Stephanie Kramer, rising junior and chemistry-chemical physics major, was accepted into the Naval Research Enterprise Program (NREIP) at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., this summer. This highly selective program takes applicants from across the nation who are looking to pursue science and engineering careers.
NREIP interns participate in research at a Department of Navy (DoN) Laboratory and can mentor other laboratory personnel in their DoN research and technology efforts. During the 10-week program, Kramer is receiving a stipend of $8,100.
“I learned about the program from a networking event held by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry the spring of 2013,” said Kramer. “There, I talked with a Naval Research Lab representative about the program.”
During the internship, Kramer is performing mostly research and lab work, specifically using X-ray diffraction techniques to determine crystal structure of various compounds.
…I felt like the things I was working on were really going to make a difference in the world.”
Kramer credits Dr. James A. MacKay and Dr. Thomas E. Hagan for helping her learn about the opportunity and Dr. Kristi A. Kneas, Dr. Gary G. Hoffman, Dr. Tim McDevitt and Dr. W. Mark Stuckey for helping her get into the program.
“I would definitely recommend that other students try for not only this internship but others, as well,” said Kramer. “These opportunities are a wonderful experience and really help to set you apart when applying for a job or graduate school.”
Throughout her internship, Kramer has learned about lab techniques, instrumentation, software and how to officially propose research. She also has met multiple people with whom she plans to keep in contact to help her out in the future.
“Overall, this experience was a positive one,” Kramer added. “I really enjoyed working with my mentor and on the different projects. This experience really solidified that I want to go into research for my career, and I felt like the things I was working on were really going to make a difference in the world.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Photo courtesy of program website.