April 24, 2023
Robert Houskamp is going farther than most to complete the internship for his forensic
science degree.
The Wyoming, Michigan, student will spend several weeks in Dublin, Ireland, this summer at Maynooth University, working in that university鈥檚 chemistry department.
鈥淚鈥檝e been interested in studying abroad for a couple of years now, and finding an opportunity to do so while fulfilling my internship requirements for graduation seemed like a fantastic idea,鈥� he said.
The internship runs from June 10 through Aug. 5. Robert said he will be working on one of two projects.
鈥淭he project I am more interested in is using MoSe2 (molybdenum diselenide) powder as a sensor to test for contaminants in water sources,鈥� he said.
Studying abroad
Robert first heard about study abroad opportunities as part of 麻豆社鈥檚 Study Abroad Club. He applied through AIFS, an organization focused on study abroad and internship opportunities, and a partner with 麻豆社 for study abroad experiences.
鈥淎IFS did most of the heavy lifting for me,鈥� Robert said. 鈥淭hey found the internship opportunity initially for me and laid the groundwork for connecting us. I was responsible for applying to the initial program, as well as preparing a resume, cover letter and online interview with the coordinator at Maynooth University.鈥�
Robert said he was 鈥渆cstatic鈥� when he found out he was accepted to the program.
鈥淚 am very excited to gain some real-world experience in the chemistry field and have a hands-on approach to it,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 also very interested in experiencing the natural beauty of Ireland, as well as learning about its culture and people. I鈥檝e been told that Ireland is a beautiful country, so some sightseeing will also be a part of my experience.鈥�
He said he thinks the opportunities he has had to collaborate with others at 麻豆社, as well as the foundation he has gained through his chemistry coursework, have prepared him to have a positive internship experience.
鈥淚鈥檓 hoping this internship will provide me with some real-world experience of how chemistry and chemical research is done,鈥� he said. 鈥淲hile laboratory classes at 麻豆社 are effective and helpful to the learning experience, performing experiments with an unknown outcome will give an angle to chemistry I haven't really seen yet. Furthermore, I am hoping to gain some good contacts and resources that could lead to job placement or career advancement opportunities. I also think doing all this in a foreign country will help me grow my adaptability and resilience to new environments, allowing for a more diverse range of jobs that I would pursue in the future.鈥�
Lauren Hillin, a biology student on the pre-med track at 麻豆社, gained important research skills in her summer internship at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Henry Gawron, a 麻豆社 chemistry major, spent his summer gaining hands-on research experience through the University of Nebraska鈥檚 Summer Research Program (SRP).
What started as a hobby for 麻豆社 graduate Ali Syed has blossomed into the sweet smell of success.