August 15, 2016
Guest blogger: Nicolle Omiotek
This summer I was a HACU intern in BIO’s Office of the Assistant Director (OAD). I am from Illinois where I attend Elgin Community College. I have completed a variety of science and mathematics courses and was excited to spend the summer at the National Science Foundation.
You might be wondering, “What is HACU?” HACU is the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. The HACU internship program provides students who attend Hispanic-serving institutions with an opportunity to experience working at a variety of places including federal agencies. Luckily, I was selected by the NSF to be an intern for summer 2016. This internship has been a life-altering experience that has shown me that there are many potential career paths for scientists.
What did I work on during my internship?
My major project was to collect, analyze, and categorize data related to model species used in research supported by BIO’s Division of Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS). Model species data in IOS’ funding portfolio have never been systematically categorized before.
I created a standardized method for gathering and analyzing information from proposals. I identified key terms related to my project such as species, kingdoms, and common names, and determined if the project involved single organisms or multiple organisms, and if the latter, whether the organisms were in a symbiotic relationship. The majority of the portfolio consisted of single-organism awards but some involved research on multiple species.
Following the collection and cleaning of data, I envisioned a way to accurately represent the data visually. I presented my findings to NSF staff and other HACU interns. This was my favorite part because I shared the data I collected over the summer and the findings that I found most interesting.
To collect the data for my project, I read many NSF proposals, which meant I had the wonderful opportunity to learn about the exciting research that has been supported by IOS and the organisms involved. For example, I was fascinated to discover that the male sage-grouse has inflatable air sacs on its chest that are used in mating behaviors.
Another fun project I was able to work on included making slide presentations of recent NSF-funded discoveries for display in the hallways of the BIO Directorate. I also learned about communicating science via social media. In addition, I attended many lectures on diverse science topics at NSF.
A life changing experience
During my time in BIO/OAD I had the great pleasure to work with Dr. Caitlin Schrein, Science Writer, and Dr. Brent Miller, Science Advisor. They were helpful every step of the way. Overall my experience has been enlightening, exciting, educational, and inspirational for continuing my path into science. I am looking forward to applying everything I learned both academically and professionally.
Big thanks to Dr. Miller, Dr. Schrein, the entire BIO/OAD office and NSF, HACU, Dr. Sherrie Green (NSF), and Kathy Meisinger (Elgin Community College).
Learn more about the HACU National Internship Program (HNIP): http://www.hacu.net/hacu/HNIP.asp
Follow HNIP on Twitter: www.twitter.com/HNIP
BIO BUZZ 