I felt like I was doing important, compelling work
What I wish was different
I wish I had more opportunity to meet other interns
Advice
Don’t be afraid to apply for things out of your comfort zone... everyone has to learn on the job these days
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Biomedical Engineering Intern
June - August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
great atmosphere and people, got to pick a project I enjoyed, gained a lot of experience
What I wish was different
Advice
More Bioengineers at Penn should apply to it
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IRTA Fellow
September 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
I have amazing mentorship in my lab as I work directly with a Staff Scientist and have weekly meetings with the Principle Investogator. As time goes on I will become more independent, but initially all methods and assays run were explained at least once. My lab is also culturally diverse with PhD students and scientists from China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Japan, Canada, and the Unites States.
What I wish was different
I wish I had a bit more autonomy in terms of planning experiments. It would have served me better to take time and look up what assays I can run and experiments I can do to answer my research question. Instead I was told what to do for the first few months.
Advice
It is a great experience for young scientists before applying to graduate or medical school.
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Biology Research Intern
June - August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
I loved getting not only to dive into my assigned research project, but also getting to explore the other opportunities available to me at the NIH — like attending lectures and career development events during downtime, learning about immunology from my PI during lab meetings, and shadowing my PI on occasion. There were also plenty of other undergrads on the NIH campus, so I never felt out of place!
What I wish was different
Advice
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Research Assistant
June - August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
I liked the ability to access to hands on research--this was something I had yet to explore at UNH. I had the opportunity to help frame my research project and work right alongside a post-doc. I was able to see my lab skills improve throughout the summer as I became more independent.
What I wish was different
I wish I had had the opportunity to meet other interns throughout the summer.
Advice
When applying make sure to email labs that you're interested in.
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Summer Research Intern
June - August 2018 • Frederick, MD
What I liked
I was given a project, and finished it by the end of the summer. I liked how I learned a lot of different techniques, such as microarray analysis and ELISA. The lab had a really great environment, and the NIH itself offers numerous opportunities and career advising for interns.
What I wish was different
Nothing!
Advice
Make sure you map out your summer at the very beginning, so you have a very clear path and can therefore take the steps necessary to achieve it.
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NIH/NIDA Summer Research Intern
May - July 2018 • Baltimore, MD
What I liked
The office atomosphere and the experience I gained analyzing qualitative data and writing research papers.
What I wish was different
I wish I could hae received help with fronting housing costs before program reimburstment.
Advice
Go in with an open mind because you never know what experiences you might gain.
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Psychologist Research Assistant
May - August 2018 • New Orleans, LA
What I liked
My mentor was very supportive and open to me starting my own research projects.
What I wish was different
I wish I could go to another state.
Advice
Make sure whoever is your supervisor, you actually enjoy their company and they are actually willing to help you grow in your professional career.
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IRTA/ CRTA Postbac at NIH
September 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
I love working with world wide researchers to find solutions that could not be answered by the medical community/
What I wish was different
N/A
Advice
Do your best to prepare yourself during undergraduate so your life will be decent after graduation
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Cancer Researcher
May - August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
The community was diverse and the staff was amazing at training people.
What I wish was different
I wish that the builidng was closer to the metro.
Advice
Everyone who is science related should have the experience at NIH.
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Research Intern
June - September 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
I was able to do cancer research as well as participate in talks every week on health disparities and emerging research! Also, as the program is sponsored by Amgen, we were flown out to LA to visit the headquarters.
What I wish was different
I wish I had more control over the lab I would be working in
Advice
Working at the NIH is unlike any other research environment! It is definitely a special experience.
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NIH Cancer Research Training Awardee
August 2017 • Frederick, MD
What I liked
Flexibility to do your research and prepare for graduate school tests and application.
What I wish was different
N/a
Advice
Email as many labs as possible because the online application is not effective unless you contact the labs yourself.
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Pathways Intern
February 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
I enjoyed expanding my network and meeting doctors and researchers who are at the top of their fields.
What I wish was different
I wish I worked more often.
Advice
Make the most of it!
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Summer Intern
May - August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
Good experience for students seeking federal research
What I wish was different
More opportunity to network with other students
Advice
Find a lab that you are interested in, and also make sure that the dynamic of the lab is suitable to your working habits and schedule
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Cancer Research Fellow
June - August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
I had a lot of independence working on my own research project related to Graft-versus-host disease in patients following allogeneic stem cell transplant. An excellent mentor guided me through the structure of clinical research and provided me with excellent shadowing opportunities in the clinic. I liked how at the end of the summer I was able to present my research to the NIH community at large.
What I wish was different
I have no complaints!
Advice
I would suggested really taking advantage of all of the opportunities the NIH has to offer, like lectures and career seminars.
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Summer Intramural Research Training Associate
June - August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
The program offers a lot of flexibility in mentors and research projects. You certainly come into contact with a lot of amazing people and get a chance to reflect on your future career aspirations. Additionally, the NIH offers a unique network of renowned researchers as well as supporting peers and excellent mentors that help guide your internship experience.
What I wish was different
Advice
In your time at the NIH, it is absolutely pivotal that you connect with doctors and scientists that peak your interest. Even a simple informational session can lead to a future opportunity. Don't be afraid to reach out!
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Research Assistant
June - August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
I appreciated the relaxed collaborative atmosphere there.
Everyone was very helpful and very friendly
What I wish was different
I wish I could have been paid.
Also, there was some bureacratic holdups that delayed my starting day
Advice
Make sure to apply early so you can get a paid position and so they can get your paperwork in on time.
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Medical Health Researcher
May - July 2018 • Santiago de los Caballeros, Santiago Province
What I liked
Cultural immersion
What I wish was different
More mentorship
Advice
Be flexible
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Postbac
August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
Hands-on experience at the Mecca of biomedical research! You have the ability to be published and be a co-author on articles in high-profile journals!
What I wish was different
Advice
It’s difficult to completely immerse yourself in a different place away from everyone and everything you’re used to. Focus on learning every day and making the most of what the NIH has to offer!
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Research Intern
May - August 2018 • Gaithersburg, MD
What I liked
It was really cool getting hands on experience with cutting edge research that wasn't even published yet. The environment was really collaborative and I got to learn a lot of new techniques on state of the art equipment. Plus the work environment was very friendly.
What I wish was different
The summer just happened to have a lot of projects going on so some days were a little slow.
Advice
Network a lot! There are always seminars or luncheons you can go to and hear what other people at the NIH are working on. It is really valuable to expose you to research you didn't even know could be done and build connections that could help you in the future.
