Relaxed atmosphere and important project to industry.
What I wish was different
I wish that the living situation in the D.C. Metropolitan area was cheaper.
Advice
Be aware of becoming a student intern in the D.C. area. You might get a decent salary compared to what you have worked before, but the cost of living is very high.
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Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow
June - August 2021 • Gaithersburg, MD
What I liked
I liked that I got to contribute to ongoing research in such an important field (polymers, with applications in plastics recycling), with national implications and the potential to impact regulatory policy.
What I wish was different
The research position itself was a little unstructured, which felt nice because it gave me the freedom to complete my work the way I felt it was best to do so, but it was a little difficult to find help whenever I needed it.
Advice
Connect with as many researchers in as wide a range of disciplines as you can, and ask them about what they do and how they got there. You might be surprised at what kind of new career interests you develop!
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Guest Researcher
May 2021 • Boulder, CO
What I liked
My supervisors were very understanding of my skill level and met me where I was (or allowed me to apply my skills without micromanaging when I had skills they hadn’t experienced before)!
What I wish was different
Advice
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Data Specialist Intern
June - August 2018 • Gaithersburg, MD
What I liked
I liked interacting with people who have similar career paths to the ones I was considering.
What I wish was different
I wish I could've had a different mentor who had a different are of study just so I could learn things more relevant to my major.
Advice
Have fun with it and take advantage of all the resources.
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Student Fellow
May - August 2019 • Gaithersburg, MD
What I liked
I liked that it allowed me to explore my research options and allowed me to understand the type of work environment I will enjoy.
What I wish was different
Nothing.
Advice
Take every opportunity you have to learn! It will benefit you in the long run.
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Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow
May - August 2019 • Boulder, CO
What I liked
This research experience was phenomenal. The projects were selected for each student in the program very much in accordance with their interests, and the NIST campus provided both a wide variety of experts in various fields as well as world class instrumentation to utilize.
What I wish was different
Advice
Make sure to take advantage of the opportunity to interact with others (in and out of your particular working group) at institutions for which you do summer research. You can make valuable connections, and also meet people who share a lot of interests with just you by being social with your coworkers.
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Research Intern
June 2019 • Boulder, CO
What I liked
The people, the project, and the work environment
What I wish was different
Nothing !
Advice
Don’t be intimidated even if you start out not knowing anything
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Research Fellow
May - August 2018 • Gaithersburg, MD
What I liked
Research experience and meeting a lot of talented students from the best universities of the country.
What I wish was different
N/A
Advice
Apply for it and learn as much as you can.
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Guest Research Fellow
May - August 2018 • Boulder, CO
What I liked
I truly enjoyed NIST for the research I conducted as well as the people I got to meet. Boulder is an incredible city for those who love to be outdoors in the wilderness.
What I wish was different
I wish my relationship with my mentor had been a little more genuine.
Advice
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Research Fellow
May - August 2018 • Gaithersburg, MD
What I liked
The multitude of subjects they work on, and the relaxed research work environment.
Everyone is very knowledgeable, and you would learn a lot (while having fun).
What I wish was different
Nothing.
Advice
Always ask questions.
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Undergraduate Research Fellow
May 2018 • Boulder, CO
What I liked
Loved the experience to learn new skills and new science. Also really enjoyed getting to meet the other interns from around the country
What I wish was different
I wish that my mentor had been able to spend more time with me. Also, I wish I were being paid currently; I am continuing my project with NIST in a volunteer capacity after the summer stipend is over.
Advice
Always jump into new experiences whether or not it's something you are familiar with. Quantum circuits was totally unfamiliar to me before NIST, and that is what made it such a great opportunity to learn.
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Research Intern
May - August 2017 • Gaithersburg, MD
What I liked
I had a great project that tied into the research I was already doing at Princeton. My mentor was helpful, knowledgeable, and generous with his time. The program provided housing and transportation to and from NIST. I also loved being close to DC and took several weekend outings to visit the Smithsonian museums.
What I wish was different
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program that NIST ran (through which I got my internship) could have been better organized.
Advice
Actively try to get to know the other interns. Take advantage of all the tours NIST offers and get to know the research activities going on around NIST.
