This was a great way to learn more about oceanography and research, and I enjoyed learning how to code with Python. My mentor was incredibly helpful and encouraging and made the experience enjoyable. I gained a lot of relevant knowledge.
What I wish was different
I do wish it had not been a virtual experience, but the Rutgers team and my mentor did a fantastic job of making the program engaging, useful, and fun by creating a community of acceptance and friendship in the midst of this pandemic.
Advice
Don't opt out of an internship opportunity just because it's online or not quite what you are looking for. This internship was outside my usual biological interests, but I learned a great deal and found it fascinating, and I know I learned many relevant skills that I can use in any scientific field I choose. Just going through the process will help you grow as a professional. Also, I was leery of accepting an online REU, but it was an amazing experience. Just go for it!
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RI EPSCoR C-AIM SURF fellow
June 2020 • South Kingstown, RI
What I liked
Despite COVID-19 changing the SURF program from a 10 week program to an ongoing, flexible one that now ends in August of 2021, and preventing me from doing lab work, I was very grateful to be a part of this fellowship program. I loved going out in the field for drone flights, and working with the photos at home. I liked how my team quickly came together to be creative and devise an alternative plan. It gave me the chance to develop new problem solving skills, as well as skills I never thought I would achieve; such as working with GIS software.
What I wish was different
I wish that I could have participated in lab work, as that was going to be a main part of my job. With COVID-19, the Graduate School of Oceanography had to adapt and compensate. I missed the experience and feeling of being in the lab, but it gave me a positive opportunity to work from home and develop other skills.
Advice
I learned that it is not always easy to work from home, and look for GIS software that can do specific tasks with raw data, but I found it important to reach out for help. People and faculty at URI are more than willing to help us students. Additionally, communication with my team was regular, and that really helped each of us to stay in "the loop" and feel connected even though each of us was working on different items of interest and could not be together.
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Research Scholar
June - August 2021 • Boston, MA
What I liked
I liked the experience of having a mentor, designing an independent research project, and getting training in different geochemistry methods. I also liked the general REU program training - it was very helpful and informative.
What I wish was different
I did wish that the independent projects were a bit more structured, but this was a mentor-based issue.
Advice
Definitely make sure you are interested in the project, as you will be working with that for the whole summer.
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Undergraduate Researcher
May - August 2021 • Río Grande, Río Grande
What I liked
Flexible, got to design my own research project
What I wish was different
More cultural knowledge before and during my trip
Advice
Immerse yourself in the culture as well as the research on your internships.
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Astronomy/Astrophysics Summer Research Intern
June - August 2021 • Madison, WI
What I liked
The group I joined was incredibly supportive of my research. They helped me through as many problems and challenges I came across and ended up with great relationships.
What I wish was different
I wish the experience was not completely virtual, but regardless I enjoyed my time.
Advice
Reach out ahead of time to potential advisors and make a connection!
