Jasmine Jones ‘23 is a mathematics and biology double major at Albertus Magnus College gaining real-world experience through her paid internship in the Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry department at Yale University. After stepping out of her comfort zone and discovering her potential, Jasmine now has the confidence and the skillset that makes her career ready.
Her favorite part of the internship is the relaxed structure set by her mentors and supervisors. Although she works independently for several hours a day, her mentor, Luka Maisuradze (a Ph.D. student in the department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry) is always available for support and encourages Jasmine to problem-solve on her own.
At Albertus, Jasmine completed courses in physics, biology, genetics, cell biology, and math; this internship is a combination of all of those subjects. At first, she experienced an initial level of shock associated with real-world applications of her education, a situation many college students may find relatable. Jasmine was unsure about the expectations and pace, but after talking with Luka, she said:
“He reassured me that everyone’s experience is different and the most important part is learning and growth. After this key interaction, I felt more confident and ready to take advantage of the opportunity.”
For Jasmine, being exposed to graduate-level research was one of the most beneficial learning experiences of the internship. Prior to this experience, she was unsure of her career path upon graduating, but now, she is looking at graduate school and post-baccalaureate programs.
Through her internship experience, Jasmine is realizing the importance of interdisciplinary research. In the (O’Hern) lab group, there are students representing chemistry, biology, physics, engineering, and math. All students have different backgrounds and contribute integral pieces of the puzzle.
When Jasmine began this internship, she felt very out of place. She hadn’t worked on a research project of this level nor with this level of prestige.
“I looked around and saw students from Chicago, California, and Texas– all here with me. After talking with them I realized many of them were feeling similarly nervous. Many Albertus staff members, my peers, my friends, and my family told me that I could handle it, but it wasn’t until I believed in myself that I truly saw I could accomplish the tasks in this internship.”
For Jasmine, this internship has been a very positive experience.
“I have been giving presentations and practicing my professionalism and communication skills.”
She has gained problem-solving and digital literacy skills through learning to code with Python and R. as well as learning to think critically about the potential answers that she will find through this research. Living on Yale’s campus and interacting with students from colleges all over the U.S. has allowed her to strengthen her social, cultural, and environmental awareness. She proudly believes that she is ready to work in a graduate-level research position.
Learn more about internships at Albertus here.