Class of 2012
Merima Beganovic, Westminster College
Mentor: Katie Ullman
Whitney Heilson, University of Utah
Mentor: Don Ayer
Harry Lee
Mentor: Jody Rosenblatt
Colton Skaug, The College of St. Scholastica
Mentor: Mike Engel
Hannah Wellman, Colorado College
Mentor: Srividya Bhaskara
Comments from the Class of 2012
Whitney Heilson:
"Overall, I really loved my experience at HCI this summer. I met some wonderful people, and learned a lot about how research works and all the effort it takes from many people to make progress in science. I especially loved learning about what the Ayer Lab is studying. I found it very exciting, and look forward to seeing great things come out of that lab. I am so grateful for Dr. Don Ayer, the members of his lab, and the HCI summer internship program. It was an unforgettable experience that is one of the biggest highlights of all my undergraduate experiences."
Hannah Wellman:
"I think I might look back at Huntsman Cancer Institute's program and say, "That was the beginning." My time at HCI was an extraordinary opportunity to work with amazing people on some of the most pressing scientific questions to date. Interning with Dr. Srividya Bhaskara
exceeded my expectations; Vidya is not only a great mentor and resource, but also a great friend to me. I was only expecting to get some hands-on lab experience, maybe learn a few techniques, but I was able to individually contribute to Vidya's ongoing research and conduct my own line of experimentation. What an incredible chance for HCI to give an undergraduate, right? This experience convinced me to move forward with confidence along my path to becoming an MD/PhD. So when someone asks me when the turning point was, when I knew I wanted to be a scientist, I'll tell them it started at HCI."
Merima Beganovic:
"Participating in the Summer Research Program at Huntsman Cancer Institute was amazing in so many aspects. Gaining exposure to a professional lab setting that provided a unique learning experience was invaluable. All the lab members were highly supportive and helpful, creating a great atmosphere to work in. Networking with other interns throughout the summer, especially during weekly meetings, allowed me to observe many dimensions of bioscience research currently being explored. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work under an amazing mentor who taught me so many things. Having exposure to the clinical aspects of oncology, it was a compelling experience viewing the research currently being conducted to strongly understand and treat cancer. I am thankful to have been able to work in this amazing place, while spending my summer in the beautiful state of Utah".
Class of 2011
Angelina Boampong, New Mexico Highlands University
Mentor: Jody Rosenblatt
Yun Li, Hanover College Indiana
Mentor: Dean Li
John Hickey, Brigham Young University
Mentor: David Bearss
Joshua Steenstra, Utah Valley University
Mentor: Sandy Leachman
Ryan Quinton, Brigham Young University
Mentor: Mike Engel
Comments from the Class of 2011
Angelina Boampong:
"Being in the lab this summer has been an eye opening experience for me. From reading previously published articles to setting up PCR reactions, and immunofluorescence staining, I enjoyed every minute spent in the lab this summer. I would like to wholeheartedly thank the SHIP program for providing me with such a wonderful experience which has positively reinforced my interest in science. The exposure to great researchers and their lectures has been very rewarding. Thank you."
Mentor: Jody Rosenblatt, PhD
John Hickey:
"This summer internship at Huntsman Cancer Institute was great for me for a lot of reasons. It allowed me to see more clearly the intersection of research and industry and to be a participant in it. I got to present my work to fellow undergraduate researchers, and create a poster of the research I completed during my stay here. I learned both what I do and do not want to do with my future, and that graduate school is definitely a possibility for me. I met and worked with wonderful people from all around the world and learned so much about a diverse selection of sciences from each of them. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone who enjoys people, learning, and science."
Mentor: David Bearss
Ryan Quinton:
"This internship was an amazing experience! I had the opportunity to work with several great scientists under an amazing mentor. The lessons and techniques I learned here will be valuable and vital to my future career, and the dedicated environment that permeates HCI is an inspiring thing. I was extremely lucky to have had such an opportunity. This was truly a highlight of my undergraduate experience. Thank you!"
Mentor: Michael Engel, PhD
Joshua Steenstra:
"The summer internship program at Huntsman Cancer Institute was an invaluable experience. I have gained insight of how research is conducted and the possible important outcomes that can benefit lives. Being able to participate in weekly lab meetings and research in progress (RIP) meetings has taught me what a career in a research field would be like. The summer program has given me much guidance and direction for pursing my personal goal of becoming a medical researcher and provided encouragement and motivation to fulfill my goal. Being able to present the research I was conducting in a powerpoint presentation and a poster presentation taught me to think critically to be able to convey what was studied and what was learned as well. At HCI I learned of the exciting research that is being conducted and gained skills that can only come from a "hands on experience." I am grateful for the opportunity I had to intern at HCI and learn from all the dedicated researchers."
Mentor: Sancy Leachman, MD, PhD
Yun Li:
"I appreciate and enjoy the opportunity made possible by this summer internship program for me to learn research. Everyone in my lab is highly motivated and supportive. This offered me a great learning environment. The lecture series introduced me to research of different fields. The weekly student presentations allowed me to meet students with diverse background from other summer research programs at the U. Besides, the State of Utah, with its unique culture and geographic scenery, is truly a wonderful place to explore and live in."
Mentor: Dean Li, PhD
Class of 2010
Tyler Kent, University of Utah
Mentor: Randy Jensen
Miranda Lindburg, Washington University in St. Louis
Mentor: Don Ayer
Holly Stockman, University of Utah
Mentor: Alana Welm
Erica Woertz, Aruza Pacific University
Mentor: Jody Rosenblatt
Sydney Diep Troung, University of Utah
Mentor: Matt Topham
Class of 2009
Amanda Berbert, Brigham Young University
Mentor: Matt Topham
Brandan Mayer, Virginia University
Mentor: Philip Bernard
Cherisse Mechan, Tufts University
Mentor: Jody Roseblatt
Doug Tremblay
Mentor: Nikolaus Trede
Yike Jiang, University of Maryland
Mentor: Don Ayer
Class of 2008
Christian Paobeck, Duke University
Mentor: Nikolaus Trede
Bryce Osborn, Utah State University
Mentor: Randy Jensen
Meghan Walsh, Ursinus
Mentor: David Jones
Jacob Smith, Brigham Young University
Mentor: Bryan Welm
Adam Hoagland, Colorado College
Mentor: Philip Bernard
Class of 2007
Ian Phelps, Winona State College
Mentor: NikolausTrede
Erick Westbroek, University of Utah
Mentor: Brad Cairns
Thomas Cunningham U of Kentucky
Mentor: Don Ayer
Isaac Lloyd, University of Utah
Mentor: Jody Rosenblatt
Jane Enyeart, Youngstown State Univ.
Mentor: Katie Ullman
Class of 2006
Bryson Brey, BYU Idaho
Mentor: Jody Rosenblatt
Grant Ellsworth, University of Utah and Brigham Young University
Mentor: Randy Jensen
Claire Fassio, Lewis & Clark College
Mentor: Nikolaus Trede
Jordan Frandsen, Yale
Mentor: David Jones
Jason Hawkes, Brigham Young University
Mentor: Philip Bernard
Comments from the Class of 2006
"This program gave a lot of insight into the process of research. I also learned about the things I would need to do to reach my desired career."
"The lectures were great. Loved the social opportunities. I am grateful for this experience!"
"Great opportunity, I think time value was maximized; be sure to get in a lab you are interested in."
"The presentations we had to give and the proposals we wrote [were strong parts of the program] because it really forced me to think deeply about my projects."
Class of 2005
Elisabeth Crowther, University of Utah
Anoush Emrazian, University of Utah
Sandhya Ravichandran, Case Western Reserve University
Robert Brown, University of Utah
Artur Matysik, Jagiellonian University, Poland
Richard Holt, University of Utah
Michael Mulvihill, Pomona College
Comments of the Class of 2005
Michael Mulvihill:
"I liked being able to arrive and begin working on a project that I felt was important—I really felt like the work that I did was both educational to me, and beneficial to the lab that I worked in. In this way, I had a great time in the program. For the lecture series, I liked getting to see the broad array of topics covered—I thought it was interesting to get to see the breadth and diversity of research done at HCI, and even in scientific research in general. I would encourage future interns to 'dive right in.' I think the program worked very well to fit each intern and help them learn and explore quickly—depending on the age and experience of each student, everyone seemed to find the right level for their internship, and I think that made the experience very positive for everyone." Michael Mulvihill, Pomona College
Anoush Emrazian:
"I enjoyed very much that we were brought together once a week to sort of regroup, see other internship participants, and learn about current research. It was really great to see other people doing real research and see what was out there and the amount of knowledge realistically accessible to us as undergrads. It was very helpful and encouraging." Anoush Emrazian, University of Utah.
Sandhya Ravichandran:
"I liked how we were allowed to discuss career issues with our speakers. I also enjoyed working in the lab on an independent project, and being required to present my research." Sandhya Ravichandran, Case Western Reserve University.
