Summer Experiences
There are many summer opportunities available to chemistry students, including Chemistry Department Fellowships, College-Wide Summer Fellowships, National Fellowships, Career Exploration and Development (CXD) Funded Internships, and external summer research opportunities.
Here are some examples of how our students spend their summers:
Major/Minor: Chemistry, m. Art History
Summer 2023 Activity: Neuroscience Fellowship at ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ (Diaz-Rios Lab)
Experience: “Over the summer I worked in the Diaz-Rios lab, conducting a project titled "Age-dependent effects of Capsaicin and Menthol on the mammalian spinal CPG locomotor network". It was a rewarding experience, where I was able to combine my interest for chemistry and biology through research. I learned the importance of patience, teamwork, and intellectual curiosity that are needed for success in the research environment.”
Major/Minor: Chemistry, m. Theater
Summer 2023 Activity: Summer Camp Coordinator for The Works Museum in Bloomington, MN
Experience: "I was the summer camp coordinator for The Works Museum, a children’s engineering museum. By the end of the summer, I helped facilitate approximately 75 different camps. I have gotten to combine my love for chemistry and science with that of education while also gaining experience in supervising and organization of programming. I am an aspiring museum exhibit designer for science museums and have had the chance to work with The Works in redesigning their exhibits. It’s been a great introduction to the field and solidified my interest in working with science museums.”
Major/Minor: Chemistry
Summer 2023 Activity: Chemistry Fellowship at ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ (Ortoll-Bloch Lab)
Experience: “Using x-ray diffraction, spin coating, and scanning electron microscopy, I analyzed the morphology and assembly of cobalt hydroxide carbonate crystals grown under various synthesis conditions. I also assisted with a separate project in the lab regarding the crystallization of aspirin and flufenamic acid. Though I began the summer feeling certain that I knew what my research experience would entail, I quickly learned that any novel research necessitates a lot of flexibility and problem solving. All summer long, as soon as we had figured out one issue, we would immediately run headfirst into another, necessitating constant creative problem-solving, out-of-the-box thinking, and, above all else, collaboration, both with my lab mates and the amazing faculty that surrounded us.”
