Doctoral students Ashley Ohstrom (dual title in food science and microbiome sciences) and Jamie Spychalla (plant pathology and environmental microbiology) completed a summer internship with QIAGEN, a global provider of molecular testing solutions headquartered in Hilden, Germany. The two were the first cohort in a new program co-sponsored by QIAGEN and the One Health Microbiome Center at Penn State. Ohstrom said: “I had the incredible opportunity to dive into hands-on microbiome research while feeling fully integrated into the team. I worked on optimizing a microbiome assay kit by automating the DNA extraction process to improve efficiency over manual methods, and I also learned how to analyze the data and write protocols. The experience showed me what it’s like to be part of a team in the biotech industry. The skills I’ve gained will be invaluable as I continue my doctoral research and launch into my future career.” Spychalla said: “I worked on a project that tested how well different concentrations of enzymes digested eukaryotic host DNA. The project's goal was to optimize a protocol to extract bacterial DNA from tissues with low bacterial biomass. By doing this internship I learned that a career in biotech research is definitely a viable option for me.”
Emi Erekosima, a senior studying computational data science in the College of Engineering, served as a technology architecture analyst intern with Accenture this summer in New York City. “I can confidently say that this summer has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional journey," Erekosima said. "I’ve not only grown, but I’ve also made meaningful, lasting connections. This experience has truly shaped my understanding of the consulting world, from client engagement to learning how to be adaptable and think on my feet in dynamic environments. I’m excited to bring the skills and insights I’ve gained to the classroom, and I’m eager to continue expanding my network, developing professionally and embracing new challenges.”
Hailey Stutzman, a senior studying film production in the Bellisario College of Communications, was a photography intern with the National Football League in Los Angeles this summer. She worked on various assignments for the NFL including media days, training camps and preseason games. “Penn State has provided me with a supportive community of students and professors who have shaped my career in sports photography," Stutzman said. "I took every opportunity I could to get involved and network when I came to campus as a freshman.” See more of Stutzman’s internship experience from her point of view on Penn State’s Instagram.
Evgenia Kopanos, a senior studying print and digital journalism in the Bellisario College of Communications, completed a news/community internship at The Centre County Gazette in State College. “This summer has taught me so much about writing for a publication and the importance of having a team to work for," Kopanos said. "The support I have received from my team has been very impactful to me and to my writing. I have written stories about people and places all over Centre County and it has been so rewarding learning about them and showing them what I have written about them.”
Hunter Steach, a junior studying political science in the College of the Liberal Arts, was a congressional intern in Washington, D.C., this summer. He attended hearings and meetings, worked with the office’s legislative team to conduct research for various bills, co-sponsorships and committee meetings, and offered tours of the U.S. Capitol Complex. “By being an active student and utilizing our university’s abundant professional development resources including our world-leading alumni network," said Steach, "I wouldn’t have had the chance to make the dream of interning on Capitol Hill a reality.”
Jaida Copeland, a junior studying corporate innovation and entrepreneurship in the Smeal College of Business, was a markets institute business case undergraduate intern with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) this summer. Copeland conducted research for two separate WWF projects. She uncovered successful engagement tactics from a range of organizations, which helped her to analyze consumer interactions and generate actionable insights to drive engagement across WWF’s social media platforms. She also gained insight into food industry analysis by exploring business case studies formed around pre-competitive knowledge-sharing and strategic enhancements. Copeland’s internship was primarily remote, but she traveled to Washington, D.C., for a week, where she was exposed to climate leaders and masters in their fields. The internship provided Copeland with “opportunities for professional development, real-world experience and resources that I will use for the rest of my professional journey," she said. “I took a step out of my comfort zone by joining an intern group project, through which we were able to establish new ideas and updates for the materials and supply chain module in WWF’s Environment and Disaster Management Green Recovery and Reconstruction Toolkit. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be alongside some of the most brilliant minds and impressive people I have ever worked with. I left the internship with a deepened perspective of sustainability, international relationships and personal interactions.”
Mohammad Alkout, a junior double majoring in economics and civil engineering, served as an intern at the Permanent Mission of the State of Kuwait to the United Nations at the U.N. headquarters in New York. As a permanent delegate chosen to represent his nation, he attended numerous important meetings, including sessions at the U.N. General Assembly. He’s even been invited back to represent next summer. “It was an enriching experience and I am keen on continuing in the field of politics and am aiming for a career in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," Alkout said.
Nazifa Prapti, a fifth-year student pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering and who holds a minor in engineering leadership development, completed her second internship with Boeing this summer in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. She worked as a manufacturing engineering intern on the H-47 Chinook program, which she said has been both challenging and rewarding. “I’ve gained valuable insights into the aerospace and defense industry and developed skills that will benefit my career," Prapti said. "I started my engineering journey because I wanted to inspire more women. No matter what, I will always find ways to inspire others through my work. As I approach the end of my college journey, I’m excited to apply the skills and insights I’ve gained from my internships. I’m deeply grateful for all the support and guidance I’ve received, especially from the Penn State Multicultural Engineering Program, and I look forward to continuing to grow and apply what I’ve learned in the next chapter of my career.”
Chase Brown, who will earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology from Penn State Harrisburg in December 2024, interned at the Middletown, Pennsylvania, office of Legrand, a global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures. In his internship Brown has tested products, updated firmware and performed physical and software rework — all helping him gain valuable knowledge in the field. “Not only do I have more insight about career specific processes, but also about the work environment itself. Attending company events and meetings allowed me to practice my professionalism outside of the college settings," Brown said. "Working at the Middletown office meant more flexibility with managing class time and work hours, with it being so close to the campus. I am so thankful to have had such a productive and enriching experience so far, and I am eager to continue on for the near future!”
Ann Ehrlich, a second-year Schreyer Honors Scholar studying geography in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences with minors in climatology and geographical information sciences, spent 10 weeks with the NASA DEVELOP Program studying the effects of space weather on satellite communication for precision agriculture. “My time with Schreyer gave me the confidence to apply technical skills to real-world problems and engage professionally with international partners and NASA leadership," Ehrlich said.
