Background
- Name, Sport: Ava Schabes '27, Volleyball
- Major, Minor: Neuroscience major, Global Public and Environmental Health minor
- Company Name: Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine
- Job/Intern Title: Research Intern in Dr. C. Shad Thaxton's Nanotechnology Lab
- Location: Chicago, Ill.
Experience
How did you find out about this internship, and what made you apply?
- I applied for this internship because I am interested in pursuing a career in research and wanted the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a biomedical research laboratory. I found this opportunity through networking and by utilizing the professional development skills and resources I gained through Colgate University's Career Services.
What does your company do, and what are your main responsibilities?
- Dr. C. Shad Thaxton's Nanotechnology Lab at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine develops nanotechnology-based therapeutics and diagnostics for diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. The lab combines chemistry, biology, and medicine to create innovative approaches for targeted drug delivery and disease treatment.
Walk us through a typical day on the job. What does a “win” look like for you in this role?
- As a research intern, I assist with ongoing projects by performing laboratory experiments, synthesizing and characterizing nanoparticles, analyzing experimental data, maintaining laboratory records, and participating in weekly lab meetings, where we discuss results and future directions. In addition to supporting collaborative projects, I have the opportunity to conduct my own independent research.
Student-Athlete Connection
What skills from your sport have been most useful in the workplace?
- Volleyball has taught me resilience, as setbacks and failures are part of both sports and research. Learning how to stay positive and keep working through challenges has helped me grow both on and off the court. Additionally, I have learned valuable teamwork skills and how to work with different people to reach a common goal. Finally, being a leader on my team has helped me become more confident in communicating, taking initiative, and supporting those around me.
How are you managing your summer training/workout schedule while working your internship hours?
- I manage my summer training by waking up early to lift before work and then driving to a gym to practice after work. It can definitely be challenging to balance a full-time internship with preparing for our season, but I am committed to both and put in the work every day. The experience has taught me how to manage my time effectively and stay disciplined, even when my schedule gets busy.
How has your coursework here prepared you for the challenges of this internship?
- Colgate University has prepared me for this internship through its amazing professors and the classes I have taken over the past three years. My coursework has given me a strong, well-rounded foundation while also teaching me how to think critically and work through challenges.
Reflections and Looking Ahead
What has been the most exciting project or favorite memory of your internship so far?
- One of the most exciting parts of my internship has been having the opportunity to contribute to research that has the potential to make a real difference in people's lives. Knowing that the work we do in the lab could one day lead to new treatments for diseases makes every experiment feel meaningful.
How has this experience shaped your career goals?
- This experience has been incredibly rewarding and has played a major role in shaping my future career goals. Working in a research lab has strengthened my passion for science and has given me valuable skills and experiences that will prepare me for graduate school. I plan to apply to graduate school and potentially pursue a PhD, so it is crucial that I gain this experience and knowledge.
What advice would you give to your teammates who are starting to look for internships?
- My biggest piece of advice is to keep an open mind, never be afraid to reach out to people, and not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Networking and making connections can open doors you never expected, and every experience teaches you something new about yourself and your interests. You never know what opportunities will come your way, so take chances, ask questions, and be willing to learn.
