This opportunity gave me research experience that was critical to my Ph.D. program applications. There was a strong sense of community among the students and faculty.
What I wish was different
I wish I had discovered their SURP program sooner. Also, there were some hiccups in the management system, but nothing too detrimental.
Advice
Seeking summer research is almost mandatory for graduate school in the life sciences. Start applying as soon as you can.
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Neuroscience Research Intern
May - August 2019 • Charleston, SC
What I liked
MUSC is an incredible facility with lots of opportunity to do important research.
What I wish was different
I wish there had been better communication.
Advice
Try to apply to every experience that interests you! I never thought I would get an internship like this, but applying can only help you.
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Get Well Network Volunteer
April 2017 • Charleston, SC
What I liked
Being able to interact with patients and families from different backgrounds.
What I wish was different
I wish I had the opportunity to volunteer in other areas of the hospital.
Advice
MUSC is always open to feedback in where they can do better with the patient satisfaction, I would advise taking the time to talk to the families, nurses, and doctors to see what can be improved and how you can help.
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Summer Intern
May - August 2018 • Charleston, SC
What I liked
I loved my lab and getting to work on my own project.
What I wish was different
I wish the organization had been better.
Advice
Make sure to start working on your paper and presentation early.
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Neuroscience Research Assistant
May 2018 • Charleston, SC
What I liked
I loved the atmosphere at work. The ability to get hands on bench experience in the lab and my bosses willingness to teach.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Summer Undergraduate Research Student
May - August 2018 • Charleston, SC
What I liked
I was able to gain a variety of different skills in multiple areas of research that allow me to become a more well rounded engineer. I was also mentored on how to properly conduct laboratory and field research. This internship also gave me the opportunity to design a small portion of the final device, which allowed me to explore my creativity and problem solving skills.
What I wish was different
It was a lot of work. The specific project I was on required full drive by all members of the team. Two of the primary researchers on the project left for a 6 week convention/vacation in the middle, leaving myself responsible as the primary lab manager, which ended up being a great deal of pressure.
Advice
You get in what you put out. If you want to spend your entire summer putting in work to not only contribute to a groundbreaking research project, but also design something really cool, then research and design might be the route for you.
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Research Intern
October 2016 - December 2018 • Charleston, SC
What I liked
Had a great mentor that was always willing to help.
What I wish was different
Advice
Retrospective medical research is very time consuming.
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Laboratory assistant
May - August 2018 • Charleston, SC
What I liked
The hands on experience and future scientific publications I have gained from this experience will perpetuate my scientific career. I honestly loved everything about this experience, my knowledge and ideal of science have been expanded and I now know what it is like to work in a graduate laboratory and contribute to a start up pharmaceutical company.
What I wish was different
Nothing, my faculty advisor, Nathan Duncan, was very helpful in adjustment to Charleston and securing this position for me . Everything went smoothly during the research internship.
Advice
I would advise for students to look for potential scholarships to pay for their research endeavors. I applied for the Ledford Grant and was able to get my research stipend, housing, and work hours paid for through the Ledford Grant to make my hiring more appealing to institutions since they did not have to hire me directly and pay from the institution.
