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National Science Foundation ( NSF)

Cancer Researcher

June - August 2018 • Cleveland, OH

What I liked

I liked working with a biosensor and enjoyed the wet lab experience. I really enjoyed hearing the pros and cons of graduate school. I also enjoyed the flexibility of my schedule and the learning opportunities that the REU program provides.

What I wish was different

Advice

I would suggest participation in an REU program if you want to determine whether graduate research programs are in your future. I would encourage people to participate if they are unsure if it is the right choice for them. It helped me pick a path.
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Student Researcher

June - August 2018 • Nairobi, Kenya

What I liked

I really enjoyed learning about a new culture and traveling. It was also my first time doing field work in pastoralist communities.

What I wish was different

Advice

Overall,no matter how much you have or don't have happiness comes from the heart.
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Intern

May 2018 • Tucson, AZ

What I liked

Gaining meaningful experience.

What I wish was different

More time doing the research.

Advice

Do background research on projects.
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Computer Science Intern

May - August 2018 • Corpus Christi, TX

What I liked

Good pay, good experience.

What I wish was different

The program’s selection of students could have been better.

Advice

Needs more female involvement!
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Math Research

June - July 2018 • Saint Marys City, MD

What I liked

I loved being thrown into a project and learning along the way. I was given independence, the mentors trusting us in our approaches and how we spent our time. It was also a very broadening and inspiring experience, as all of the mentors were very supportive and truly wanted us to succeed.

What I wish was different

Certain problems of group dynamics made my time there more emotionally taxing than I would've liked, but that wasn't the fault of the program - c'est la vie. They listened to our frustrations every step of the way and took the measures necessary to fix the problems.

Advice

Even if you think getting into an REU is a long shot, or you feel unprepared, it doesn't hurt to take a shot. I'm much better off for it.
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