DOH, I gained hands-on experience with laboratory techniques such as pipetting and solution preparation, which improved my precision and attention to detail. I also developed skills in mosquito identification and extraction, enhancing my ability to work with biological specimens.
Additionally, I became proficient in using the microscope, which sharpened my observational skills. Through these tasks, I strengthened my problem-solving abilities, learned to work independently, and deepened my understanding of public health research processes. Furthermore, collaborating with colleagues helped me improve my soft skills.
In what ways did your internship support your career goals or professional development?
As a biochemistry major, my internship opened doors for my future development and provided me with hands-on experience that I will use in my career.
Where are you hoping to take your career next?
I am eager to advance my career in the field of medicine, specifically in dermatology. My next steps include gaining additional clinical experience, continuing my education in medical school, and ultimately specializing in dermatology.
I am also interested in research and plan to seek opportunities that allow me to combine clinical practice with scientific inquiry, particularly regarding skin-related health issues. My internship provided me with valuable laboratory experience, which has strengthened my interest in research, and I aim to build on that foundation as I move forward.
Is there anything about your identity or background that you would like to highlight or share?
I am a first-generation immigrant who works part-time while attending full-time classes.
What else might future interns or others interested in the Pathways Program want to know?
The support from the Pathways Program and my colleagues at work has been wonderful. Everyone has been supportive, and I've had an enjoyable time.