43. Assessing the academic and personal value of an internship in a scientific research environment

Abstract

This evaluation recounts the experience I had as an entomology research intern at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- Roybal Campus in Atlanta, GA in the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria. The CDC is a nationwide protection agency that focuses on the public health and security of the nation. It also has a strong presence internationally, especially in areas with high burden of disease, and is largely responsible for the improvement of public health worldwide. Internships have been shown to benefit students with valuable hands-on experience, as well as networking with professionals within a desired field. Not only do internships have positive effects on the prospect of future career goals, but can also impact a student in academic disciplines. In this evaluation, I will describe my role in the on-going duties of the insectary and laboratory, as well as the responsibilities of the Entomology branch in relation to the projects assigned by the World Health Organization and individual experiments among the branch teams. Also, within this, I will describe the value of internships among students in relation to the direct connection to career goals, academic disciplines, and field-based knowledge.