Know a Budding Scientist? Tell them about this internship!

Guest post by David Kosub*

Does your daughter ask to swab the inside of your cheeks just because she wants to culture the microbes living inside you? Does your grandson ask you to spit in a cup because he wants to extract DNA and sequence the family genes? Does that neighbor kid keep going on and on about the pharmacokinetics of proton pump and potassium ion channel inhibitors? Does your mom’s cousin’s hair-dresser’s dog-walker’s new temp go on and on about their Bio and Chem classes while playing with their phones? Well, read on then….

To all the budding biomedical scientists out there, this is a great opportunity for you! The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) is currently accepting applications from area high school students for their summer internship program until March 31.

If you were like me many, many, many years ago, you fell in love with science and all the amazing things that come from it. Even after working at NIH for over a decade, I am still in awe of the amazing things that are done on its campus and through the research it supports across the country. And, because I feel so strongly about this place, I wanted to spread the word about how others can get involved—as the next generation of biomedical and behavioral scientists may be right here in Lamond-Riggs!

Though I’m not directly affiliated with the specific summer programs, I have no doubt they are likely pretty cool! You can experience directly what it means to be an actual researcher. Learn from real world-renowned scientists about their projects. Do experiments that your lab mates design. Get training on how science is done. Receive important career and college advice. Present your actual laboratory work at a poster session (these are so much fun!). And, you may get paid too!

There are a couple opportunities to consider for those interested. Please check out the High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP) and HiSTEP 2.0 programs—these are meant specifically for  Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia high school students. HiSTEP participants, though not directly working in the lab, will gain an understanding of how science, STEM professional careers, leadership experience, college advising, and personal skills intertwine. The individuals selected to be part of HiSTEP 2.0 will receive eight weeks of hands-on training in a biomedical research laboratory. While working at the NIH campus in Bethesda, you will also experience    weekly workshops devoted to improving your scientific capabilities as well as professional and personal skills. HiSTEP is focused on juniors in high school, while HiSTEP 2.0 is for seniors.

Interested? Note the following first:

1. Watch the Applying Successfully Video
2. Read the FAQs carefully and suggestions for creating a successful application
3. Must be sixteen years of age or older by June 15, 2018
4. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
5. Application must include a resume, list of coursework and grades, cover letter expressing your interest, and two references

With the NIH basically in your backyard, this is a great opportunity for you to learn from the experts. I’m also happy to talk to any students about pursuing a career in biomedical research should you have questions.

And to my other neighbors, who too may be far, far removed from high school, I invite you to announce any similar opportunity’s available where you work too. I have no doubt that the diverse, educated, and dedicated neighbors in Lamond-Riggs will prove to be an ample asset for the next generation of leaders in our midst.

David is a newcomer to Lamond-Riggs and is looking to do what he can to enhance his community in as many ways as possible – and yes, he hugs trees too.

*If you are interested in being a contributor to Next Stop…Riggs Park, email nextstopriggs@gmail.com.